Asm. Anil Beephan

Establishes participation in assigned risk plans for voluntary foster care agencies (Part A); requires the office of children and family services to establish standards of payment for liability insurance costs beginning July 1, 2028 for the 2027-2028 rate year that ensures the maximum state aid rate accurately reflect the year over year increased costs for voluntary foster care agencies; directs such office to establish an application process (Part B); establishes the voluntary foster care agency insurance bridge fund; establishes a process for the distribution of moneys in such fund; sets eligibility requirements; requires certain supporting documentation (Part C).

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York's state comptroller to conduct financial audits of all public works projects funded by the state when a contractor is convicted or found liable for specific theft or fraud violations. It directly affects contractors (including subcontractors and affiliated entities) working on state-funded projects who are convicted under certain laws related to wage theft, insurance fraud, or labor law violations. The comptroller must audit all such projects the contractor managed after a conviction for offenses listed in the insurance law, penal law (wage theft, fraud), workers' compensation law, or labor law. The law takes immediate effect and aims to ensure public funds are properly accounted for when contractors face legal consequences for financial misconduct.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all visitors and incarcerated individuals to undergo body imaging scans at New York correctional facilities - visitors before entry and inmates upon intake and after visitation. It mandates that facilities use specific scanning equipment defined in public health law, with regulations established by state or New York City health authorities. The bill also requires alternative screening methods for people unable to use scanners due to medical reasons, while allowing facilities to deny visitation for non-medical refusal. This policy directly affects visitors, inmates, and correctional facility staff through new screening procedures.

Prohibits a public officer or member of the legislature from have a building or space named after themself while holding public office based on the fact that such person was responsible for securing public funds for the person or entity involved in naming the building or for securing public funds for the person's or entity's cause or agenda.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "First Responder Peer Support Program Act" to create a statewide grant program for peer-to-peer mental health support services. It directly affects first responders - including firefighters, police officers, EMTs, 911 operators, and correctional officers - by providing funding for local programs offering trauma-informed training and mental health resources. Key provisions include requiring standardized training on trauma, suicide prevention, and resilience; mandating strict confidentiality for participants; and prohibiting disclosure of personal information to employers. Grants are allocated to eligible local entities, with annual reports tracking program use without identifying individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates an optional 20-year retirement plan for New York state correction officers (including employees directly performing correction officer duties). Eligible members can choose this plan within one year of the law's effective date, allowing retirement after 20 years of service or at age 62. Upon retirement, they receive a pension equal to 1/40th of their final average salary per year of service (capped at 50% total), with additional benefits beyond 20 years capped at 75% of final average salary. The state covers the extra costs through additional contributions.

Prohibits the governor from preventing or inhibiting state agency cooperation with the federal government for the purposes of immigration enforcement; prohibits state agencies from preventing or inhibiting collaboration with federal agencies for the purposes of federal immigration enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1358) adds a religious exemption to school vaccination requirements in New York State. It allows children whose parents hold "genuine and sincere religious beliefs" opposing vaccinations to attend school without providing immunization certificates. The bill modifies public health law to remove the certificate requirement for these children and requires health providers to report immunization status for exempt students. It directly affects families seeking religious exemptions for school enrollment, while maintaining existing school notification procedures for non-exempt children. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York school districts to purchase or lease only zero-emission school buses (electric or hydrogen-powered with no tailpipe emissions) when buying new vehicles by July 2027. It also mandates that all components and final assembly of these buses and their charging infrastructure must be made in the U.S. unless a waiver is granted for cost or feasibility reasons. Districts facing financial hardship may receive up to two years to comply after a cost-benefit analysis, and the law includes protections preventing workforce displacement for transportation employees during the transition. The full transition to zero-emission school buses must be completed by July 2047, or when all state vehicle fleets meet this standard, whichever comes later.

Provides for the chief administrator of the courts to, upon request by a municipality, ensure the assignment and presence of a uniformed court officer during court proceedings or a law enforcement officer where no uniformed court officer is available.