Asm. Kwani O'Pharrow

Maddy summaryBill A 8574 amends the retirement and social security law concerning how overtime compensation is included in the calculation of a public employee's "final average salary." This bill increases the maximum amount of overtime compensation that can be counted towards this calculation. Specifically, it raises the exclusion threshold from 15% to 30% of a member's annual wages not classified as overtime. This change directly affects public employees whose retirement benefits are based on their final average salary, allowing a higher portion of their overtime earnings to be included in that calculation.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts the use of the term "milk product" to only food items containing actual milk (from animals like cows or goats), as defined in the law. It prohibits plant-based or non-dairy alternatives (such as almond or soy milk) from labeling their products with terms like "milk product" on packaging or ads. The law defines "milk products" to include common dairy items like yogurt, cheese, ice cream, and butter, but excludes non-dairy substitutes. Manufacturers of non-dairy products must use alternative labeling terms to avoid misleading consumers about their ingredients.

Prohibits the use of automated systems to make employment decisions unless there is a meaningful human review of the output of such automated system prior to the final employment decision; requires employers that use an automated system in the hiring process to notify applicants of the use of such system; provides that an applicant who has received an adverse employment decision may request a human-conducted review of such decision.

Excludes violations occurring within one hundred feet from a place of worship, funeral home, or similar institution from bus operation-related traffic regulations as part of participation in a ceremony or religious service.

Requires employers and third-party websites, job boards, and recruitment platforms to remove inactive job postings within a certain timeframe; authorizes the commissioner of labor to promulgate rules and regulations regarding such posting requirements and violations thereof.

Provides that where an active or retired police officer dies by suicide and is enrolled in a health insurance plan, the surviving dependents of such police officer shall be entitled to such health insurance coverage for ninety days following such police officer's death.

Requires employers publicly advertising a job posting to include in the posting a statement disclosing whether such posting is for an existing vacancy or not; authorizes the commissioner of labor to issue an order to employers in violation of such requirement to pay a fine, cease and desist from such violation, or both.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands school districts' authority to temporarily lease space not on school property when facilities are overcrowded, damaged, or under construction. It directly affects local school boards of education by allowing them to secure temporary locations for students during these circumstances. The key change adds "under construction" to the existing list of valid reasons for leasing, while requiring annual approval from the state education commissioner for each lease. The bill takes effect on July 1 following its enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires stores (mercantile establishments) to immediately stop trying to collect money or recover merchandise from customers if a court finds them not guilty of larceny in a proceeding related to that store. It directly affects adults, emancipated minors, and parents/legal guardians of unemancipated minors who are acquitted in such cases. The key provision mandates that once a court issues a "not guilty" ruling, the store must cease all collection efforts without delay. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment, preventing further financial pressure on individuals after a legal acquittal.

Exempts the sale of cloth face coverings used to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19 from sales and use taxes; defines "cloth face coverings" as any material manufactured with the intent of covering the nose and mouth that can be secured to the head or ears with ties or straps.