Sen. Peter Oberacker

Allows for reimbursement of transportation costs for emergency care without prior authorization by the social services official including emergency medical transportation by an ambulance service certified under article 30 of the public health law; authorizes the commissioner of health to establish a reimbursement methodology to ensure providers are reimbursed.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as "Nick's law," increases the penalties for drivers who leave the scene of an accident that results in a death. Under the new provisions, such an offense is elevated to a Class B felony, which carries a fine between thirty thousand and fifty thousand dollars, in addition to any other applicable penalties. The legislation also modifies how courts handle cases involving adolescent offenders charged with this specific crime, requiring stricter criteria for transferring these cases to family court compared to other serious felonies. By raising the severity of the punishment and adjusting juvenile court procedures, the bill aims to address the consequences of fatal hit-and-run incidents more directly.

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.

Directs that moneys in the veterans' home services fund shall be payable on vouchers certified by the commissioner of veterans' services; directs a report to be submitted by such commissioner; directs that moneys in the military family relief fund shall be payable on vouchers certified by the commissioner of veterans' services.

Requires the reinstatement of certain officers and employees of the city of New York who were dismissed from employment due to a COVID-19 vaccine requirement including retirees, vested members and members terminated without a one-year limit on return.

Prohibits state funding of any college if instructional staff promotes, encourages, advocates or engages in activities on campus in support of a terrorist organization as defined in federal statute.

Prohibits ballot harvesting; prohibits a person from submitting an application for an absentee ballot on behalf of a voter without notarized consent; permits family members, caregivers and other officials to submit applications.

Establishes a coordinated law enforcement adult rescue "teal alert" for missing adults; provides that local law enforcement agencies notify the division of criminal justice services about missing adults; provides that such division shall issue an alert about such missing adult.

Directs the New York state energy research and development authority to conduct a feasibility study and prepare a report on the benefits and implementation of geothermal energy.

Directs the New York state energy research and development authority to conduct a feasibility study and prepare a report on the benefits and implementation of carbon recapture.