Asm. Catalina Cruz

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits employers, labor organizations, and employment agencies from using an individual's consumer credit history to make decisions about hiring, compensation, or employment terms. It defines consumer credit history to include credit reports, credit scores, and details about payment history or bankruptcies obtained directly from the individual. The law includes specific exceptions for roles requiring security clearances, access to trade secrets, positions involving significant financial authority, and certain law enforcement or investigative jobs. Additionally, it prevents state and municipal agencies from using credit history for licensing or permitting purposes, with similar exceptions for positions requiring high levels of public trust or financial responsibility. The Division of Human Rights is tasked with collecting data on how these exemptions are used and reporting findings to the legislature within two years.

Prohibits health insurers, health care plans and HMOs from requiring prior authorization for pre-exposure prophylaxis used to prevent HIV infection, provided that the health insurer, health care plan or HMO can confirm that the insured prescribed pre-exposure prophylaxis has tested negative for HIV within the previous one hundred and twenty days.

Directs contracting state agencies to develop a growth plan in order to increase participation of minority- and women-owned businesses with respect to state contracts and subcontracts which includes an analyses of the use of discretionary buying.

Provides for the licensure of school psychology practitioners; authorizes the use of the title "licensed school psychology practitioner" to licensed or exempt individuals; defines practice of licensed school psychology practitioners; sets forth requirements for professional licensure (including educational attainment, experience, exam and fee); provides for issuance of limited permits under specified circumstances; identifies exempt persons.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows defendants to appeal rulings that exclude evidence, even if they have pleaded guilty and waived their right to appeal. It changes the law so that these specific appeals are permitted because the issues involve matters of public concern. The change applies to criminal cases where a judge has denied a motion to suppress evidence, ensuring that such decisions can be reviewed by a higher court.

Includes additional community districts in which pilot programs to address the legalization or conversion of certain basement and cellar dwellings can be established by local law.

Establishes the "earned time act" providing for time allowances against the term or maximum term of sentences imposed by the court to be credited on an annual pro rata basis.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a nonpartisan poll monitoring program that allows civic organizations and ballot issue committees to appoint observers at polling places. To participate, these groups must submit an application to the state Board of Elections at least 32 days before an election, providing proof of their nonpartisan status, training materials, and a volunteer pledge for their monitors. The Board reviews these applications and issues official credentials for approved monitors, who must wear badges identifying their organization while observing election procedures. The legislation aims to increase transparency by enabling qualified groups to track voting processes while maintaining strict neutrality requirements.

Expands the food donation and food scraps recycling program by scaling down the annual average tonnage requirement every two years until 2028; removes exceptions regarding recycler capacity.

Relates to eliminating rent for homeless shelters; provides that a homeless individual or family applying for or receiving temporary housing assistance shall not be required to pay to any local or state government or agency or any provider, room and board or contribute any earned or unearned income, available benefits or resources to eliminate their need for temporary housing assistance or as a condition to receive temporary housing assistance from such provider.