Asm. Michaelle Solages

Maddy summaryThis bill formally changes the name of the "state board of parole" to the "state board of re-entry" throughout New York's executive law. It updates all references to the board's name in statutes related to its composition, duties, and funding, such as replacing "parole" with "re-entry" in sections defining board members, functions, and budget requirements. The bill makes no substantive policy changes to how the board operates or its responsibilities - it is purely a technical renaming to align terminology with the board's focus on supporting individuals transitioning back into communities after incarceration. The change affects all legal documents, staffing, and budgetary references to the board.

Establishes the crime of forcible touching of a correction officer; increases criminal penalties for certain sexual offenses committed against correction officers when such correction officer is acting in the course of such correction officer's employment.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets safety and performance standards for smart meters used by electric and gas utilities in residential settings. It requires all advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) devices to meet FCC, ANSI, and commission-established standards for radio frequency safety, meter accuracy, and customer data encryption. The law guarantees residential customers the right to refuse two-way smart meter installation without fees or penalties, and to request removal within 365 days of installation at no cost. Utilities must provide 90 days' written notice before installing two-way meters, detailing these customer rights.

Relates to the right to unemployment benefits based on employment with certain educational institutions, including the state university of New York, the city university of New York and public community colleges; clarifies the meaning of certain terms relating to such rights to unemployment benefits.

Maddy summaryThis New York state bill creates a work opportunity tax credit for employers hiring New York residents in targeted groups (such as veterans or long-term unemployed individuals, as defined by federal law). Employers can claim a 100% credit against state tax for qualified wages paid to these employees, capped at $500 per employee annually. The total credit is limited to $90 million across all taxpayers, with the program expiring December 31, 2028. It applies to wages paid after April 1, 2026, and cannot overlap with other state tax credits for the same wages.

Requires genetic testing results only be received by patients and health care providers providing direct care while health insurance companies only receive a record that the genetic testing was performed; provides insurers cannot require access to genetic testing results and cannot take adverse action against someone for not providing genetic testing results.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 5755) allows school districts, charter schools, and boards of cooperative educational services to optionally incorporate music and art into prekindergarten programs. It does not require schools to add these subjects, but provides a legal pathway for them to do so. The policy change is limited to authorizing, rather than mandating, arts integration in early childhood education. The bill was referred to the Education committee on February 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the phrase "E pluribus unum" from the official description of the state's coat of arms and flag. It amends the legal description to delete the motto "E pluribus unum" from the shield's scroll, while retaining "Excelsior" above it. The change takes effect immediately, with no requirement to replace existing flags or arms printed before the effective date. The bill is procedural, affecting only the official wording of state symbols.

Provides that any claim for deceptive acts or practices against a distribution utility providing gas, electric or steam services to the public, the court shall have exclusive jurisdiction over such claim without regard to any defenses alleged; provides that in any claim for false advertising, the court shall have exclusive jurisdiction over such claim.

Expands pharmacy benefit management services to include the management or administration of benefits relating to durable medical equipment; defines "durable medical equipment"; relates to pharmacy or durable medical equipment provider audits by pharmacy benefit managers.