Asm. Jen Lunsford

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a New York state program to redeem up to $9,000 of student loans for eligible public school teachers. It directly affects teachers hired after the law's effective date who teach STEM subjects or special education, meet specific academic criteria (top 20% in high school, 3.5 GPA, or top 20% SAT/ACT scores), and complete three consecutive years of full-time teaching. The program redeems eligible loan balances after three years of service, with the state covering up to $9,000 or the actual debt balance, whichever is lower, upon submission of employment proof. Teachers may cancel the contract with written notice but must repay any unredeemed debt.

Includes care and services provided by a child advocacy center licensed, certified, or otherwise authorized by the office of children and family services under standard coverage for Medicaid recipients.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3589, "Protects library access to electronic literary materials") bans restrictive clauses in contracts between publishers and libraries for electronic literary materials (e-books and digital audiobooks). It specifically prohibits terms that limit libraries' core functions, such as restricting loans, limiting preservation copies, or controlling loan periods. The law applies to licensing agreements for literary monographs (single-volume works) and declares such prohibited terms unenforceable, with libraries able to seek remedies under state law. It does not apply to contracts between libraries and aggregators (companies licensing multiple publishers' collections).

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 7786, "Sovereign Debt Stability Act") creates a voluntary legal framework for foreign governments or subnational entities (like states/provinces) with debt governed by New York law to restructure unsustainable debt. It directly affects debtor nations or subnational units holding debt under New York jurisdiction, requiring them to choose between two restructuring pathways (Section 223 or Section 230) and notify creditors. Key mechanisms include a debtor state filing a petition, appointing an independent monitor to facilitate agreements, and requiring creditor participation under "burden-sharing standards" to ensure equitable cost distribution. The law aims to protect New York's financial interests by reducing systemic risk, preventing defaults that could harm its economy, and supporting international debt relief efforts.

Permits award of crime victim assistance funds to victims of overdoses, where such overdoses cause death and were the result of deception, surreptitious delivery, or third-party administration of a controlled substance.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how town assessors are selected in New York State. It requires all towns (except very small ones with fewer than 300 residents and low property valuation) to appoint assessors instead of holding elections for the position. The key mechanism is amending the Town Law to remove the requirement for elected assessors statewide, making them appointed positions filled by town boards. Current elected assessors may complete their existing terms under this change. The bill directly affects all towns that previously held elections for this role, shifting the selection process to a non-elective, appointment-based system.

Provides practical support for access to abortion care including, but not limited to, reimbursement for ground and air transportation, lodging, meals, childcare, translation services, and doula support.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New York police officers from using chemical agents, such as pepper spray or tear gas, against minors under the age of 18 in any circumstance. It requires all police departments to update their use-of-force policies to explicitly ban such chemical agents when interacting with minors. The law takes effect immediately and directly affects police officers and departments across New York, as well as minors under 18 who may encounter law enforcement. This change modifies existing policy requirements without altering other aspects of police conduct.

Enacts the Health Care Nondiscrimination Act; requires insurance coverage and health plans to implement equality and non-discrimination between licensed health care providers; requires fee parity between different classes of licensed providers providing the similar or like-kind services; requires practitioners to discuss and refer or prescribe non-pharmacological treatment alternatives before prescribing an opioid treatment; allows any licensed health care provider to perform certain services, including certifying disability and employment by school districts; provides for enforcement and penalties.

Requires general hospitals to have a registered professional nurse as a sitting and voting member of the governing entity responsible for developing a hospital's strategic plan, structure, systems, policies and programs.