Asm. Demond Meeks

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.

Relates to the standards of monthly need for persons in receipt of public assistance; provides for an increased monthly allowance for persons and families residing in shelters.

Enacts the "Wandering Officers Act" prohibiting provisional or permanent appointment of a person as a police officer if such person has previously been fired as a police officer from any jurisdiction within or without the state, if such person left a position as a police officer either while under an investigation or while being the subject of a disciplinary action which could result in termination from any jurisdiction within or without the state, or if such person resigned while criminal charges were pending stemming from actions committed while on duty as a police officer in any jurisdiction within or without the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill defines two key terms in correctional settings: "cell" (any space used for sleep or non-shared confinement without physical barriers between people) and "out-of-cell" (being in shared group spaces for activities like recreation, library, or medical treatment without barriers). It clarifies when incarcerated individuals are considered confined in a cell versus participating in group activities outside a cell. The definitions directly affect correctional facilities and incarcerated people by standardizing how confinement and group activities are categorized under existing laws. The bill does not change policies but provides clear terminology for implementation.

Establishes application processing and review requirements for reprieves, commutations and pardons by the governor; requires the governor to provide: a written notification that the application has been received; a receipt number that the applicant can then use to check on the applicant's application status; guidelines for supplementing the application with additional or updated information; and a notification when a decision is made on the application; requires quarterly reports to the legislature regarding reprieves, commutations and pardons.

Establishes an assumption of the inadmissibility of evidence of a defendant's creative or artistic expression against such defendant in a criminal proceeding; requires the proffering party to affirmatively prove that the evidence is admissible by clear and convincing evidence.

Prohibits publicly owned treatment works from accepting wastewater associated with the exploration, delineation, development, or production of natural gas from high-volume hydraulic fracturing; provides exceptions.

Maddy summaryThis bill permanently authorizes photo speed monitoring systems in highway construction and maintenance work zones on controlled-access highways and the Thruway. It increases the maximum number of allowed systems from 20 to 40 on highways and from 10 to 20 on the Thruway. The systems can issue citations to vehicle owners for speeding in these zones when work is ongoing and speed limits are posted, but cannot be installed on exit ramps. The program requires location selection based on crash history and speed data, and applies directly to drivers operating vehicles in these work zones.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York health insurance policies covering maternity care to include doula services as a standard benefit. It applies to all individual and group health insurance plans providing maternity coverage, directly affecting insurers and people receiving maternity care. The law mandates that coverage must include doula services alongside hospital stays (48 hours after vaginal birth, 96 hours after C-section), while prohibiting duplicate payments for services already provided by midwives or physicians. Insurers must cover doulas without additional cost to policyholders as part of existing maternity care requirements.