Sen. Lea Webb

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the First Responder Peer Support Program Act to provide mental health resources for first responders, including firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical personnel. It establishes a statewide grant program that eligible entities can use to fund peer-to-peer support initiatives, ensuring volunteers receive training on trauma, suicide prevention, and coping mechanisms. The program sets specific standards for training and administrative staffing while explicitly protecting the privacy of individuals seeking help by prohibiting the collection of personal identifying information. Funding for these grants is subject to future legislative appropriation, and the law will take effect approximately seven months after passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution honoring the life and legacy of Pastor Constance Marie Hulla, a religious leader and community figure from Coney Island who passed away in May 2024. The measure formally recognizes her contributions to her community, her role in promoting peace, and her dedication to serving those in need. It directs the legislative body to pause its proceedings to express condolences to her family and authorizes the transmission of a copy of the resolution to them.

Allows commuter vans to accept hails from prospective passengers in the street; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the sales tax on food and drinks purchased by students at schools and colleges that operate approved donation programs, such as those using food points or donated funds. It applies to institutions that are either operated by tax-exempt organizations or are state-licensed schools, universities, or colleges. The change specifically covers meals bought through these donation systems rather than cash transactions, while excluding alcoholic beverages from the exemption. The law takes effect at the start of the next quarterly sales tax period that begins at least 90 days after it becomes official.

Establishes the interagency elder justice task force consisting of representatives of state agencies whose work involves elder justice to create greater collaboration and develop overarching strategies, systems, and programs with a goal of protecting older adults from abuse and mistreatment.

Relates to requiring coverage for volunteer firefighters for full cancer screenings upon entry of service to a fire department or fire company and annually thereafter; provides that the costs of such screenings shall be covered by the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the New York State Department of Health to conduct a study on how to better integrate doulas into hospitals and birthing centers. The study will evaluate current practices, identify successful programs, and gather input from doula-led organizations to understand how doulas are currently included or excluded in healthcare settings. Based on its findings, the department must provide recommendations for creating specific criteria that define "doula-friendly" spaces, including guidelines for visitor status, presence in birthing rooms, and data collection methods. The final report, containing these findings and suggestions, is required to be submitted to state leaders by December 31, 2025.

Relates to audio-visual coverage of judicial proceedings; allows the judge or justice presiding over a proceeding to exercise discretion to prohibit or limit filming or photographing of particular participants; defines terms; provides limitations on audio-visual coverage.

Establishes the Marshall plan for moms interagency task force to examine, issue proposals and make recommendations on multiple policy areas to address the disproportionate burden mothers have weathered from the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Relates to utilization review program standards; requires use of evidence-based and peer reviewed clinical review criteria; relates to prescription drug formulary changes and pre-authorization for certain health care services.