Sen. Jeremy Cooney

Maddy summaryThis bill defines "pet insurance" in New York's insurance law as coverage for accidents and illnesses of pets, distinct from animal insurance. It requires insurers to clearly disclose key terms like preexisting conditions (including chronic, congenital, or hereditary conditions), exclusions, and policy limitations before sale. Insurers must also provide a 30-day "free look" period during which pet owners can return policies for a full refund without explanation. The law mandates transparent disclosure of claim payment methods and benefit schedules to help consumers understand coverage details.

Enacts the consumer litigation funding act to promote consumer protections related to consumer litigation funding transactions; provides for contract requirements, including that the contract contain a no penalty provision for the prepayment of the funded amount prior to the settlement of their case; makes related provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Vacant Rental Improvement Program, providing grants of up to $75,000 per unit to owners of small rental buildings (five or fewer units) located outside New York City. It requires renovated units to be leased at affordable rates - defined as 80% of area median income - for a 10-year period, with new owners inheriting the affordability requirement. The program prioritizes vacant units or those with code violations and establishes a dedicated "rental improvement fund" for financing. Owners who violate the lease terms risk full repayment of grants.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1100) asks Governor Hochul to officially recognize September 21-27, 2025, as Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) Awareness Week in New York State. It does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise public awareness about FTD, a terminal brain disease affecting speech, behavior, and motor skills, often misdiagnosed in people aged 40-60. The resolution highlights FTD's impact - accounting for 10-20% of dementia cases under 60 - and its high care costs, urging greater attention to the condition. This symbolic action directly affects New Yorkers living with FTD and their families by promoting community recognition.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1131) is a ceremonial tribute honoring U.S. Army Air Forces Staff Sergeant Eugene J. Darrigan, who died in World War II on March 11, 1944. It commemorates his service and recognizes his long-overdue burial in Wappingers Falls, New York, on May 24, 2025, after remains were recovered 81 years posthumously. The resolution expresses New York State's gratitude to Darrigan's family and community for his sacrifice, but it does not create new laws or affect any policies. As a symbolic gesture, it was adopted by the Senate on June 5, 2025.

Establishes a fiscal cliff task force to conduct a study on fiscal cliffs in the state's public assistance programs and to make recommendations related thereto.

Maddy summaryS 5758 modifies Rochester's plumbing inspector residency requirement, mandating that all such inspectors must be citizens and actual residents of the county where Rochester is located (Monroe County), rather than the city itself. This change specifically affects plumbing inspectors appointed in Rochester, ensuring they reside in the surrounding county. The bill amends Section 48 of the General City Law to replace the previous city residency rule with the county residency standard for Rochester (while maintaining existing exceptions for other cities like Cortland or Watertown). The policy change focuses on the geographic scope of inspector residency, without altering other qualifications like plumbing expertise or competency certification.

Establishes the New York state cryptocurrency and blockchain study task force to provide the governor and the legislature with information on the effects of the widespread use of cryptocurrencies and other forms of digital currencies and their ancillary systems, including but not limited to blockchain technology, in the state.

Requires that health insurance policies shall provide coverage for follow-up screening or diagnostic services for lung cancer; provides that no patient cost sharing shall be imposed for follow-up screening or diagnostic services for lung cancer.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 1098, introduced by Senator Stavisky, formally welcomes the students, teachers, and administrators of the Bronx High School of Science to the New York State Legislative Chambers in Albany on May 28, 2025. It recognizes the school's historic contributions to education, science, and civic leadership, including its global reputation, notable alumni (such as Nobel laureates and industry leaders), and innovative programs like the IDEAS Initiative. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for the school's legacy and impact on New York's educational community. The resolution will be presented to the school after adoption, with the legislature pausing its proceedings to honor the visit.