Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton

Maddy summaryThis bill allows licensed creative arts therapists (as defined under New York's Education Law Article 163) to bill Medicaid directly for their services. It amends the social services law to explicitly include these therapists in the list of providers permitted to bill Medicaid directly for covered mental health services. The change affects creative arts therapists who currently provide services within their scope of practice but may have previously needed intermediaries to access Medicaid reimbursement. The bill does not alter their scope of practice or expand covered services - it only changes the billing mechanism. This would streamline payment for these therapists while maintaining existing Medicaid coverage rules.

Requires all authorities having jurisdiction over a population exceeding five thousand residents to adopt a residential automated solar permitting platform by June thirtieth, two thousand twenty-seven.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 2106 formally recognizes the severe mental health impacts of incarceration on individuals, families, and communities in New York State. The bill calls for increased awareness, research, and policy responses to address these harms, particularly during Mental Health Awareness Month. It supports expanding access to trauma-informed mental health services for currently and formerly incarcerated individuals and encourages developing alternatives to incarceration that prioritize treatment and community-based support. The resolution is transmitted to Silent Cry, Inc. as an acknowledgment of these issues.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that officially commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States on July 4, 2026. It recognizes the historic significance of this milestone and acknowledges the Sail4th 250 event, which will feature a large gathering of ships and public activities in New York City. The resolution applauds the organizers of the celebration and encourages citizens to participate in related events. No new laws or funding are created; it serves solely as a formal statement of recognition by the legislative body.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially designate June 2026 as Black Music Month in New York State. The measure recognizes the historical and cultural significance of African American music, highlighting its roots in genres like jazz, gospel, and hip-hop, and its impact on both national and global culture. By formalizing this observance, the resolution aims to celebrate the contributions of Black musicians and preserve their legacy within the state. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a ceremonial proclamation to honor the artistic heritage of the community.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially declare June 2026 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in New York State. The resolution honors the history of the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly the 1969 Stonewall uprising, and recognizes past legal victories such as marriage equality and workplace protections. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to acknowledge the ongoing struggle for equality. The measure is non-binding and requires no additional action beyond the governor's proclamation.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially declare May 2026 as Maternal Mental Health Month in New York State. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about mental health challenges faced by pregnant and postpartum individuals, such as anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. By designating this specific month, the legislation seeks to highlight the importance of addressing untreated mental health conditions to improve outcomes for birthing people and their infants. The bill is a commemorative action that directs copies of the resolution to the Governor and the Legislative Women's Caucus for record-keeping and dissemination.

Establishes the large projects historic rehabilitation tax credit and the "white elephant" housing historic rehabilitation projects tax credit program for qualified rehabilitation expenditures totaling fifty million dollars or more with respect to a certified historic structure that has been vacant, as determined by local code enforcement or other reasonable means, for at least ten of fifteen consecutive years preceding the date of the taxpayer's application for the rehabilitation credit.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors New York veterans who are being inducted into the 2026 Veterans Hall of Fame. It formally pauses legislative proceedings to acknowledge their service and directs the transmission of a copy of the resolution to each of the 68 named inductees. The document serves as a ceremonial tribute rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryNew York's S 2619 requires large employer health insurance plans to cover up to three cycles of in vitro fertilization (IVF) for infertility treatment. This applies to policies providing comprehensive medical coverage, with coverage subject to standard deductibles and co-payments like other benefits. The bill removes prior restrictions limiting IVF coverage to three cycles, mandating insurers to include it as part of infertility treatment. It defines a "cycle" as either fresh or frozen embryo transfer procedures under medical guidelines. The law does not cover experimental treatments or other excluded procedures listed in the bill.