Asm. Jessica González-Rojas

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all voting systems in New York to use durable paper ballots that withstand recounts without damage and retain voter marks for the full retention period. It mandates that every polling place must offer voters either a hand-marked paper ballot or a nontabulating ballot marking device (which doesn’t record votes electronically). The bill explicitly bans voting machines with wireless capabilities, internet connectivity, or encoded marks like QR/barcodes that require special devices to read. These provisions ensure voter-verifiable paper records remain the standard for audits and recounts.

Establishes a uterine fibroids awareness and education program on the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of uterine fibroids and the elevated risk for minority women.

Strengthens protections for patients regarding sexual misconduct by medical providers; requires medical expert consultants involved in investigations disclose conflicts of interest and to not be under investigation, on warning, or on probation; requires a zero-tolerance policy to be adopted and training to be provided on sexual misconduct by the board for professional misconduct; includes provisions related to the right to have a chaperone; includes sexual misconduct in the definition of professional misconduct.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 4999) prohibits the retail sale of tobacco products with non-tobacco flavors (like fruit, mint, chocolate, or menthol) and accessories that add such flavors. It directly affects all licensed tobacco retailers, businesses, and vendors operating under New York's tax law. Violations carry a civil fine of up to $500 per incident, and the law explicitly bans law enforcement from stopping or questioning people about purchasing or possessing these products. The policy aims to restrict flavored tobacco access while defining "characterizing flavor" broadly to cover any distinct non-tobacco taste.

Requires the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices if a driver accumulates eleven or more points on their driving record during a 24 month period, or receives 6 speed camera or red light camera tickets during a twelve month period.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New York's "Doctors Across New York" program to include dentists in addition to physicians. It allocates state funds specifically for loan repayment and practice support for dentists (and physicians) who work in underserved communities, with at least 50% of funds directed to general hospitals. Funding is distributed regionally (1/3 to NYC, 2/3 to the rest of the state) without competitive bidding, prioritizing primary care providers entering underserved areas. The policy directly affects dentists and physicians seeking to establish or join practices in underserved communities across New York State.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New York State Police vehicles used for roadway patrols, crime prevention/investigation, or emergency response to be equipped with dashboard cameras. It directly affects the New York State Police department by mandating this equipment on specified operational vehicles. The law specifies that every such vehicle must have a dashboard camera installed, effective January 1st after enactment. Implementation rules must be finalized before the effective date to ensure compliance.

Eliminates criminal and civil penalties for possession of controlled substances; establishes the drug decriminalization task force to develop recommendations for reforming state laws, regulations and practices so that they align with the stated goal of treating substance use disorder as a disease, rather than a criminal behavior.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits health care workers, including nurses and unlicensed assistive personnel, to their regularly scheduled work hours without mandatory overtime. Exceptions allow longer shifts only during declared emergencies (like natural disasters or public health crises), federal/state emergency declarations, or when completing an ongoing medical/surgical procedure. It specifically excludes doctors, residents, and security staff from this definition. The law aims to protect patient safety by preventing excessive staff fatigue through concrete scheduling limits. Employers cannot use on-call time to bypass these restrictions.