Sen. Jeremy Cooney

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New York's Commissioner of Health to create a special health insurance program under the federal 1332 state innovation program, allowing the state to offer coverage to specific individuals who currently do not qualify for standard plans. The program is designed for New York residents under age 65 who are ineligible for Medicaid, lack affordable employer-sponsored insurance, and have household incomes between 133% and 250% of the federal poverty line, with additional provisions for certain noncitizens and pregnant individuals. Key features include the requirement that approved health plans cover essential benefits, dental and vision services, and specific cancer care, while also providing temporary income protections for children and pregnant people. The legislation mandates that the state obtain necessary federal approvals from the Department of Health and Human Services and the Treasury Department before implementing the plan.

Provides that the sale of a non-indemnity legal service plan shall not constitute doing an insurance business in this state; makes related provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's penal law to strengthen penalties for assaulting medical personnel and hospital staff. It directly affects physicians, nurses, hospital employees, volunteers, and other healthcare workers by ensuring they are explicitly listed as protected individuals under assault statutes. The legislation updates the legal definition of who is covered to include specific roles such as nurse practitioners and certified nursing assistants, removing previous exclusions. By clarifying these protections, the bill aims to provide consistent legal recourse for physical injuries inflicted against anyone working in a hospital setting.

Increases the discretionary buying threshold for state agencies purchasing commodities from small business concerns, certified minority and women-owned businesses and certified veteran companies.

Requires the promulgation of rules and regulations for advertising and marketing of cannabis that include, but are not limited to, signage on the exterior walls or windows of licensed retail dispensaries; signage in languages other than English; lighting in colors other than white; other such advertising measures.

Establishes the nine member distributed generation for community solar siting commission to examine the reasons for delays in the siting of community solar projects, identify those causes and examine solutions to accelerate development; makes related provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits drivers of school buses carrying students from using hands-free mobile telephones while the vehicle is in motion. The law allows for specific exceptions, such as when the bus is parked away from a highway or during emergencies involving communication with emergency services. Additionally, the restrictions do not apply to law enforcement, firefighters, or other authorized emergency vehicle operators performing their official duties. The changes become effective 60 days after the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state Department of Transportation to establish a toll-free hotline and a website where drivers can report potholes and other defects on state highways and bridges. The online system will allow users to submit reports with specific location details, optionally include their contact information for updates, and view a map showing reported issues and repair progress. The department must update this map at least once every five days and keep records of reports and repairs for a minimum of 365 days. Additionally, the law mandates that the department share defect reports with local officials for county and town roads and coordinate with the Thruway Authority to include those routes in the reporting system.

Enacts the tropical rainforest economic & environmental sustainability act requiring that companies contracting with the state do not contribute to tropical forest degradation or deforestation directly or through their supply chains; establishes the supply chain transparency assistance program to assist small and medium-sized businesses and minority and women-owned businesses in achieving compliant supply chains.

Directs the New York state energy and development authority to establish a ride clean rebate program for electric assist bicycles and electric scooters; defines terms; provides a fifty percent rebate for eligible purchases.