Asm. John McDonald

Maddy summaryThis bill protects libraries in New York by banning specific restrictive clauses in contracts between publishers and libraries regarding electronic books and audiobooks. It ensures that libraries can freely lend digital materials to patrons, set their own loan periods, and use technology to secure these loans without interference from publishers. Additionally, the law prevents publishers from charging libraries higher prices than the general public and stops them from limiting how many times a library can loan a specific item. Contracts containing these prohibited restrictions are declared unenforceable, and publishers who violate the bill face potential fines and legal injunctions.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the direct shipment of liquor, cider, mead, and braggot across state lines into New York, expanding on existing rules that already allow wine to be shipped directly to consumers. To participate, out-of-state distilleries must obtain a specific license from the state authority, pay an annual fee, and agree to ship no more than thirty-six cases per year to residents who are at least twenty-one years old. The legislation requires strict safety measures, including age verification at delivery, clear labeling on shipping containers, and the maintenance of detailed records for tax and audit purposes. Additionally, the bill establishes that these sales are subject to New York state and local taxes, ensuring that revenue is collected at the point of delivery.

Increases the number of judges in family court to 67; adds twelve additional judges to the civil court of the city of New York; adds additional family court judges to Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Erie, Jefferson, Nassau, Rensselaer, Rockland, Suffolk and Westchester counties.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the New York veterans tuition awards program to include all resident veterans, regardless of whether they served in active combat. Currently, eligibility is limited to those who served in specific conflicts like the Vietnam or Persian Gulf wars and received certain expeditionary medals. The change removes the requirement for combat service, allowing any New York resident who served in the U.S. armed forces under honorable conditions to qualify for tuition assistance. The program provides funding equivalent to up to eight full-time semesters of study at approved colleges or vocational schools, with the award amount based on the lower of state university tuition or the actual cost charged by the institution.

Relates to including outpatient care provided by creative arts therapists in certain insurance policies covering care for other mental health services.

Empowers the commissioner of education to declare a disaster has substantially impacted an annual meeting and election and to allow school boards to set an additional day for voting if less than eight percent of registered voters cast ballots as a direct consequence of a disaster.

Provides that certain purchase contracts to purchase food can be awarded to a qualified bidder who fulfills certain values based procurement standards when such bid is not more than 10% higher than the lowest responsible bidder and when the bidder makes publicly available data on where such bidder sources their food items; sets forth the criteria for values based procurement standards to include local economies, environmental sustainability, racial equity, valued workforce, animal welfare, and nutrition.

Includes entities that provide employment or services to formerly incarcerated persons in the preferred source exemption for purposes of state purchasing.

Requires the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation to establish design standards for greenway trails and to manage applications for greenway trails.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits state-operated hospitals, university health facilities, and cancer institutes from suing patients to collect medical debt. It defines medical debt as any amount owed for health care services, products, devices, or ambulance care provided by licensed providers. The law applies specifically to these public institutions and bars them from filing civil or supreme court lawsuits against individuals for such debts. The provision takes effect immediately upon passage.