Asm. Vivian Cook

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal right to counsel for eligible immigrants in New York during immigration proceedings. It applies to income-eligible non-citizens or those with significant New York ties (like residents or cases tied to NY courts) facing removal or detention under federal immigration law. The New York State Office for New Americans will administer the program, providing initial consultations and ongoing legal representation starting when a case begins (e.g., upon receiving a "Notice to Appear") and continuing until the case concludes. Legal services must be offered regardless of the proceeding's location, including federal immigration courts outside New York.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that batteries used in electric-assist bicycles and electric scooters must be tested and approved by specific accredited laboratories, such as Underwriters Laboratories or labs meeting international ISO/IEC standards. It mandates that these batteries display a certification seal from an approved lab, including those accredited under ISO/IEC 17025 or participating in the OSHA NRTL program. The law directly affects battery manufacturers and sellers of e-bikes and e-scooters, who must ensure compliance before selling or using these devices. The requirement takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how New York State funds pre-kindergarten programs outside New York City. It repeals the previous requirement for competitive selection of programs and instead guarantees funding sufficient to cover all qualifying programs in non-NYC regions. The key change ensures that every eligible pre-K program in these areas receives full funding based on need, rather than competing for limited slots. The bill also maintains the $300 million annual allocation specifically for New York City programs.

Requires applicants to the department of environmental conservation for permits to disclose information concerning other permits held and/or revoked, enforcement actions, criminal convictions, fees or fines owed, and other information relating to compliance by the applicant or any corporation of which they are an officer, director, or large stockholder with state, federal, or foreign environmental laws or regulations and certain other laws.

Relates to unlawful dealing in real property, when a person uses material governmental information, which such person knows or has reason to know is non-public, to purchase or sell real property; makes such offense a class A misdemeanor.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public schools with 100 or more enrolled students to have a registered professional nurse physically present on-site during all school hours. It amends education law to mandate that school boards ensure this nurse is available to assist with student health needs, including emergencies and health instruction. The requirement directly affects schools meeting the enrollment threshold, ensuring consistent health support for students during school days.

Retroactively adjusts the compensation of formerly incarcerated individuals who were unjustly convicted; exempts such adjusted income from state income taxes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all schools to inspect hearing testing equipment annually to ensure it meets manufacturer and government safety standards. It directly affects public and private K-12 schools that conduct hearing examinations. Schools must replace any equipment failing these standards, with inspections performed per manufacturer guidelines. The requirement applies to all devices used for hearing tests under existing education law. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Establishes the professional practice of community midwifery; defines as the management in the home, birth center, or community setting, of normal pregnancies, child birth, and postpartum care, including newborn evaluation, resuscitation and referral for infants; sets requirements for license and practice.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires corporations to obtain shareholder approval before spending money on political activities. Shareholders must vote to approve annual spending limits and specific recipients (like candidates, parties, or issues) before any political expenditure occurs. Corporations must also notify shareholders within 48 hours of spending, post details on their website, and include all political spending in annual reports. Additionally, shareholders who disagree can request a pro-rata rebate, and corporations with majority ownership by entities like pension funds cannot make political expenditures.