Asm. David Weprin

Enacts the "gender identity respect, dignity and safety act"; relates to the treatment and placement of incarcerated individuals based upon gender identity; requires that incarcerated individuals in state and local correctional facilities who have a gender identity different from their assigned sex at birth be addressed and have access to commissary items, clothing and other materials that are consistent with the person's gender identity; establishes that incarcerated individuals shall be presumptively placed in a correctional facility with persons of the gender that most closely aligns with such person's self-attested gender identity unless the person opts out of such placement.

Provides that NYSERDA shall establish a program to provide rebates or new lithium-ion batteries for powered mobility devices at reduced cost or no cost to certain individuals; sets standards for lithium-ion batteries provided pursuant to the program; requires NYSERDA to submit an annual report on such program.

Provides an option for beneficiaries of NYC transit authority members to receive a lump sum equal to the pension reserve where a member who is eligible for a service retirement dies prior to filing for retirement.

Establishes a captive insurance program for commuter vans, black cars, ambulettes and paratransit vehicles, small school buses, and charter buses that are engaged in the business of carrying or transporting eight to twenty-four passengers for hire; pre-arranged for-hire vehicles and accessible vehicles; defines terms.

Requires the development of a "what mortgage applicants need to know" pamphlet on residential mortgages; provides such pamphlet shall be posted and printed in the 6 most common non-English languages spoken by individuals with limited English proficiency in New York state.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the harvesting of horseshoe crabs in New York State for both commercial and biomedical uses, with limited exceptions for bona fide scientific or educational purposes. It achieves this by amending existing environmental laws to explicitly exclude horseshoe crabs from the regulations that allow other crab species to be taken under specific permits. The legislation also prevents the state department from creating any new management rules that would permit the harvest of these crabs. While the bill passed the Senate and was delivered to the Governor, it was ultimately vetoed and tabled.

Requires reporting and posting by assisted living facilities relating to quality measures and information concerning rates, rent, and service fees; requires a scoring system of the assisted living quality reporting.

Relates to prohibiting the sale or distribution of expanded polystyrene containers that are designed or intended to be used for cold storage beginning January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Dyslexia Diagnosis Access Act, mandates that health insurance policies covering physician services must pay for comprehensive neuropsychological exams used to diagnose dyslexia. The legislation aims to address the high cost of these tests, which can exceed six thousand dollars and are often unaffordable for families without coverage. By requiring insurers to include these specific exams, the law ensures that individuals suspected of having dyslexia can access necessary diagnostic evaluations without facing financial barriers. The changes apply to all insurance policies issued, renewed, or modified on or after the act's effective date of January 1st following its passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates November 26th of every year as Sojourner Truth Day in New York State. It achieves this by adding the new commemoration to the official list of state days of recognition found in the executive law. The change allows schools and other organizations to observe the day in honor of the abolitionist and women's rights activist.