Asm. Keith Brown

Enacts the "next-gen civics act" to provide education to students in grades nine through twelve on civic education; provides that such instruction shall include, but not be limited to, a hands-on, project-based curriculum where students shall apply what they learn through activities that include, but are not limited to, mock elections, community projects, and policy simulations.

Requires slow-moving traffic, trucks, buses, and other certain vehicles use the right two lanes of a multilane roadway and requires all lanes other than the right most two lanes on a multilane highway to be marked with "NO TRUCKS OR BUSES".

Maddy summaryThis bill allows trained crisis responders assisting veterans and first responders during mental health emergencies (such as suicidal ideation or substance-related crises) to display a green flashing light on their vehicles. It specifically authorizes veterans, first responders, or certified peer specialists affiliated with approved crisis programs to use this light while responding to emergencies involving veterans or first responders. The green light is intended solely to increase visibility and request driver courtesy - **not** to grant special right-of-way privileges - and must comply with existing emergency vehicle lighting rules. The law applies to vehicles used by crisis responders during active mental health or suicide-prevention emergencies involving the targeted groups.

Requires the registration of surplus military vehicles previously owned by the United States department of defense or any federal agency, sold or transferred through an authorized federal surplus property program.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's environmental conservation law to permit the use of crossbows for deer hunting in Suffolk County during the established deer hunting season (the second Monday in November through March 31). It directly affects hunters in Suffolk County by expanding the permitted methods to include crossbows alongside longbows. The change modifies existing regulations to explicitly list "crossbow" as an authorized tool for taking deer of either sex during the designated season. The bill does not alter the season dates or bag limits, only the equipment allowed for hunting. This is a targeted policy change specific to Suffolk County's hunting regulations.

Maddy summaryBill A 945, known as "Jacobe's Law," requires school administrators to contact the parents or guardians of students when a verified incident of bullying, harassment, or discrimination has occurred. Designated school employees must first investigate and confirm the incident. Following verification, a school professional will discuss any health, safety, or privacy concerns with the students involved. If no such concerns are expressed, the school will make a good faith effort to contact the parents; if concerns are raised, the professional will use their judgment to determine if parental contact is in the student's best interest. The bill also provides immunity from civil liability for individuals who report such incidents in good faith.

Requires proportionally equivalent appointees of both the majority and minority houses of the legislature in all legislatively enacted workgroups, task forces, commissions, councils, advisory boards, committees and any other legislatively enacted and appointed groups or workgroups; requires that the number of appointees by the legislature shall be proportionally equivalent to the number of appointees by the governor.

Provides a reimbursement to small businesses and residential consumers of certain utilities for failure to provide contracted services; requires the Long Island power authority to do the same.

Requires that where a health care professional or professionals require the completion of an allergy checklist or form by the patient, prior to receiving care by such professional or professionals, the checklist or form shall also inquire about the opioid history of such patient.

Maddy summaryBill A 8001 increases the maximum monetary amount that can be sought in small claims court cases. This bill raises the jurisdictional limit for "small claims" to fifteen thousand dollars, affecting individuals and businesses involved in these disputes. It amends the uniform city court act, uniform district court act, and New York City civil court act to allow claims for money only, or actions related to arbitration awards, up to this new limit. This change enables larger financial disputes to be heard through the small claims process.