Sen. James Skoufis

Maddy summaryThis bill amends existing laws to clarify that licensed physicians who evaluate hearing loss can sell hearing aids and related services at fair market value. It explicitly prohibits these doctors from refusing to repair or service any hearing aid they have dispensed to a patient. The legislation applies to otolaryngologists and other licensed physicians and requires them to follow specific state regulations regarding these sales.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new work opportunity tax credit for employers in New York who hire residents from specific targeted groups, such as individuals with barriers to employment. Under the proposed rules, eligible businesses can claim a tax credit of up to $500 per employee for qualified wages paid to these workers, provided they receive a certification from the state Department of Labor. The legislation limits the total amount of credits available to $30 million over its lifespan and prevents wages used for this credit from being counted toward other tax incentives. The program is scheduled to begin on April 1, 2025, and will remain in effect until December 31, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new retirement benefit for New York State public employees who have volunteered as firefighters or in emergency services. Under the law, eligible workers can earn one year of retirement credit for every five years of volunteer service, up to a maximum of three years total. To receive this credit, employees must apply before retiring and pay a fee based on their recent earnings, while the state and their employers cover the remaining costs. The legislation also ensures that any money paid for this credit is refunded with interest if the employee dies before retiring and does not benefit from the additional service time.

Prohibits the publication of a digital or physical newspaper, magazine, or periodical which was wholly or partially produced or edited through the use of artificial intelligence without significant human oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits data brokers in New York from selling the personal information of current and former military servicemembers or their households without explicit consent. It defines "consent" as a clear, affirmative action by the individual and excludes vague agreements like pre-checked boxes or general terms of service. The law applies to companies that collect and sell consumer data but excludes entities already regulated by federal laws such as credit reporting agencies and financial institutions. If passed, the measure would take effect 90 days after becoming law and aims to protect the privacy of military personnel by restricting how their data can be traded.

Relates to the purchase of zero-emission buses and the procurement of electric-powered buses, vehicles or other related equipment and infrastructure; requires public utilities to have infrastructure, capacity, facilities, and transmission and distribution systems needed to supply power for the charging of zero-emission buses; provides a tariff for charging of electric buses.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the town of Tuxedo to place liens on real property for unpaid sewage service bills. Under the new rules, a lien can be filed if a homeowner fails to pay their bill for a full calendar year, and this lien does not take priority over other existing debts on the property. The law also specifies that these liens must be recorded with the county office and can be enforced through court action regardless of the debt amount. This change directly affects homeowners in Tuxedo who owe money to the town's sewage-works corporation and the town itself.

Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker; promotes work zone safety awareness; establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires insurance companies and health plans in the state to send written information to individuals recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The notification must be mailed within sixty days of the diagnosis and include evidence-based details about the disease along with contact information for support organizations. The materials must be culturally and linguistically appropriate and developed by medical and disability experts. This policy directly affects insurers, health maintenance organizations, and their policyholders or enrollees who have received a new Alzheimer's diagnosis.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new process for filling vacancies in the lieutenant governor's office and clarifies the line of succession if the governor becomes unable to serve. Under the new rules, the governor must nominate a replacement within 60 days, subject to legislative confirmation, though the nominee assumes the role automatically if the legislature fails to act within that timeframe. If the legislature rejects the nomination, the governor has a shorter window to try again or must choose a replacement from a specific list of high-ranking officials who must resign their current posts. Additionally, the bill creates a formal committee on gubernatorial disability to determine when the governor is unable to perform their duties and sets a new order of succession involving the comptroller, attorney general, and secretary of state.