Asm. Jessica González-Rojas

Maddy summaryThis bill changes New York's parole process by requiring the state board of parole to consider specific factors before granting release. It mandates evaluation of rehabilitation efforts (like programs, therapy, and work assignments), release plans (including housing, jobs, and support services), and deportation status, while prohibiting decisions based mainly on victim statements or prior criminal records. Parole denials must include detailed written explanations, and the board must report quarterly to lawmakers with demographic data on denied cases (excluding individual identities). These changes aim to standardize parole decisions and increase transparency.

Mandates that no employee or officer of the university shall determine the specific details of a student's immigration status except when required by federal law, pursuant to a court order or as required in connection with tuition or financial aid eligibility.

Imposes fines for failure to exercise due care and move over when approaching parked, stopped or standing motor vehicles on the shoulder of a highway.

Requires that all human services contracts between any public entity and a human services provider stipulate that the public entity will pay no less than 150% of the higher of: the otherwise applicable minimum wage in the state or any otherwise applicable wage rule or order and that the necessary amounts have been appropriated to ensure payment of such minimum wage.

Requires the department of health to review claims for expenditures for early and periodic screening, diagnosis and treatment and other health services, care and supplies which are furnished to eligible children and pre-school children regardless of whether such children have handicapping conditions, are suspected of having handicapping conditions or have an individualized education plan; requires the department of health to apply for all necessary federal approvals regarding such expenditures.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new role for court-appointed advocates to represent animals' interests in legal cases involving animal welfare, such as cruelty or neglect proceedings. Courts may appoint these advocates from a list maintained by the chief judge, who would monitor cases, access relevant records (like veterinary or animal control reports), and provide the court with recommendations based on the animal's well-being. The advocate cannot subpoena evidence or conduct discovery but may attend hearings and share information with attorneys. This directly affects animals in legal cases and requires courts to implement this process when requested or initiated.

Enacts the PTSD awareness and rehabilitation act to require PTSD screening, provide trauma-informed education, and implement evidence-based rehabilitation programs to ensure incarcerated individuals receive proper support for mental health challenges.

Relates to the former crime of loitering for the purpose of engaging in a prostitution offense; expunges criminal records for persons previously convicted of such crime; directs the chief administrator of the courts to provide information regarding such expungement; adds language to identify that the crime of loitering for the purpose of engaging in a prostitution offense is no longer in law.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the New York State Office of Gun Violence Prevention and a Gun Violence Advisory Council. The office will coordinate state, local, and federal efforts to prevent gun violence, centralize grant funding, improve data collection on firearm injuries, and run public education campaigns. It requires an annual report to the governor and legislature on gun violence trends and prevention strategies. The advisory council, including survivors, healthcare providers, community leaders, and law enforcement, must advise the office quarterly. The bill directly affects all New Yorkers by establishing a dedicated state agency focused on data-driven prevention and community collaboration.

Maddy summaryBill A 8157 mandates that all schools incorporate instruction on the prevention of eating disorders into their health education programs. This new instruction will be provided to students in grades six through twelve as a component of their nutrition programs. The curriculum must be age-appropriate, designed to foster a healthy self-image and prepare students for healthy lives. The commissioner may consult with comprehensive care centers for eating disorders when developing this instruction.