Asm. Stacey Pheffer Amato

Provides procedures to be followed in appointing a hearing officer for removal and disciplinary action against certain public employees not in the service of the city of New York, including the fees to be paid for such hearing officer; provides for suspension, with pay, pending the determination.

Relates to procedures relating to driving while ability impaired by drugs; defines impairment and intoxication; updates procedures for field testing of drivers suspected of being under the influence of drugs to include the use of oral/bodily fluid tests; provides that refusal to submit to such field tests is specified to be a traffic infraction; makes related provisions.

Maddy summaryBill A 8320 creates a distinctive parking placard for duly licensed midwives. This placard allows midwives to park their motor vehicles for up to one hour in areas where parking is prohibited by signs, but not where stopping or standing is prohibited, while attending to a patient nearby. Midwives can apply to the commissioner for this special placard, which requires annual verification and a one-time service charge. The purpose is to provide midwives quicker access and swift care to their patients.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 575) exempts state correction officers with peace officer status at penal correctional facilities from mandatory security guard training requirements. It amends Section 89-n of the General Business Law to explicitly include these officers in the exemption, removing a separate training obligation they previously faced. The change directly affects correction officers working in state prisons and similar facilities who already hold peace officer powers under existing law. The policy change takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Permits award of crime victim assistance funds to victims of overdoses, where such overdoses cause death and were the result of deception, surreptitious delivery, or third-party administration of a controlled substance.

Maddy summaryThis bill protects retirees whose pension benefits are transferred from ERISA-protected plans to insurance company annuities. It requires insurers to provide clear disclosures to retirees about losing federal ERISA and PBGC protections, including annual updates on plan funding and investment performance. Insurers must also verify financial strength (400% risk-based capital) before transferring these contracts to another insurer. The law applies to all such pension de-risking transactions occurring after the effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires liability insurance for bicycles, e-bikes, and e-scooters operated on public streets in New York City (population over 1 million), excluding private property. It mandates that owners carry insurance meeting specific standards set by the Superintendent of Financial Services, covering personal injury or property damage from accidents. Riders must display proof of insurance upon request by authorities or individuals harmed by an accident. The requirement applies to all public use in NYC, with limited self-insurance options for government agencies or corporations that can prove financial responsibility. This directly affects NYC residents, commuters, and delivery workers using these vehicles on public roads.

Prohibits cannabis retail and on-site consumption licensees from operating such premises within one thousand feet of the perimeter of a school grounds; prohibits the advertising and marketing of cannabis content within one thousand feet of the perimeter of a school grounds, playgrounds, child day care providers, public parks, and libraries.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's civil service law to explicitly include individuals holding positions by appointment or employment in the state's organized militia (such as the National Guard) within the definition of "public employee." It directly affects militia members serving in these roles by classifying them as public employees under the law. The change modifies the legal definition but excludes these individuals from certain provisions related to collective bargaining (sections 210 and 211) while including them in the general definition for other purposes. The amendment takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public schools in city school districts located in cities with a population of one million or more to close on March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day). It defines "qualified school districts" as those serving cities meeting the population threshold and mandates school closures for this date. The bill also includes a provision ensuring that observing St. Patrick’s Day does not count as a reduction in instructional days for attendance calculations. It directly affects large-city school systems (e.g., New York City, Los Angeles) but does not apply to smaller districts.