Permits assessment of certain fees and costs upon wrongful denial of access to records under the freedom of information law when either the person has substantially prevailed, or if the agency failed to respond within the statutory time.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a faster settlement process for parents who voluntarily agree to establish child support orders without a full court hearing. It allows family court staff to review financial documents and calculate support amounts based on state guidelines, provided both parents participate and waive further discovery. The process excludes cases involving unrepresented minor parents, disputes over who the parents are, protection orders, or requests for spousal support. If an agreement is reached, a support magistrate confirms the order; otherwise, the case moves to a standard hearing. The bill also mandates free interpreter services for parties who do not speak English and permits virtual conferences when resources allow.
Expands protections regarding violations of safety conditions in adult care facilities; provides penalties for safety violations and operating without a valid license; prohibits reductions in fines in certain circumstances where a patient is endangered or harmed.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to amend the state constitution to set a mandatory retirement age of 76 for all judges and justices. Under the new rules, these officials would be required to retire by the end of December in the year they turn 76, though they could later return to active duty for up to two additional years if certified as mentally and physically capable. The legislation also clarifies that retired judges cannot be counted when determining the number of justices needed in a judicial district. Finally, the bill outlines specific procedures for publishing the amendment and scheduling a public vote on the issue.
Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Dyslexia Diagnosis Access Act, requires health insurance policies to cover comprehensive neuropsychological exams for diagnosing dyslexia. It specifically affects individuals suspected of having dyslexia and their insurance providers by mandating that plans offering physician or major medical coverage include these tests. The legislation sets a maximum limit on the amount insurance companies must pay for these exams, which can currently cost over $6,000 and are often not covered. The law applies to all insurance policies issued, renewed, or modified on or after its effective date, aiming to make diagnostic testing more accessible for families.
Relates to requiring the use of project labor agreements for large scale construction projects under the state university construction fund; provides an exception to such requirement may be granted; provides that the fund may require every contractor become party to a project labor agreement.
Establishes "The Equity in Fertility Treatment Act"; relates to the definition of infertility and health insurance coverage for the treatment of infertility.
Directs the commissioner of health to approve courses for eligible physicians, nurses and other staff that covers risk management strategies in emergency department visits for individuals with a developmental or intellectual disability; provides a premium reduction for physicians who complete such risk management strategies course.
Allows for the issuance of information subpoenas on behalf of small claims judgment creditors effective beyond the jurisdictional boundaries of the county where the court is located and adjoining counties.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates how the state calculates payment rates for federally qualified health centers to better match their actual operating costs. It requires the health department to analyze five years of cost data, including expenses for staffing, physical facilities, and technology, and to remove existing caps on these payments starting in April 2025. The law establishes a new method for adjusting these rates annually based on federal market basket figures and changes in the scope of services provided. This change directly affects federally qualified health centers by ensuring their reimbursement reflects the true cost of delivering care.
