Sen. Pam Helming

Provides that where the commissioner of health assumes the responsibility for the transportation of medicaid recipients in rural areas, existing public transportation systems shall be used when such systems are appropriate, available and the least expensive modes of transportation.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits the New York State Insurance Superintendent's authority to create or enforce suitability requirements for term life insurance policies (which have no cash value). It requires that suitability assessments for such policies only consider a consumer's age and annual income, prohibiting any additional factors. The bill nullifies existing regulations (like 11 NYCRR Part 224) that conflict with this rule, directly affecting insurance agents, companies selling term life insurance, and consumers purchasing these policies in New York. It aims to increase term life insurance availability by reducing regulatory barriers.

Establishes a rental assistance loan-to-grant program to assist landlords of small rental properties who have lost rental income due to the inability of the landlords' tenants to pay rent during the COVID-19 state disaster emergency; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.

Establishes that the council on human blood and transfusion services shall review all current medical research and guidance regarding the donation of blood by patients with a history of Lyme or tick-borne illnesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 224) amends New York's penal law to upgrade the felony classifications for unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle (from E to D felony for third degree, D to C for second degree, and C for first degree). It also adds these specific fleeing offenses to the list of crimes subject to bail eligibility determinations under criminal procedure law. Under the changes, courts must evaluate whether a defendant charged with such fleeing offenses (third, second, or first degree) should be released on bail or held, considering factors like "harm to an identifiable person or property" as outlined in sections 510.10, 530.20, and 530.40. This affects individuals charged with these fleeing offenses during bail hearings.

Designates unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle in the third degree as a class E felony; designates unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle in the second degree as a class D violent felony offense; designates unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle in the first degree as a class B violent felony offense.

Enacts the online revenues and expenditures transparency act to provide for the development of a single, searchable budget database website accessible to the public, at no cost.

Maddy summaryS 5899, "Cesar's law," requires the state board of parole to immediately issue a warrant and notify law enforcement when a parolee flees supervision. It directly affects parolees who abscond and the parole board, mandating they take specific action instead of allowing delays. The law specifies the board must declare the person "delinquent," issue a retaking warrant, and inform local police without delay upon reasonable belief of absconding. This policy change adds a concrete procedural step for parole supervision compliance, ensuring prompt action on absconders while preserving the parolee's right to a hearing after being recaptured.

Maddy summaryBill S 3474 enhances New York's Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) program, commonly known as Kendra's Law, by strengthening oversight and eliminating its scheduled expiration to ensure the program continues without interruption. The bill adds specific requirements for program coordinators to monitor treatment compliance, coordinate services with community providers, and review clinical needs before court orders expire, while mandating community service directors to conduct timely investigations and document processes. It also requires the state to create an educational pamphlet explaining the AOT petition process in plain language for the public. This bill directly affects individuals under court-ordered AOT, mental health program staff, and the public seeking information about the program.

Increases the reimbursement amount authorized to be paid to localities maintaining incarcerated individuals convicted of felonies to $300 per day per capita for the first 10 days, and $600 per day per capita for each day thereafter, or the actual per day per capita cost, whichever is more.