Sen. Joe Addabbo

Establishes a mandated window of five business days for both Medicaid and private insurers to respond to pre-authorization claims for testing and/or treatments made by physicians on behalf of oncology patients.

Clarifies certain provisions regarding conflicts of interest of certain public employees regarding the licensing of a participant in horse racing activities.

Requires every railroad corporation which operates any freight train within the state to submit quarterly reports to the department of transportation detailing such railroad corporation's inspections of any train yard and freight train operated in the state by such corporation; directs the department of transportation to conduct follow up inspections.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits the New York State Insurance Superintendent's authority to create or enforce suitability requirements for term life insurance policies (which have no cash value). It requires that suitability assessments for such policies only consider a consumer's age and annual income, prohibiting any additional factors. The bill nullifies existing regulations (like 11 NYCRR Part 224) that conflict with this rule, directly affecting insurance agents, companies selling term life insurance, and consumers purchasing these policies in New York. It aims to increase term life insurance availability by reducing regulatory barriers.

Designates unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle in the third degree as a class E felony; designates unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle in the second degree as a class D violent felony offense; designates unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle in the first degree as a class B violent felony offense.

Maddy summaryS 2614 authorizes online casino and lottery gaming (interactive gaming) in New York for residents aged 21 or older who are physically present in the state when placing bets. The bill requires all interactive gaming technology - including servers - to be physically housed at licensed gaming facilities (like casinos), not at players' locations, and establishes new licensing rules for operators. It defines key terms like "interactive gaming wager" and sets up a regulatory framework for taxation, responsible gaming practices, and revenue calculations. The law explicitly states that online wagers are considered made at the licensed facility, aligning with constitutional limits on casino gambling locations.

Enacts the online revenues and expenditures transparency act to provide for the development of a single, searchable budget database website accessible to the public, at no cost.

Maddy summaryS 1272 requires all public school districts in the state to provide financial management instruction to students in grades four through eight. The bill mandates teaching practical skills like budgeting, saving, credit, debt, insurance, and investment to build personal financial responsibility. School districts must develop age-appropriate curricula with support from the education commissioner, who will create regulations and provide model teaching resources. This law takes effect July 1, 2025, after the commissioner finalizes implementation rules.

Maddy summaryS 2603 expands the definition of "aggravated cruelty to animals" to include intentionally causing injury with a deadly weapon (like a gun or knife) or a dangerous instrument (like a broken bottle). This specifically targets individuals who use such objects to harm companion animals, making it a more severe offense. The law defines "aggravated cruelty" as conduct meant to cause extreme pain or carried out in a depraved, sadistic way. It directly affects people convicted of animal cruelty involving weapons, increasing penalties for those acts. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates September each year as "Firefighter, Police Officer and Emergency Medical Technician Appreciation Month" in New York State. It creates a symbolic recognition period to honor these public safety professionals, with no associated funding, policy changes, or holiday status. The designation applies to all firefighters, police officers, and EMTs in the state, acknowledging their service through a formal legislative acknowledgment. The measure does not alter any existing laws or provide new benefits. (1 sentence)