Sen. Pat Fahy

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a financial incentive for physicians and licensed midwives in New York to complete specialized training on risk management strategies in obstetrics and midwifery. By finishing an approved course that covers evidence-based guidelines on topics like reducing unnecessary cesarean sections and managing pregnancy complications, eligible medical professionals can receive a premium reduction on their medical malpractice insurance. The program is designed to improve patient safety and birth outcomes by encouraging doctors and midwives to stay updated on clinical best practices, with the insurance commissioner and financial services superintendent working together to set the rules for the discount.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows state agencies to donate personal property, excluding vehicles, to eligible not-for-profit organizations that are current with their annual filings. Under the new rules, agency heads can give away items with a low fair market value if they determine it serves the state's best interest, provided the recipient organization is a recognized 501(c)(3) entity. The legislation also requires agencies to keep records of all property dispositions for audit purposes and mandates that any money earned from selling or transferring such items be deposited into the state's general fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows prosecutors to introduce evidence that a defendant has committed a prior sexual offense during a current sexual assault trial. The law permits judges to admit this past conduct to prove specific facts like intent, identity, or a common pattern of behavior, rather than just to show the defendant has a bad character. However, the judge retains the power to exclude such evidence if its negative impact on a fair trial outweighs its usefulness in proving the case. The definition of a "sexual offense" under this rule includes various crimes listed in the state penal code, and the changes take effect immediately upon signing.

Relates to the purchase of claims by corporations or collection agencies; relates to the inference of an assignee's intent and purpose in taking an assignment of a claim against an obligor that is not an eligible obligor.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates an online system for verifying motor vehicle insurance status in New York, requiring insurance companies to report policy cancellations and new issuances to the state. Insurers must submit these notices electronically or via paper, with specific deadlines for reporting policy endings and new policies. The state will use this data to maintain a database that helps identify uninsured vehicles and ensures that insurance coverage remains valid until a cancellation is officially recorded or a new policy is obtained.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale of infant walkers in New York State and restricts their use in child care facilities unless a medical professional determines they are medically necessary for a specific child. It defines infant walkers as fully enclosed, wheeled units that allow children to move while seated or standing and applies these rules to manufacturers, retailers, and secondhand dealers. The law empowers the Office of Children and Family Services to notify child care providers and create regulations to enforce the ban, while also allowing the Attorney General to seek court injunctions and impose civil penalties of up to $500 for each violation.

Establishes protections for minors who are featured in influencer-generated content that generate earnings from being shared on social media or other video-sharing websites.

Relates to first responders, including correction officers, coming into contact with saliva by spitting, throwing, tossing, or expelling from or by an individual.

Provides for medicaid reimbursement for ambulance services when treatment in place is administered and/or when transportation is provided to alternative health care settings instead of a general hospital.

Provides for the protection of health information; establishes requirements for communications to individuals about their health information; requires either written consent or a designated necessary purpose for the processing of an individual's health information.