This bill (S 8778) requires individuals reporting suspected child abuse or maltreatment to the statewide central register to provide their name and contact information, unless they are a child under 18. It applies specifically to non-mandated reporters (e.g., members of the public), while mandated reporters (like teachers or doctors) retain existing requirements. The bill ensures reports cannot be transmitted for investigation without this information, except for mandated reporters, and directs the register to connect non-compliant callers with a supervisor who explains confidentiality protections and available support services. It also prohibits rejecting reports solely due to unidentified perpetrators.
This bill prohibits employers - including businesses, state agencies, and political subdivisions - from using an applicant's or employee's credit history for hiring, firing, or licensing decisions. It defines "employer" broadly to cover all entities with employees, including the state. The only exception allows credit checks for high-trust positions (e.g., government roles requiring public trust) if specifically approved by a state commission. This replaces prior legislation that had similar restrictions but different wording.
Requires the collection and reporting of sexual offense evidence on the statewide electronic tracking system within ten days of permission to release the evidence by the alleged sexual offense victim; relates to the effectiveness thereof.
Requires each social services district to maintain a waiting list of eligible families who have applied for child care assistance; requires the local districts to report such list to the office of children and family services who shall then compile such reports and issue one report to the legislature annually; requires the social services districts to collect data regarding the income of families who have applied, were denied and received child care assistance and issue a report to the office of children and family services who shall then compile such reports and issue one report to the legislature annually.
This bill bans the use of infant walkers in all licensed child care facilities in New York, including day care centers and programs regulated under state or New York City health codes. It prohibits facilities from having infant walkers on their premises, replacing a prior law that only restricted sales. The law requires the Office of Children and Family Services to notify facilities about the ban in plain language, starting on the effective date. This directly affects child care providers operating under New York's social services and health regulations.
Directs the department of agriculture and markets, in cooperation with the department of environmental conservation, to establish standards for designation of native plants, to develop a list of native plants that indicates and differentiates between native plants that are indigenous to New York state and those that are native plants found elsewhere in the United States that are likely to shift or expand their range into NY, to establish a New York native plant designation, and to offer seals or logos identifying native plants as grown in New York state; defines "native plants".
This bill authorizes veteran organizations and volunteer fire companies to use electronic bell jar vending machines for fundraising. The machines dispense pre-printed tickets with predetermined winners and fixed prize values, but must be approved by the New York State Gaming Commission and operate only for members of these organizations. Key safeguards include prohibiting casino-style operations, requiring machines to track sales and report to the commission, and restricting use to licensed groups under strict rules to distinguish them from slot machines. The bill aims to modernize charitable gaming while maintaining oversight and preventing expansion into commercial gambling.
This bill removes the age restriction that previously limited foreign adoptions in New York to individuals under 18. It allows adoptive parents to finalize adoptions for foreign-born individuals of any age, directly affecting older adoptees and their families. Key provisions require the state commissioner to issue a new birth certificate upon receiving specific documents, including proof of New York residency, foreign adoption records with certified translation, birth evidence, and valid immigrant visa status (like IR-3/IR-4). The change applies to all foreign adoptions finalized under New York law, streamlining the process for adult adoptees.
Relates to requirements regarding employers including opioid antagonists where first aid kits are required by federal law; amends the effectiveness thereof.
Requires the office of children and family services to promulgate regulations for training requirements for child protective services workers assigned to a multidisciplinary investigative team; amends the effectiveness of certain provisions relating thereto.
Clarifies the definition of custom fabrication for the purposes of prevailing wage; requires certain reports for public works contracts including such custom fabrication.
This bill changes rules for where adult-use cannabis dispensaries can be located. It sets a 500-foot buffer from school entrances and a 200-foot buffer from house of worship entrances (measured in straight lines from the center of each entrance). The law clarifies that houses of worship remain "exclusively" occupied even with certain incidental activities like fund-raising events or health screenings. License renewals cannot be denied solely due to these proximity rules, and new applications must comply with the updated distance standards as of the bill's effective date.
