Requires that public contracts be divided by size into large, medium, small and micro contracts for the purpose of increasing opportunities for small businesses, including minority-owned business enterprises and women-owned business enterprises, to participate in state contracts.
Establishes the "Safe Staffing for Hospital Care Act"; establishes minimum staffing levels for various health care workers in different health care facilities; requires submission of staffing plans; prohibits most mandatory overtime.
Requires the state comptroller to prepare and release an annual report grading each state agency on its spending with minority- and women-owned business.
Provides that an insurer doing business in this state shall be liable to a policy holder for such insurer's refusal to pay or unreasonable delay of payment to the policy holder if such refusal or delay was not substantially justified; enumerates instances whereby an insurer's refusal or delay of payment is not substantially justified including intentional negligence, failure to act in good faith, failure to provide written denial of claim, failure to make final determination of claim within six months, and failure to promptly proceed with the appraisal process.
Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 22-28, 2025, as Doula Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of World Doula Week
Requires signage on state highways designating where there is a zero-emission charging and refueling station that is open and available to the public within three miles of an exit or off-ramp.
Establishes duties for pharmacies when pharmacists employed by such pharmacy refuse to fill prescriptions on the basis of personal beliefs; requires a pharmacy to ensure the prescription is filled by another pharmacist; requires the pharmacy to inform individuals of items not in stock; requires such items to be ordered by another pharmacist without delay; sets forth penalty provisions.
Relates to the proper collection and disposal of mercury thermostats; establishes a fund for the stewardship of mercury thermostats; extends the effectiveness of the mercury thermostat collection act.
Provides for free legal representation in certain mortgage foreclosure actions where the homeowner is financially unable to obtain counsel; requires notice of such availability.
Authorizes health insurers and health maintenance organizations, subject to the approval of the superintendent of financial services, to provide actuarially appropriate reductions in health insurance premiums or other benefits or enhancements for an enrollee's or insured's participation in a qualified wellness program.
Relates to determinations of appropriate educational programs for certain students in a school district in a city having a population of one million or more.