Asm. Ken Zebrowski

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New York town election procedures to streamline voter registration for special town elections. It requires town clerks to receive a list of county-registered voters at least ten days before an election and to include specific groups, such as military personnel and those with illnesses, on the local voter register. Additionally, the bill clarifies that if a town chooses not to conduct personal registration for a special election, only individuals already registered with the county board of elections ten days prior are eligible to vote. These changes aim to assist local boards in preparing accurate voter lists while maintaining existing registration deadlines.

Clarifies the definition of "community bank institution"; expands eligible deposits to a community bank institution under the community bank deposit program; requires an annual report by the state comptroller and the commissioner of taxation and finance of the efficacy of the community bank deposit program.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates election rules to allow more poll watchers at special, town, or village elections held solely for ballot proposals. It permits the county board of elections to appoint watchers who support or oppose a ballot measure, ensuring these observers are selected in a way that fairly represents different viewpoints. The law also clarifies that party committees, independent groups, and political committees can each have up to three watchers per election district, with no more than one inside the voting area at a time. These changes aim to increase transparency and oversight during specific local elections focused on ballot initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new system to monitor the financial health of New York municipalities, including counties, towns, villages, and school districts. The State Comptroller will review financial reports to identify communities facing fiscal stress, categorizing them into three levels based on specific criteria like operating deficits and debt ratios. When a municipality is flagged for fiscal stress, the Comptroller notifies local officials and requires them to submit a corrective action plan, which may include mandatory financial training. The act also defines a "financial control board" that could be created to take over a municipality's finances if its condition does not improve, giving the board authority over contracts and debt issuance.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides legal protection from lawsuits for individuals who forcibly enter a locked car to rescue an unsupervised child under eight years old believed to be in immediate danger. To qualify for this immunity, the person must act reasonably and in good faith, ensure no other way exists to reach the child, and use no more force than necessary. The law also requires the rescuer to contact emergency services before or immediately after entry and to stay with the child until police or firefighters arrive. This protection does not extend to any medical aid provided beyond the act of removing the child from the vehicle.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance policies, including those from health service and hospital service corporations, to cover medically necessary hearing aids for insured individuals under the age of eighteen. Coverage is limited to one hearing aid per ear every twenty-four months unless a licensed audiologist or registered dispenser demonstrates that the child's hearing has changed significantly or the current device no longer corrects the hearing loss. The law defines hearing aids to include the device and its accessories, such as parts and molds, while explicitly excluding batteries and cords, and allows insurers to apply standard deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the list of unfair insurance claim settlement practices in New York State to better regulate how insurance companies handle disputes and policy cancellations. It specifically prohibits insurers from forcing individuals or entities to deny or cancel a specific number or percentage of claims or policies within a set time frame. Additionally, the bill clarifies that artificially lowering cost data for claims or submitting claims to independent dispute resolution processes are considered unfair practices. These changes apply to all insurance entities operating in the state and take effect immediately upon enactment.

Provides a deduction in determining personal income tax for the cost of textbooks at a New York private or public college or university by a taxpayer or such taxpayer's eligible dependent; defines "eligible dependent" and "qualified education expenses".

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits landlords and public housing authorities from denying occupancy or evicting tenants solely because they own a dog of a specific breed, size, or weight. It applies to both private apartment buildings and public housing projects, ensuring that lease restrictions cannot be based on the dog's breed alone. However, the law allows property owners to continue enforcing reasonable rules regarding dangerous dogs or general pet policies that apply to all animals regardless of breed. The legislation took effect immediately upon enactment.

Relates to the obligation of a pharmacy to properly dispense or refill a prescription for a drug or device, or a non-prescription drug or device regardless of the ethical, moral or religious beliefs of any employee of such pharmacy.