Sen. James Skoufis

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance directories to display whether providers are accepting new patients and their nearest appointment availability. It also mandates that the directory include a direct scheduling feature, enabling insured individuals to book appointments online without contacting the provider directly. The requirement applies to all health insurance plans covered under state law and will take effect 90 days after enactment. This change aims to streamline access to care by making appointment scheduling more transparent and efficient.

Creates a wholesale prescription drug importation program which complies with federal standards and regulations for the purpose of generating substantial savings for consumers.

Enacts the "NY broadband resiliency, public safety and quality act" to provide for oversight of the resiliency, public safety and quality of broadband and voice over internet protocol service.

Enacts the Voices of Immigrant Communities Empowering Survivors (VOICES) Act which provides certification to certain immigrant victims of qualifying criminal activity.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 9229, "Billy's law") adds arson in the fourth degree (Penal Law § 150.05) and arson in the third degree (Penal Law § 150.10) to the list of offenses where judges may deny bail or order pre-trial detention. It directly affects defendants charged with these specific arson felonies who are already out on bail, released under conditions, or awaiting arraignment for other crimes involving harm to people or property. The law amends New York’s criminal procedure law to include these arson charges under the same bail denial criteria applied to other serious offenses like firearm possession or crimes causing identifiable harm. This change requires judges to consider the nature of the arson charge when determining pre-trial release, without altering the existing "reasonable cause" standard prosecutors must meet.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New York Water Authority to take over and improve small private water companies across the state. It directly affects small water providers struggling financially and their customers, who face unreliable or unsafe water service. The authority will purchase, upgrade, and maintain these systems to ensure safe, adequate, and affordable water service, including repairing infrastructure to meet state and federal standards. Key provisions include the authority's power to operate water companies, issue bonds for funding, and manage properties without local government liability for debt.

Adds members to the board of trustees of the state university of New York who represent the interests of community colleges as full voting members of the board of trustees; provides that the local legislative body or board of the county in which a community college is located may appoint a trustee in the event that the governor fails to appoint such trustee within 180 days of a vacancy on a board of trustees of a community college.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 9222) prohibits pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from owning, operating, or controlling pharmacies directly or indirectly. It directly affects PBMs and any entities that currently hold both pharmacy and PBM operations. The law requires violators to divest from pharmacy ownership within three years of the law taking effect, as defined under New York’s Public Health Law. The bill aims to separate pharmacy operations from PBM management to prevent potential conflicts of interest.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows hearing aid dispensers and home inspectors to complete their mandatory continuing education courses online, rather than requiring in-person attendance. It amends licensing laws to explicitly permit online formats for these courses, provided they meet state approval standards set by the relevant secretary. The requirement applies to all continuing education needed for license renewal, with courses still needing pre-approval to ensure quality and relevance. This change directly affects licensed professionals in these fields who must fulfill ongoing education requirements.

Requires the department of health to enter into a contract with an entity experienced in maintaining genealogical research databases for the digitalization and indexing of certain vital records.