Asm. Phil Steck

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New York's wildlife hunting regulations to allow crossbow use for certain hunting activities. It removes a previous prohibition banning 12-13 year olds from hunting with crossbows (repealing section 11-0929's specific language) and adds technical specifications for crossbows, including minimum 14-inch arrows, 100-pound draw weight, and safety requirements. The bill affects hunters, particularly youth hunters and crossbow users, by expanding hunting methods for deer and bear during designated seasons. It repeals outdated provisions while establishing new rules for crossbow use under the environmental conservation law.

Creates a wholesale prescription drug importation program which complies with federal standards and regulations for the purpose of generating substantial savings for consumers.

Relates to claim settlement practices when an insurer refuses to pay or is delaying payment of a settlement; provides a policyholder a private right of action against such insurer doing business in the state who has refused or delayed payment of an insurance claim.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 479, "45 saves lives") requires employers with 20+ employees to provide one paid day off every ten years for workers aged 45 or older to get a colonoscopy. It applies to employees working 20+ hours weekly (excluding independent contractors) and prohibits retaliation for using this leave. Employers must grant the leave without affecting other existing benefits, and the law takes effect 90 days after enactment. The policy directly supports workplace health screenings for a common preventive care need.

Provides for loan forgiveness for social workers who commit to work in counties with less than two hundred thousand population, or towns which have a population of less than one hundred fifty persons per square mile for the duration of the award.

Enacts the "assuring college campus and educational safety and support (ACCESS) act" relating to harassment of students and applicants at educational institutions; describes the circumstances under which harassment at educational institutions is an unlawful discriminatory practice; describes the circumstances under which an educational institution is deemed to have permitted harassment; describes additional circumstances under which a college or university is deemed to have permitted harassment.

Requires insurer to respond within thirty days of a written request from an insured for their health plan documents, including copies of most recent group or individual contracts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires contractors working on qualifying construction or demolition projects in cities with over 1 million residents to recycle at least 50% of the waste generated (by weight), measured after the law takes effect. It applies specifically to projects like multi-unit residential buildings, larger commercial structures, and major demolitions, excluding hazardous materials like asbestos or lead-contaminated waste. Contractors must document compliance within 30 days of project completion and face fines for non-compliance, with a phased approach starting at 25% for projects permitted within one year of enactment. The law aims to reduce landfill use by integrating recycling requirements into existing waste management systems for large urban projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers with 20 or more full-time permanent employees to create a written workplace violence prevention program. The program must include specific measures to address risks like abusive conduct and bullying, such as conflict resolution training and clear reporting systems. Employers must provide annual training to all employees on identifying, reporting, and preventing workplace bullying and abusive conduct, including how to use safety procedures and access the prevention program. It directly affects covered employers across New York State and applies to all workplace settings where such risks exist. The law mandates these changes to reduce incidents of workplace violence and improve employee safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the State University of New York (SUNY) board of trustees from its role as a charter entity for approving charter schools. It amends education law to make the Board of Regents the sole entity authorized to issue charters, eliminating SUNY as an option. This change directly affects school districts applying for charter status and SUNY, which no longer holds this approval authority. The bill focuses on procedural changes to the charter school application process without altering charter school operations or student eligibility.