Enacts the "freedom to read act"; requires the commissioner of education and school library systems to develop policies to ensure that school libraries and library staff are empowered to curate and develop collections that provide students with access to the widest array of developmentally appropriate materials available.
Requires the superintendent of state police to develop, maintain and disseminate to all members of the division of state police a critical incident leave policy requiring critical incident paid leave for any members directly involved in a critical incident; prohibits such superintendent from taking any punitive administrative action against any member of the division of state police granted critical incident leave solely on the basis of the provision of such leave.
Prohibits the sale of kratom to individuals under the age of twenty-one; imposes a civil penalty of not more than five hundred dollars for the sale or provision of kratom to any person under the age of twenty-one.
Relates to rechargeable battery recycling; adds a battery used as the principal electric power source for an electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist to the definition of "rechargeable battery"; provides that a battery manufacturer may not sell, offer for sale, or distribute rechargeable batteries in the state unless the battery manufacturer is implementing or participating under an approved plan; allows a city with a population of one million or more to enforce through its own agencies.
Enacts the "public renewables transparency act"; relates to the New York power authority's conferral process; requires the conferral report be posted on the authority's website; provides that the authority shall provide an option for stakeholders to submit comments remotely as well, and incorporate feedback from such sessions and written comments into the final draft of the strategic plan; makes related provisions.
Relates to authorizing and regulating the use of electronic bell jar vending machines; requires responsible placement and operation of electronic bell jar vending machines; allows for geographic considerations for such machine placement.
Provides that from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026, twenty-three percent of funds in the Catskill off-track betting corporation's capital acquisition fund shall be made available for certain past due obligations; requires such corporation to submit an expenditure plan for approval before accessing such funds.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill), adopted by the New York State Assembly on June 12, 2025. It formally commemorates the unveiling of the "Hope Out of Darkness" sculpture honoring Solomon Northup - a free Black man kidnapped into slavery in 1841 - in Saratoga Spa State Park on July 10, 2025 (his 218th birthday). The resolution recognizes Northup’s story, documented in his memoir *Twelve Years a Slave*, as a pivotal part of New York’s history and acknowledges the sculpture’s journey to Marksville, Louisiana (where he was enslaved) for its permanent placement. It serves solely to honor this historical milestone for public education and remembrance.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (K 782) asks Governor Hochul to officially recognize June 27, 2025, as "National Bingo Day" in New York State. It is a ceremonial request with no legal effect, solely intended to honor bingo's cultural history and community benefits. The resolution highlights bingo's role in supporting local charities, fostering social connection, and its evolution from a 16th-century game to a modern activity enjoyed by diverse age groups. It does not change any laws or directly affect residents or businesses.
Provides for certain victim statements to be taken at their workplace instead of the police department where such workplace was the scene of the crime and is a hospital, emergency medical facility, nursing home or residential health care facility.
