Sen. Jabari Brisport

Maddy summaryThis bill removes specific restrictions on who can receive personal and home care services under Medicaid in New York. It repeals a rule that previously required individuals to need assistance with more than two daily activities or, for those with dementia, supervision with more than one daily activity to qualify. The change allows people with fewer daily living challenges to become eligible for these services if a physician determines they are cost-effective and appropriate. Additionally, the bill clarifies that individuals must be able to make their own choices about the type of care they receive or have a designated representative do so. These updates take effect immediately upon becoming law.

Enacts the "packaging reduction and recycling infrastructure act" to require companies selling, offering for sale, or distributing packaging materials and products to register with a packaging reduction organization to develop a packaging reduction and recycling plan.

Relates to the focus of the child care availability task force; extends the date for reporting the findings and recommendations of such task force; extends the effectiveness thereof.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Freedom of Information Act to set stricter deadlines for government agencies responding to public records requests. It requires agencies to acknowledge receipt of a request within five business days and mandates that most responses be completed within thirty days, with a maximum extension of sixty days for complex cases. The legislation also clarifies that agencies cannot deny requests simply because they are large or require significant staff time, provided they can hire outside help to fulfill them. Additionally, the bill mandates that agencies accept and respond to requests via email and ensures their websites allow for online submission of these requests. These changes aim to make the process more efficient and transparent for citizens seeking government information.

Requires a caller making a report of suspected child abuse or maltreatment to the central registry to leave their name and contact information; prohibits the office of children and family services from releasing information identifying a person who made such a report.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Social Services Law to allow Medicaid to cover remote ultrasound scans and remote fetal non-stress tests for pregnant individuals. It requires that these services be recommended by a doctor or other authorized health professional and provided by qualified practitioners. The law includes a condition that the coverage will only become active if the federal government agrees to share the financial cost. Additionally, the bill clarifies that these changes do not alter existing rules about who can be licensed or certified to perform medical procedures.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially recognize June 2024 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in New York State. The measure does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a formal acknowledgment of the community's history and achievements. It highlights key milestones such as the 55th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots and recent legal victories for LGBTQIA+ rights. The bill is purely ceremonial and affects only the state's official calendar and public recognition of the month.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally recognizes former Senator Neil D. Breslin as the recipient of the President Pro Tempore and Senate Majority Leader's Legislative Legacy Award. The document highlights his extensive career in public service, including his 13 terms in the New York State Senate, his leadership roles in ethics and insurance committees, and his advocacy for vulnerable populations. It also lists specific laws he sponsored that improved access to healthcare and prescription drug coverage for New York residents. The resolution concludes by directing that a copy of the text be sent to Senator Breslin to honor his contributions to the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the New York State Department of Health to create a comprehensive report analyzing how hospital closures affect healthcare access across the state. The report must include detailed data on hospital locations, bed availability, patient demographics, financial conditions, and travel times, while also consulting with public health experts and community leaders. Based on these findings, the department will identify "distressed healthcare zones" and update this designation every three years to guide future healthcare funding and service approvals. The final report is required to be published online by April 1, 2025, and must be written in clear language accessible to the general public.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows licensed creative arts therapists to bill Medicaid directly for services they provide to patients. It updates existing state laws to include creative arts therapists alongside mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists as eligible providers for Medicaid-covered care. The legislation clarifies that this change does not alter the professional scope of practice for these therapists but simply enables them to receive payment directly from the Medicaid program. The bill would take effect approximately 90 days after it is signed into law.