Asm. Sarah Clark

Relates to the convening of a human services employee wage board; requires the commissioner of labor to convene a human services employee wage board comprised of twelve members; requires the wage board to hold hearings and report and make recommendations to the governor and legislature no later than December 31, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the use, sale, distribution, and purchase of all pesticides containing paraquat dichloride or its chemical forms (including specific salts like methyl viologen) in New York State. It directly affects farmers, agricultural businesses, and anyone using paraquat-based herbicides, banning all such products starting January 1, 2027. The law explicitly defines "paraquat" using chemical identifiers (CAS numbers) to cover all related formulations. It aims to protect New Yorkers from health risks linked to paraquat exposure, such as Parkinson's disease, as noted in scientific studies cited in the bill's findings. The ban takes effect before the EPA completes its ongoing risk review of paraquat.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures students with disabilities attending non-public schools in New York have the same due process rights and equitable access to special education services as students in public schools. It requires school districts to create individualized education service plans (IESPs) for these students and allows parents to challenge decisions through established due process procedures. The bill clarifies deadlines for parents to request services (by June 1st for the next school year, or within 30 days of disability identification/residence change) and specifies that the student's district of residence must provide these services directly or via contract.

Prohibits landlords from requiring a fee for nonessential services in a tenant's base rent, including cable, internet and garage usage, as a condition of leasing a dwelling; excludes buildings with less than three dwelling units.

Extends confidentiality privileges to certain communications to or from a licensed mental health counselor in the course of such licensed mental health counselor's professional employment, and to certain employees of such licensed mental health counselor; provides exceptions thereto.

Prohibits the use of intoxication of the victim as a defense in sex crimes where the victim is under the influence of any drug, intoxicant, or other substance to a degree which rendered the victim temporarily incapable of appraising or controlling such person's conduct and such condition was known or reasonably should have been known to a person in the actor's situation.

Requires school districts to provide instructional programming and services in reading and literacy which are evidence based and aligned with state standards; requires teachers in grades pre-K through five to attend professional development courses in reading education.

Requires colleges, universities, professional, proprietary and graduate schools to provide written notice to all students of the institution's tuition liability policy.

Provides that only automated clearing houses or electronic funds transfers from such authorized sports bettor's personal bank account, wire transfers from an authorized sports bettor's personal bank account, personal checks delivered to the operator, a debit card issued by a financial institution that draws directly from such authorized sports bettor's personal bank account only and not a prepaid debit card, or in-person cash deposits at a casino or other approved location, may be used to fund mobile sports wagering accounts.

Provides additional protections for sensitive health information; requires all health information networks, electronic health record systems, and health care providers to provide patients with a right to restrict the disclosures of such patient's health information; defines terms; provides for exceptions.