Sen. Samra Brouk

Maddy summaryThis bill requires insurance policies to cover medically necessary transvaginal ultrasounds for pregnant individuals when recommended by established clinical guidelines. It defines these guidelines as evidence-based recommendations developed by independent medical organizations using transparent methods and conflict-of-interest policies. The law applies to any insurance policy issued, renewed, or modified on or after January 1, 2026.

Requires the office of children and family services to utilize a cost estimation model when determining the actual cost providers incur when providing child care; requires the office to prepare a report detailing such.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the previous limit on how long a licensed physical therapist can treat a patient without a doctor's referral. It allows therapists to provide care directly to patients who do not have a referral from a physician, dentist, podiatrist, nurse practitioner, or midwife. Under the new rules, therapists must refer patients if symptoms suggest conditions outside their scope, maintain communication with the patient's primary care provider if one exists, and inform patients in writing that insurance may not cover the treatment without a referral. The law also requires therapists to keep a signed record of this notice in the patient's file.

Prohibits public employers from diminishing health insurance benefits provided to retirees and their dependents or the contributions such employer makes for such health insurance coverage below the level of such benefits or contributions made on behalf of such retirees and dependents by the public employer as of December 31, 2021.

Provides for funding associated with the transition of the pharmacy benefit in the medical assistance program to support 340B covered entities and to offset the financial losses to all comprehensive HIV special needs plans.

Relates to the salaries of certain teachers and aides employed by boards of cooperative educational services; puts limits on certain administrative and clerical expenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor to officially declare May 24, 2024, as Schizophrenia Awareness Day in New York. The resolution aims to highlight the importance of mental health awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding schizophrenia, which affects over 217,000 people in the state. It does not create new laws or change funding but serves to bring public attention to the condition and the need for better treatment and support services.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors Koji Sato for his efforts to recognize Fred Korematsu's legacy and his work promoting Japanese and Japanese-American history. The measure acknowledges Sato's leadership roles in organizations like the Japanese American Association of New York and the U.S.-Japan Council, as well as his contributions to fostering relations between the United States and Japan. The bill directs the legislative body to pause its proceedings to formally commend Sato and instructs that a copy of the resolution be sent to him.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors Takeshi and Carolyn Furumoto for their advocacy in recognizing Fred Korematsu's legacy and their efforts to preserve Japanese-American history. The measure formally acknowledges their personal backgrounds, including their families' experiences during World War II internment, and their professional achievements in community leadership and business. It specifically highlights their role in securing the passage of Fred Korematsu Day in New Jersey and their ongoing work through organizations like New York Hiroshima-Kai and the Digital Museum of the History of Japanese in New York. The resolution concludes by directing that a copy of the document be sent to the couple as an official recognition of their contributions.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the memory of Don B. Lee, a distinguished citizen and community leader who passed away in May 2024. The bill formally acknowledges his contributions as a public servant, IT professional, and activist who advocated for Asian American rights and supported immigrant seniors in New York. It directs the legislative body to pause its proceedings to mourn his death and authorizes sending a copy of the resolution to his family and the Homecrest Community Services organization.