Asm. Vivian Cook

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3780) requires New York correctional facilities to allow incarcerated individuals to make at least one free phone call to their next of kin or personal representative immediately before being transferred to a new facility, except when safety risks prevent it. It directly affects incarcerated people and their families by ensuring communication during transfers. Key provisions mandate electronic notification to families before transfer, a mandatory call opportunity (with safety exceptions), and a backup requirement: if a call isn't permitted pre-transfer, staff must make one within 24 hours of arrival at the new facility. The law also requires written documentation if calls are blocked due to safety concerns.

Provides that an insurer doing business in this state shall be liable to a policy holder for such insurer's refusal to pay or unreasonable delay of payment to the policy holder if such refusal or delay was not substantially justified; enumerates instances whereby an insurer's refusal or delay of payment is not substantially justified including intentional negligence, failure to act in good faith, failure to provide written denial of claim, failure to make final determination of claim within six months, and failure to promptly proceed with the appraisal process.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public school districts to operate kindergarten programs on a full-day schedule starting in the 2027-2028 school year. It amends education law sections to mandate that kindergartens - currently offered as part-time in many districts - must provide full-day programming for all eligible children (ages 4-6) beginning that school year. The law directly affects school districts and their kindergarten programs, replacing existing provisions that allowed for part-time options. It does not change age requirements or cost structures but specifies the operational format for kindergarten instruction.

Prohibits operation of a motor vehicle on any highway in this state equipped with a radar device commonly known as a PHAZER II connected to a power source; provides for use of rebuttable presumption.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 6832) increases penalties for businesses that sell alcohol to minors in New York. It establishes escalating fines and jail terms for repeat offenses: $125/$30 days for a first conviction, rising to $1,000/1 year for subsequent offenses. The law directly affects licensed establishments (like bars and stores) that violate underage alcohol sales laws. Penalties increase with each conviction, with minimums rising from $125 to $1,000 and jail time from 30 days to 1 year.

Provides that the fire commissioner of any fire department in cities having a population of one million or more shall not substantially alter the boundaries of fire companies, once fixed, or close, remove or relocate a fire company unless at least thirty days prior to the taking effect of such action written notice thereof has been given to each local community board or boards having jurisdiction over that part of the city directly affected by such proposed action or service reduction.

Deems home instruction which is compliant with the provisions of article 65 of the education law and the home instruction requirements prescribed in the commissioner of education's regulations to be substantially equivalent in amount and quality to the instruction given to students of like age and attainments at the public schools of the city or district where the student resides.

Prohibits police officers from using bias-based profiling; requires that a procedure be established for the taking and review of complaints against police officers for bias-based profiling; allows an action for injunctive relief and/or damages to be brought against a law enforcement agency, any agent of a law enforcement agency and the supervisor of an agent.

Establishes a discount fare rate of no less than 25% for full-time undergraduate students attending an accredited college who utilize the New York city transit system, including railroad, subway and/or omnibus services.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New York's education commissioner to create a statewide pilot program improving social and emotional learning (SEL) in schools, requiring every school district to implement it in at least one school within 12 months. The program must use pre-tested SEL curricula meeting specific standards (including evidence from federal clearinghouses and community service components) and be delivered through approved community organizations. All participating schools must integrate SEL into lessons or standalone classes for students from pre-K through 12th grade. The program will be evaluated by the state education department, with a final report due by July 2029, and is funded through state appropriations with an expiration date of August 2029.