Maddy summaryThis bill amends state law to strengthen consumer protections for health club memberships by requiring clubs to accept cancellations within ten business days of receiving notice. It mandates that contracts include clear notices about cancellation rights, which apply during an initial three-day cooling-off period and under specific circumstances such as death, significant disability, moving more than 25 miles away, or if services are discontinued. The legislation also updates refund timelines to ten business days and expands the methods through which members can cancel, including via website, email, phone, mail, or in person. Additionally, it adjusts cancellation windows for contract renewals, allowing members to cancel annual renewals within fifteen business days and monthly renewals within three business days after the renewal takes effect.
Sen. Roxanne Persaud
Sponsored bills
Requires the department of social services to issue EMV-compliant or similar electronic benefit transfer cards and process all electronic benefit transfer system transactions using dynamic data authentication.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New York's Commissioner of Health to create a special health insurance program under the federal 1332 state innovation program, allowing the state to offer coverage to specific individuals who currently do not qualify for standard plans. The program is designed for New York residents under age 65 who are ineligible for Medicaid, lack affordable employer-sponsored insurance, and have household incomes between 133% and 250% of the federal poverty line, with additional provisions for certain noncitizens and pregnant individuals. Key features include the requirement that approved health plans cover essential benefits, dental and vision services, and specific cancer care, while also providing temporary income protections for children and pregnant people. The legislation mandates that the state obtain necessary federal approvals from the Department of Health and Human Services and the Treasury Department before implementing the plan.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to amend existing laws regarding outdoor dining by clarifying that municipal spaces can be used for dining areas separated from restaurants by pedestrian walkways, bicycle paths, or restricted thoroughfares. It directly affects restaurant owners and city planners by defining specific physical barriers that are acceptable for outdoor dining setups. The legislation includes a provision stating that if the underlying outdoor dining laws are repealed, this amendment will also be repealed automatically. Ultimately, the bill aims to update regulations to accommodate different types of street layouts for outdoor dining operations.
Enacts the college student suicide prevention act to provide for policies, guidelines and training opportunities to effectively and appropriately prevent student suicide, intervene in crisis situations, and support college communities in postvention.
Relates to enacting the "adjacent neighbors' bill of rights"; requires the department of buildings to develop a bulletin known as the "adjacent neighbors' bill of rights" advising homeowners who are adjacent to a property under development or construction of their rights and available resources and post such bulletin on the department's website.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands the legal definition of identity theft to include medical and health insurance information, directly affecting individuals whose personal health data is stolen or misused. Under the new provisions, stealing details such as medical history, diagnosis records, or health insurance policy numbers would count as identity theft, regardless of whether money or physical goods are obtained. The legislation updates several state laws to ensure that these specific types of sensitive health data are treated with the same legal weight as other personal identifying information in criminal cases.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the state Department of Health to create an informational pamphlet for patients considering laparoscopic power morcellation surgery. The document must explain the procedure, its risks and benefits, and include specific details on cancer screening, privacy protections, and the potential for spreading undetected cancer cells. It requires the pamphlet to be written in plain language and made available in English and the six most common non-English languages spoken in New York. Healthcare providers will be able to distribute this material to patients before performing the surgery, and the resource will be posted on the department's website.
Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor of New York to officially declare May 12-18, 2024, as Fibromyalgia Awareness Week. The resolution highlights the challenges faced by people with fibromyalgia, a chronic condition causing widespread pain and fatigue, and notes the need for better medical understanding and support. It also acknowledges the work of the Fibromyalgia Task Force of New York State in advocating for improved diagnosis and treatment. The bill is a symbolic gesture intended to increase public awareness rather than changing specific laws or funding.
Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially recognize May 14, 2024, as Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Day in New York. The resolution highlights the widespread impact of domestic violence across various demographics and emphasizes the need for increased awareness and prevention efforts. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a formal statement to honor the issue and support ongoing advocacy work.