Asm. Michaelle Solages

Provides that certain purchase contracts to purchase food can be awarded to a qualified bidder who fulfills certain values based procurement standards when such bid is not more than 10% higher than the lowest responsible bidder and when the bidder makes publicly available data on where such bidder sources their food items; sets forth the criteria for values based procurement standards to include local economies, environmental sustainability, racial equity, valued workforce, animal welfare, and nutrition.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a formal resolution congratulating the Elmont High School Boys Basketball Team and their coach, Ryan Straub, for winning the 2024 NYSPHSAA Basketball Class AA Championship on March 16, 2024. The measure recognizes the team's first state title since 2016, achieved after a 51-44 victory over West Genesee, and specifically names the fifteen student-athletes and their coach as recipients of the commendation. By adopting this resolution, the legislative body pauses its proceedings to honor the team's dedication and success, with copies of the document to be sent directly to the Spartans.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires payment card networks and merchant acquirers to use specific international codes for businesses that sell firearms and ammunition in New York. Starting in May 2025, these financial intermediaries must assign the designated code to licensed gun dealers and ammunition sellers to ensure their transactions are properly classified. The law includes enforcement measures where the Attorney General can issue notices, seek court injunctions, and impose civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation if the required codes are not used. By standardizing how these transactions are categorized, the legislation aims to improve data tracking for firearm and ammunition sales within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows towns and villages to set a new rule requiring their local justices to be licensed attorneys. Under the proposed change, a local government would need to vote by a majority to adopt this requirement, which would apply to anyone serving as a justice after the next election following the law's passage. The bill does not force every community to adopt this rule but gives them the option to raise the educational and professional standards for their judicial officers. It takes effect on January 1st of the year after the bill becomes law.

Establishes an emergency heating energy assistance program benefit to provide emergency assistance to certain households where such household is threatened with shut-off or an energy emergency due to nonpayment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary workgroup to study blood clots and pulmonary embolisms, directly involving healthcare providers, patients, family members, and advocates. The group, appointed by state officials and the health commissioner, will investigate current data, care standards, and treatment options while developing a risk surveillance system and policy recommendations. Unpaid members will submit their findings in a written report within one year, which the health department will then publish online. The legislation is designed to expire automatically after approximately three years.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the list of school safety activities eligible for funding under the state's omnibus school violence prevention grant program. It specifically authorizes money to support anti-violence education programs that offer trauma support, counseling, and empowerment activities for students affected by gun violence. To qualify for these funds, the programs must be run by nonprofit organizations, provide evidence-based services, and include clear goals and assessment methods to measure their effectiveness. The legislation also clarifies that any funded program cannot use firearms for training or demonstrations.