Sen. Rob Ortt

Imposes a one year residency requirement for eligibility for medical assistance; authorizes the commissioner of health to promulgate any and all rules and regulations and take any other measures necessary to implement this act.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2723) allows veterans to use state-owned cabins and cottages in public recreation areas without paying fees, effective immediately. It directly affects veterans who use these facilities, permitting free access under the same terms as the general public but limiting use to 14 days per year. The key provision amends state parks law to remove fees for veterans (and certain other groups like Gold Star families) at designated public recreation sites. It does not change existing fee structures for non-veteran visitors. The bill was recently referred to the Veterans committee for further consideration.

Authorizes patients to designate an essential visitor who may assist the patient and perform certain duties on behalf of the patient, including communicating with facility staff regarding the needs of the patient, providing emotional stability and company, and requesting additional care or a change in the care plan.

Relates to designating every government entity which issues licenses to carry, possess, repair and dispose of firearms as participating agencies for voter registration form distribution and assistance.

Prohibits the use of SUNY dormitories for the purposes of providing permanent or temporary housing for migrant populations; requests the board of trustees adopt a policy stating such.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the city of Niagara Falls to add unpaid housing code violation penalties, costs, and fines to the city's annual property tax levy. It applies only to properties where violations were legally adjudicated by a court, remain unpaid for one year, and total at least 5% of the property's tax value. The bill excludes owner-occupied primary residences and requires the city to provide tenant relocation assistance if a rental property faces tax foreclosure due to unpaid violations. Property owners can still pay the debt directly, enter payment plans, or cure violations to avoid foreclosure. The city must notify property owners and follow specific notice and foreclosure procedures.

Allows for the governor to create a period of enhanced penalties during a disaster; creates enhanced penalties for certain disaster related crimes during public emergencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New York State's requirements for mental health counselors seeking licensure from other states. It allows out-of-state applicants to obtain a license if their home state's standards are similar to New York's, they demonstrate recent competency (through work or education), and have no disqualifying disciplinary history. The bill also creates a temporary "provisional license" enabling practice while completing final requirements, valid until a license is denied, expires, or terms are violated. It does not override existing reciprocity rules but clarifies the process for cross-state licensure.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals New York's Driver's License Access and Privacy Act, removing restrictions on how driver's license information may be handled. It eliminates privacy protections that previously limited access to license data, while adding new requirements for applicants: providing a Social Security number (or affidavit for non-compliant IDs), registering for organ donation via a "skip" option, and confirming Selective Service registration compliance for applicants aged 18-26. These changes apply directly to all individuals applying for or renewing a New York driver's license, learner's permit, or non-driver ID. The repeal specifically targets the privacy act's provisions, not the new requirements added in its place.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New York municipalities to eliminate fees and surcharges for licensing service dogs (including guide, hearing, therapy, and working dogs). It requires local governments to exempt these specific dogs from standard licensing costs related to animal control. Licenses for exempted dogs must be clearly marked with their purpose (e.g., "Service Dog"). The policy change directly affects service dog owners by removing a financial barrier to legal licensing.