Asm. Jen Lunsford

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New York's "Medical Aid in Dying Act," allowing terminally ill adults (18+) with decision-making capacity to request and self-administer medication to end their life. To qualify, a patient must have a terminal illness confirmed by two physicians (the attending physician and a consulting physician) and make an informed decision after being fully informed of alternatives, risks, and outcomes. The process requires an oral request, a written request signed by the patient and witnessed by two non-conflicted adults (not relatives or beneficiaries), and includes the right to rescind the request at any time. The bill also mandates documentation, safe disposal of unused medication, and state reporting.

Establishes the New York native plants program to conserve, promote, and enhance the native ecology of New York state by encouraging the use of native plants and ecological-friendly methods and materials on state and local land.

Requires employers to inform their employees that non-disclosure or non-disparagement provisions in their employment contracts do not prohibit them from speaking with law enforcement, the equal employment opportunity commission, the state division of human rights, a local commission on human rights, or an attorney retained by the employee.

Establishes a private right of action for any person whose personally identifying information was intentionally disclosed by another individual, without consent, for the purpose of harassing, threatening, intimidating, or causing harm to such person, or with reckless disregard as to whether such disclosure would cause such harm; defines personal information.

Authorizes the New York Liquidation Bureau to establish a program to evaluate and reimburse eligible local educational agencies for monetary liabilities arising from civil claims or settlement agreements related to certain acts that occurred during a period covered by a liability insurance policy issued by an insolvent insurer.

Requires legislative approval for any change in the state agency or agency subdivision which has management and control, including but not limited to management and control over its maintenance and oversight, of any portion of the barge canal.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the state constitution to allow the legislature to adjust the number of justices on the supreme court in any judicial district. It sets a population-based limit: the number of justices cannot exceed one per 50,000 residents (or any fraction over 30,000) based on the latest census. The legislature may also reduce justices, but not below the current number in any district. The proposed change requires voter approval in the 2026 general election.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to guarantee personal privacy as an inherent right for all individuals. It would add a new section to the state constitution stating that "the inherent right of each person to personal privacy shall not be infringed," directly affecting every natural person within the state. The amendment requires the proposed change to be published for three months before the next general election, per constitutional procedure. As currently pending (referred to Judiciary after receiving an attorney general opinion), this is a procedural step toward potential constitutional change, not an immediate law.

Relates to the qualification of voters; provides that a citizen who is seventeen years of age at the time of a primary election and who will be eighteen years of age at the time of the general election for which such primary election is held, shall be eligible to vote in such primary election.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 7.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for specific human services programs effective April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026. It directly affects providers of mental health, developmental disability, and addiction services (including clinics, residential programs, and outpatient care) by requiring them to use the COLA funds to provide at least a 2.6% targeted salary increase for eligible staff. The COLA applies to programs funded or certified by the Office of Mental Health, Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, and Office of Addiction Services and Supports. This adjustment is inclusive of other inflation factors for the specified period, excluding federal pandemic relief programs.