Includes contacts via text, email, private message, direct message or other electronic communication in the definition of the offense of aggravated harassment in the second degree.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new licensing framework for vision impairment specialists in New York State, directly affecting professionals who provide specialized services to individuals with visual disabilities. It creates a dedicated state board composed of licensed specialists, medical doctors, public representatives, and blind community members to oversee the profession and set standards. The legislation defines two specific roles, orientation and mobility specialists and vision rehabilitation therapists, outlining their duties such as training clients in safe movement, independent living skills, and the use of adaptive devices. By requiring formal licensure and creating a regulatory board, the bill aims to standardize training requirements and ensure consistent quality of care for visually impaired persons.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new program to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities find and keep stable housing in New York State. It requires the state to develop a training curriculum for housing navigators and establish a task force made up of government officials and community experts to oversee the program's implementation. The navigators will assist individuals in creating personalized housing plans, applying for financial aid, and transitioning between living situations while ensuring they have access to necessary support services. Additionally, the legislation authorizes the health commissioner to seek federal waivers to fund these services and mandates that future state plans include updates on the program's progress and effectiveness.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows pharmacists to replace brand-name epinephrine auto-injectors with lower-cost generic versions when treating patients. The substitution is permitted only if the generic product contains the same active ingredients and strength, the doctor has not explicitly requested the brand name, and the patient agrees to the switch after being informed of the option. Additionally, the pharmacist must provide counseling on how to properly use the device. The law aims to reduce costs for purchasers while ensuring that the medical device remains effective and safe.
Requires the addition of fog lines on all state highways and other public ways under the jurisdiction of the department of transportation when such highway or public way is repaved.
Safeguards cash accounts for people with developmental disabilities in a facility under the control of the commissioner of mental health, the commissioner of the office for people with developmental disabilities and the commissioner of alcoholism and substance abuse services.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates New York's child support laws to give courts more tools for calculating payments when a parent's income is unclear or missing. It requires judges to look at a parent's full financial picture, including assets, job skills, and barriers to employment, and to explain their decisions in writing. The law also clarifies that incarceration does not count as voluntary unemployment unless it results from failing to pay support or committing a crime against the custodial parent or child. Additionally, it allows child support orders to be increased retroactively if a parent intentionally reduced their income to lower their payment obligations. These changes apply to both the Family Court Act and the Domestic Relations Law and take effect immediately.
Maddy summaryThis bill grants Peter Guarino retroactive membership in the New York State Teachers' Retirement System, allowing him to count his time as a substitute teacher toward his retirement benefits. It specifically recognizes his employment starting on June 13, 2008, and assigns him Tier IV status within the system, provided he files an application within one year of the law's effective date. The legislation applies only to Guarino and does not change the retirement rules for any other employees.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows state agencies to donate personal property, such as furniture or equipment, to qualified not-for-profit organizations. To receive these donations, the organizations must be registered as 501(c)(3) entities and current on their annual filings. The law requires state agencies to keep records of all such disposals and subject them to audit, while also specifying how proceeds from sales must be handled. This change provides an additional option for agencies to manage excess assets without needing to sell them or reuse them internally.
Defines the practice of certified registered nurse anesthetist; requires collaboration with a licensed physician qualified to determine the need for anesthesia services; requires licensing; defines qualifications.
