Sen. James Skoufis

Directs the commissioner of health to contract with an independent entity to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the existing methodology used to determine payment for early intervention screenings, evaluations, services and service coordination; directs recommendations on reimbursement methodology as well as needs under the program.

Maddy summaryS 5422 exempts zero-emission school buses and all necessary parts/equipment for their operation from New York's sales and use tax. This directly affects school districts and bus purchasers by removing a cost barrier when buying or maintaining electric or hydrogen-powered school buses. The bill adds a specific tax exemption to the tax law, applying to buses defined in education law §3638. It will take effect during the first sales tax period starting after 30 days from when the bill becomes law.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Integrity in Government Act," strengthening oversight of public access to government records and meetings. It expands the Committee on Open Government by adding new members (including media representatives and local government officials), creating a formal appeal process for citizens denied access to public records or meetings, and requiring the committee to review such appeals within strict timelines (e.g., 6 months for standard cases, 72 hours for urgent executive session disputes). The committee gains authority to investigate violations, subpoena witnesses, and issue orders to halt practices causing irreparable harm to public access. This directly affects citizens seeking government transparency, public agencies managing records, and the committee itself, which now has enhanced enforcement powers under New York’s open government laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1198) limits patient co-payments for physical and occupational therapy services under group health insurance policies. It requires that insurers cannot charge co-payments exceeding 20% of the total reimbursement paid to the therapy provider. The law applies to all group accident, health, or accident-and-health insurance policies covering these services, which must be provided by licensed therapists under physician referral. This change directly affects insured patients receiving physical or occupational therapy, capping their out-of-pocket costs for these covered services.

Establishes new targets for offshore wind electricity generation; includes the requirements that there is at least 15 gigawatts of offshore wind electricity generation by 2040, at least 18 gigawatts of offshore wind electricity generation by 2045 and at least 20 gigawatts of offshore wind electricity generation by 2050.

Relates to an increase in punishment for certain actions against on-duty auxiliary police officers such as criminally negligent homicide, assault or menacing of such officer.

Maddy summaryS 1182 prohibits the use of leg-gripping traps (those with teeth in the jaws) for capturing wildlife in New York State, directly affecting trappers and wildlife management practices. The bill amends environmental conservation law to ban these traps except during specific beaver and otter trapping seasons in water, with strict size limits (jaws exceeding 5¾ inches on land, 7¼ inches in water). It also requires covered traps on land (using natural materials like soil or leaves) and mandates pan tensioning devices to reduce animal suffering. This law takes effect 30 days after enactment, replacing existing trap regulations.

Prohibits smoking tobacco in motor vehicles where a minor less than 18 years of age is a passenger in such vehicle; provides for rebuttable presumption.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits retail businesses from requiring employees to perform "human billboard" activities - such as holding signs or wearing branded clothing outside stores for advertising - when outdoor temperatures reach 90°F or higher. It directly affects retail employees who might otherwise be asked to stand outdoors in extreme heat for promotional purposes. The law defines "retail business" as entities selling consumer goods (like clothing or groceries) and specifies "extreme temperatures" as 90°F+ measured outdoors. The prohibition takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Authorizes the commissioner of education to implement a purple star schools program to recognize schools and school districts which demonstrate a commitment to assisting military-connected students and their families.