Asm. Jeffrion Aubry

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the State Commission of Correction from three to nine members to include a broader range of perspectives in overseeing the state's correctional system. The new commission will consist of appointees from the governor, the Assembly speaker, the Senate temporary president, and the correctional association, with specific requirements that at least one member be a formerly incarcerated individual, a public health professional, a behavioral health expert, or an attorney specializing in prisoner rights. To ensure stability and balance, members will serve staggered five-year terms with a limit of ten years total, and the appointing authority for each member will have the power to remove them for cause.

Prohibits utility corporations from imposing late fees, interest, or penalties during an investigation by the commission; allows retroactive late fees, interest, or penalties if a determination is made in favor of such utility corporation; prohibits utility services from being terminated during an investigation by the commission; requires utility corporations to notify customers of investigations; requires notice to the general public.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits state-operated hospitals, university health facilities, and cancer institutes from suing patients to collect medical debt. It defines medical debt as any amount owed for health care services, products, devices, or ambulance care provided by licensed providers. The law applies specifically to these public institutions and bars them from filing civil or supreme court lawsuits against individuals for such debts. The provision takes effect immediately upon passage.

Relates to rechargeable battery recycling; adds a battery used as the principal electric power source for an electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist to the definition of "rechargeable battery"; provides that a battery manufacturer may not sell, offer for sale, or distribute rechargeable batteries in the state unless the battery manufacturer is implementing or participating under an approved plan; allows a city with a population of one million or more to enforce through its own agencies.

Enacts the "packaging reduction and recycling infrastructure act" to require companies selling, offering for sale, or distributing packaging materials and products to register with a packaging reduction organization to develop a packaging reduction and recycling plan.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance policies to cover transvaginal ultrasounds when they are medically necessary and recommended by established clinical guidelines. The law defines these guidelines as evidence-based recommendations created by independent medical organizations using transparent methods and conflict-of-interest policies. It applies to pregnancy care provided under insurance plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026. The changes directly affect pregnant individuals seeking this specific type of ultrasound and the insurance companies that must provide coverage for it.

Prohibits the use of intoxication of the victim as a defense in sex crimes where the victim is under the influence of any drug, intoxicant, or other substance to a degree which rendered the victim temporarily incapable of appraising or controlling such person's conduct and such condition was known or reasonably should have been known to a person in the actor's situation.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the state Department of Health to conduct a comprehensive study on how to better integrate doulas into hospitals and birthing centers across New York. The study will evaluate current practices by gathering data on existing doula programs, identifying facilities that are already doula-friendly, and reviewing successful initiatives both within the state and elsewhere. Additionally, the report must provide specific recommendations on best practices for creating doula-friendly spaces, including criteria for visitor status, presence in birthing rooms, and data collection methods. The final findings and suggestions are required to be submitted to state leaders by December 31, 2025, to inform future policies supporting maternal health care.

Relates to prevailing wage requirements applicable to brownfield remediation work performed under private contract as it relates to certain remediation activities, for sites that are seeking or have received a determination that the site is eligible for the tangible property credit component of the brownfield redevelopment tax credit, and the work is paid for in whole or in part by public funds.

Enacts the "just energy transition act"; creates the just energy transition task force; requires a study of competitive options to facilitate the phase-out, replacement and redevelopment of New York state's oldest and most-polluting fossil-fueled power generation facilities and their sites by the year 2040.