Asm. Bill Conrad

Directs the commissioner of the office of children and family services, in consultation with the commissioner of education, to develop educational materials regarding resources and programs available to foster care youth who are preparing to attend or are attending institutions of higher education including information on funding opportunities that are available for such youth.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Fashion Environmental Accountability Act, requires large fashion retailers to conduct standardized environmental due diligence on their supply chains and creates a remediation fund to address harms. It applies to businesses selling new clothing, shoes, or bags with over $100 million in annual revenue, excluding used clothing sellers and most multi-brand retailers. Companies must map their suppliers across four tiers, from raw material providers to finished goods manufacturers, and report on their efforts to prevent or mitigate environmental damage. The legislation mandates that these reports be independently verified and published using open data principles, while defining a "living wage" as a key standard for worker compensation.

Relates to rechargeable battery recycling; adds a battery used as the principal electric power source for an electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist to the definition of "rechargeable battery"; provides that a battery manufacturer may not sell, offer for sale, or distribute rechargeable batteries in the state unless the battery manufacturer is implementing or participating under an approved plan; allows a city with a population of one million or more to enforce through its own agencies.

Enacts the "packaging reduction and recycling infrastructure act" to require companies selling, offering for sale, or distributing packaging materials and products to register with a packaging reduction organization to develop a packaging reduction and recycling plan.

Enacts the "just energy transition act"; creates the just energy transition task force; requires a study of competitive options to facilitate the phase-out, replacement and redevelopment of New York state's oldest and most-polluting fossil-fueled power generation facilities and their sites by the year 2040.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows prosecutors to introduce evidence that a defendant has committed a prior sexual offense during a current sexual assault trial. The law permits judges to admit this past conduct to prove specific facts like intent, identity, or a common pattern of behavior, rather than just to show the defendant has a bad character. However, the judge retains the power to exclude such evidence if its negative impact on a fair trial outweighs its usefulness in proving the case. The definition of a "sexual offense" under this rule includes various crimes listed in the state penal code, and the changes take effect immediately upon signing.

Provides that members of a retirement system who retire from such system and later rejoin the retirement system are reinstated with the same rights, benefits and privileges they had prior to retirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts the presence of specific chemicals in menstrual products sold or distributed within the state. It defines "restricted substances" to include items like lead, mercury, formaldehyde, and various phthalates, prohibiting their use as intentionally added ingredients starting on the effective date. The law also establishes a timeline for setting lower safety thresholds for these chemicals, requiring the Department of Health to propose regulations within a year and review them every five years. Manufacturers of tampons, pads, cups, and other menstrual hygiene products must comply with these limits to sell their goods in the state.

Enacts the "home utility weatherization jobs act"; requires each gas corporation, electric corporation, or combination gas or electric corporation to submit to the public service commission for review and approval a weatherization pilot program plan.

Prohibits discrimination against and harassment or bullying of students by employees or students on private, religious or denominational school property or at a school function; provides immunity from civil liability for a person making a good faith report of discrimination, harassment or bullying to authorities.