Asm. David Weprin

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 5143) updates rules for forensic reports in child custody and visitation cases. It requires courts to keep such reports confidential but mandates that all parties, their attorneys, and the child’s attorney receive copies upon court receipt - without delay before or during trial. The bill also ensures access to full evaluator files (including notes and data) for review and copying, with courts required to accommodate language needs and disabilities. Failure to comply with these access rules is defined as contempt of court, punishable by fines or imprisonment.

Establishes the "Interstate insurance product regulation compact" to regulate certain insurance products among member states and to promote and protect the interest of consumers of individual and group annuity, life insurance, disability income and long-term care insurance products.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York State's education commissioner to create safety guidelines for school bus transportation during student field trips. It specifically applies to students attending schools in the five boroughs of New York City (Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island). The guidelines must cover trips during and outside school hours, with a key provision limiting field trip locations to within 20 miles of the borough boundaries or within the student's county. School districts must use buses they own or lease for these trips.

Prohibits the application of fail-first or step therapy protocols to coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of serious mental health conditions; defines serious mental health condition.

Establishes an unemployment bridge program and an unemployment bridge program fund to provide wage replacement to workers that do not qualify for unemployment insurance or other worker wage assistance programs and who have lost a major source of income due to lost work (Part A); establishes the "Digital Ad Tax Act (DATA)" creating a tax on digital advertising services (Part B).

Protects canids by requiring animals which could be coyotes or wolves be submitted for a genetic test to determine genetic makeup; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens New York's Kendra's Law (assisted outpatient treatment program) by making it permanent and adding specific oversight requirements. It requires program coordinators to monitor treatment compliance, ensures timely service delivery, and mandates an educational pamphlet explaining the petition process in plain language. The law directly affects individuals court-ordered into outpatient treatment for serious mental illness, community mental health providers, and court staff handling petitions. Key changes include eliminating the program's automatic expiration and clarifying duties for directors of community services to investigate reports and coordinate care.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for New York's prison work release programs by extending the timeframe for parole eligibility from two to three years before release. It allows incarcerated individuals convicted of homicide or assault to qualify if they prove they were abused by the victim and the abuse contributed to the crime, requiring documentation like hospital records or police reports. The bill excludes those convicted of serious offenses like sex crimes, terrorism, or child sexual abuse from participating. It also requires the commissioner to consult prosecutors and courts before approving exceptions, while maintaining restrictions on those with escape convictions or certain violent histories. This directly affects incarcerated people in New York state facilities seeking work release opportunities.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases tax credits for installing geothermal energy systems. It raises the maximum credit to $10,000 for systems placed in service on or after July 1, 2025 (up from $5,000 before June 2025). It also adds refundability for qualifying low-income taxpayers or those in disadvantaged communities, allowing excess credits to be refunded instead of carried forward starting in 2026. The policy directly affects homeowners and businesses installing geothermal systems, providing greater financial incentives for adoption.

Relates to school climate and codes of conduct on school property and disciplinary action following violation of such codes of conduct; makes conforming amendments.