Asm. Sarahana Shrestha

Maddy summaryThis bill requires transit authorities and their subsidiaries to ensure accessible buses (wheelchair-friendly) are available within a three-mile service area of any bus line. It mandates that 65% of all regularly operated buses must be accessible, achieved by requiring all newly purchased, leased, or brought-into-service buses (except those for temporary shortages) to be accessible until the 65% threshold is met. The law directly affects public transit agencies like the MTA, ensuring better access for transportation-disabled riders, including wheelchair users, on fixed-route bus services. Key provisions include the 65% accessibility target and the 3-mile service area requirement for accessible buses.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York's social services office to implement an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) system by June 21, 2027, replacing paper checks for programs like food assistance and cash benefits. It mandates using standard commercial electronic payment technology, including chip-based cards, to deliver benefits securely and efficiently. The policy directly affects state recipients of social services and the agency managing benefit distribution, shifting from physical vouchers to digital transfers. The law also requires the office to upgrade the system as soon as possible after the deadline.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state-approved program for nonpartisan poll monitors in New York elections. Civic organizations (groups focused on voter education and election integrity) and ballot issue committees (groups promoting specific ballot measures) can appoint up to two monitors per polling place, but must first get approval from the State Board of Elections. To qualify, organizations must prove they've maintained a New York office for over a year, provide voter rights training materials, and have monitors sign a pledge to remain nonpartisan. The State Board must approve or deny applications 32-45 days before an election, with limited appeal options. The program aims to provide independent oversight of polling places while ensuring monitors follow strict neutrality rules.

Enacts the "fair college admissions act"; prohibits legacy admissions policies at colleges and universities in New York; declares such policies and practices to be discriminatory and inequitable.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 892) requires most employers to provide paid vacation time based on how long an employee has worked for them. Employees working at least 20 hours per week become eligible after one year (2 weeks), three years (3 weeks), and five years (4 weeks) of service. Employers cannot penalize workers for taking vacation, must allow requests with reasonable notice (up to 4 weeks), and cannot require work during vacation time. Employers may offer more vacation than required but must pay double wages if an employee chooses to forgo their entitled vacation time.

Directs payment of certain internet sales and use taxes into the central business district tolling capital lockbox fund partially dedicated for the MTA to be made without appropriation.

Enacts the "state and local clean energy partnership", directing the public service commission to establish a standard New York state community choice aggregation program for all utility service territories.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a requirement that applicants must pass an exam to become a licensed master social worker in New York. It directly affects individuals seeking this specific license by removing the examination step from the qualification process. The key provision eliminates Section 7704(d) of the Education Law, which previously mandated the exam. As a result, applicants will no longer need to pass a test to qualify for the license, simplifying the licensing pathway. The change takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework for safe injection sites in New York, creating a program approved by the Department of Health to provide overdose prevention services. It directly affects people who use drugs (participants), community health organizations operating the sites, and local communities through designated locations. Key provisions require sites to offer sterile equipment, overdose monitoring, naloxone access, referrals to treatment, and language-accessible education, while mandating annual reporting on participant numbers and services. The bill also provides legal immunity from arrest or penalties for participants, staff, and property owners who follow approved protocols, ensuring these sites operate without criminal or civil liability.

Maddy summaryThis bill specifically allows Christopher Collins to be eligible to take the civil service examination for a police officer with the Saugerties police department. It temporarily overrides certain provisions of the civil service law for this purpose, while still requiring him to meet other merit and fitness requirements for the position.