Asm. Joe DeStefano

Maddy summaryThis bill makes personnel records for police officers, firefighters, correction officers, and probation officers confidential. It prohibits public inspection or disclosure without the officer's written consent, except under strict court orders. Courts may only grant access after a hearing where all parties can be heard, and judges must verify the request has sufficient factual basis before sealing records for review. The law does not apply to prosecutors, attorneys general, or agencies like grand juries that legally require such records for official duties.

Requires the board of elections to check all registered voter's citizenship and lawful permanent resident status; requires all voters to show government issued identification to vote.

Enacts the college textbook affordability act; establishes the New York state open education resources council and the New York state open source digital library; authorizes SUNY campuses and community colleges to adopt open educational resources adoption incentive program campus plans and apply for grants to implement such plans; provides that settlements with the office of the attorney general shall be used to provide assistance to the state university of New York for the purposes of carrying out the provisions of this act.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires local authorities and the New York State Department of Transportation to examine and certify the accuracy of all traffic-control signals at intersections every two years. It directly affects local governments and state transportation officials responsible for maintaining traffic signals. The key provision adds a mandatory biennial inspection requirement to ensure signals operate correctly and safely. This is a procedural safety measure focused on maintaining signal functionality, not changing traffic rules or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 7146) establishes a pilot program allowing the Town of Huntington to manage deer populations through controlled culling by qualified specialists. It creates a permit system requiring specialists to meet marksmanship standards, carry insurance, and follow specific reporting rules. The town must demonstrate deer are causing property damage or public safety threats before receiving a permit, which authorizes specialists to use methods like targeted culling and baiting within a defined plan. The program applies only to Huntington and modifies existing laws to permit these activities under department oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1532) requires all composting bags sold within the state - including yard waste bags, leaf bags, and similar products - to be made of paper, not plastic. It directly affects retailers selling these bags and manufacturers producing them. Violations carry a $500 penalty per offense for both retailers and manufacturers. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, and defines "compost materials" as items like leaves, grass clippings, and garden debris.

Authorizes the state mortgage agency to purchase veterans' assisted forward commitment mortgages from banks within the state; requires the board of directors of the state mortgage agency to establish income limits for eligible veterans from time to time.

Directs the secretary of state to publish a comprehensive list of all state sponsored novel virus related programs and resources available to consumers, student loan debtors, senior citizens, small businesses, renters and homeowners on the department of state website.

Requires the commissioner of education, in consultation with the commissioner of health, to develop a bleeding control kit program which requires bleeding control kits to be installed in easily accessible areas of schools; requires training of personnel to use bleeding control kits in the event of an injury to another person.

Requires the notification of a public utility company's or municipality's customers when the supply rate increases by at least forty percent and to notify such customers of bill assistance programs by posting on the utility company's website.