Asm. Steven Raga

Requires the department of education to develop school health and mental health professionals to student ratios in public schools for students who do not receive services pursuant to the individuals with disabilities education act.

Requires hotels and motels to notify employees of the presence of bedbugs on the premises; requires the development and administration of training on methods and procedures for the eradication of bedbugs upon hiring and each year thereafter.

Requires the commissioner of health to promulgate regulations requiring that the addition of, decertification of, or changes in the method of delivery of perinatal services by a general hospital be subject to an application under article 28 of the public health law that requires review and approval by the council.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits involuntary servitude and forced labor in all New York state and local correctional facilities, directly affecting incarcerated individuals. It amends the Civil Rights Law to explicitly ban slavery, involuntary servitude, and forced labor for all people in New York - including those convicted of crimes - and adds a new Correction Law section prohibiting any labor compelled through force, threats, or adverse actions (like disciplinary measures). The law makes it illegal for facilities to require labor against an individual's will using coercion or fear of punishment. This represents a concrete legal change to end forced labor practices within New York's prison system.

Maddy summaryThis bill codifies existing animal cruelty laws from the Agriculture and Markets Law into a new "Title Q" within the Penal Law, repealing 23 previous sections. It creates specific criminal offenses including animal fighting facilitation (with felony penalties), overdriving or torturing animals, failure to provide shelter for dogs in inclement weather, electrocution of fur-bearing animals, confinement in vehicles during extreme temperatures, and prohibited grooming practices. The law directly affects pet owners, farmers, animal handlers, and anyone involved in animal care or activities like dog fighting or grooming. Key provisions define terms like "companion animal," "animal fighting," and "fur-bearing animal," establishing clear criminal penalties for violations under the Penal Law.

Establishes the Hudson Valley power authority to own and operate electricity service and to create or acquire one or more wholly owned subsidiaries or membership interests in subsidiaries; establishes energy observatory corporations for studying and enabling effective community governance of power authorities; makes related provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates asset limits for households receiving public assistance benefits, meaning savings, property, and other assets will no longer reduce eligibility or benefit amounts. It directly affects households enrolled in programs like food assistance, cash aid, or medical assistance by removing previous restrictions (e.g., $2,500 cash limit for applicants). Key provisions replace specific dollar thresholds with a general exemption for all assets, while retaining limited exemptions for homes, one vehicle, burial plots, and education funds. The change aligns with federal requirements and ensures benefits are calculated without penalizing households for holding assets.

Relates to the purchase of zero-emission buses and the procurement of electric-powered buses, vehicles or other related equipment and infrastructure; requires public utilities to have infrastructure, capacity, facilities, and transmission and distribution systems needed to supply power for the charging of zero-emission buses and provides a tariff for charging of electric buses.

Enacts the manufacturer disclosure and transparency act requiring prescription drug manufacturers to notify the attorney general of arrangements between pharmaceutical manufacturers resulting in the delay of the introduction of generic medications.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new civil lawsuit pathway for individuals whose constitutional or federal rights were violated by government actors (such as police, courts, or public officials). It allows victims to sue for damages and court-ordered remedies, removes common defenses like "I thought it was legal," and requires courts to award attorney fees to winning plaintiffs - even if the case settles without a formal judgment. Public entities (like cities or state agencies) must cover their employees' legal costs if sued under this law, and lawsuits must be filed within three years of the violation. It directly affects people harmed by government overreach, ensuring they have a clear legal route to seek redress for rights violations.