Asm. Gabriella Romero

Maddy summaryThis bill sets new requirements for who can supervise mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists in New York. It specifies that supervisors must have at least three years of active licensure, diagnostic privileges, and 36 hours of specialized training in supervision ethics. The bill also clarifies that supervised experience gained under certain department waivers - such as in settings operating under temporary authorization - can count toward licensing requirements. These changes apply directly to professionals seeking licensure and those providing supervision in the mental health counseling field.

Relates to outdoor restraints of dogs; prohibits inhumane tethering, including during dangerous weather conditions when a weather alert, advisory or warning is in effect; provides for civil penalties for violations.

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.

Relates to payments in lieu of taxes; provides that the tax base growth factor or quantity change factor includes the change in assessed value for each property on the exempt side of the tax rolls under a payment in lieu of tax agreement; allows a local government or school district to elect to include the equivalent taxable value of property subject to a payment in lieu of taxes agreement in the calculation of its quantity change factor.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new pathway for foreign-trained dentists to obtain a New York license. It allows dentists licensed outside the U.S. (who can't qualify for licensure by endorsement) to receive a limited permit to practice under supervision in federally qualified health centers serving underserved populations, provided they have at least five years of dental experience. After completing five years of practice under this limited permit, they may apply for full licensure. The permit is valid for one year (renewable annually during a residency or preceptorship) and requires passing a competency exam. This directly affects international dentists seeking to practice in New York, particularly in areas with dental health shortages.

Requires the office of court administration, clerks, and all other records custodians to develop policies and procedures to ensure no identifying information or documentation relating to name change actions or sex designation change actions is visible or retrievable in any electronic database maintained by the state of New York or a subdivision thereof.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 9571) increases family leave benefits under New York's workers' compensation law, directly affecting eligible employees taking leave for medical care, bonding with a newborn, or military family exigencies. It gradually raises weekly benefit percentages (from 50% to 67% of average weekly wage) and extends maximum leave duration (from 8 to 12 weeks) over time, with specific phased-in dates starting in 2018. Covered employers must provide these enhanced benefits while maintaining health insurance coverage during leave. The changes apply to employees meeting eligibility criteria under the law, with the Superintendent of Financial Services retaining limited authority to delay increases.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New York's laws regarding imitation weapons and air guns to clarify definitions and strengthen regulations for gun industry members. It defines imitation weapons to include devices like air rifles, pellet guns, and BB guns that resemble real firearms, while also setting age restrictions requiring that paint pellet guns and other air guns not be sold to anyone under 18. The legislation requires gun manufacturers and sellers to implement security measures to prevent theft, illegal sales, and the conversion of firearms, and establishes penalties of up to $1,000 for violations. These changes apply to businesses involved in selling, manufacturing, or distributing firearms and imitation weapons within the state.

Dedicates the bridge located on Interstate 90, designated as Bridge Number 1092839, which crosses over the Hudson River in the cities of Albany and Rensselaer to Sgt Henry Johnson.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's criminal procedure law to allow the expungement (removal from criminal records) of certain convictions related to syringe possession. It specifically covers convictions for offenses under Penal Law sections 222.10, 222.15, 222.25, 222.45, or for violations under former Penal Law section 220.45 prior to this bill's effective date. The key mechanism adds a new provision to the law making these convictions eligible for expungement. This directly affects individuals previously convicted under these specific syringe possession statutes.