Asm. Catalina Cruz

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates mandatory minimum prison sentences for certain offenses, replacing them with judicial discretion to determine appropriate sentences based on individual circumstances. It requires courts to provide written explanations for sentencing decisions and mandates that pre-sentence reports include analysis of incarceration costs to the state. Defendants gain expanded access to pre-sentence reports used in sentencing decisions, and judges must consider rehabilitation and community safety goals rather than fixed minimum terms. The law applies to felony sentencing under New York's penal and criminal procedure laws, directly affecting judges, defendants, and the state correctional system.

Authorizes the commissioner of corrections and community supervision to discipline certain employees for acts of serious misconduct; defines serious misconduct; establishes procedures for such disciplinary action; prohibits employees who have been removed for serious misconduct from being placed on the eligible list after such removal.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a licensing system for laser hair removal technicians in New York. It requires technicians to obtain a state license, sets training standards including a state-approved curriculum and minimum procedure hours, and mandates $1 million in liability insurance for businesses offering these services. The law also creates a complaint hotline for customers reporting safety issues and forms an advisory committee with industry representatives to help develop regulations. These requirements directly affect anyone practicing laser hair removal in New York and the businesses employing them.

Establishes the "Supporting Families Together act"; repeals certain provisions of law relating to civil and criminal penalties for mandated reporters.

Requires the Empire State Development Corporation, in consultation with the department of agriculture and markets and the office of new Americans to conduct a study on the economic impact of the establishment of kitchen incubators; requires a report to the governor and the legislature.

Establishes the biometric identifier privacy act; requires private entities in possession of biometric identifiers or biometric information to develop a written policy establishing a retention schedule and guidelines for permanently destroying biometric identifiers and biometric information when the initial purpose for collecting or obtaining such identifiers or information has been satisfied or within three years of the individual's last interaction with the private entity, whichever occurs first.

Provides that the court shall not reduce jury awards as excessive in employment discrimination actions unless the court finds exceptional circumstances which compel the conclusion that the jury was influenced by partiality, prejudice, mistake or corruption or that remittitur or additur is necessary to avoid a complete miscarriage of justice.

Provides access to menstrual products in toilet facilities in public buildings owned or leased by the state that are determined to be opened to the public; requires reporting.

Requires the secretary of state to develop and mandate training of police department personnel and state police officers on the protocols of the address confidentiality program.

Prohibits the participation of certain animals in traveling animal acts; prohibits the department of environmental conservation from issuing permits or licenses allowing participation of certain animals in traveling animal acts; excludes certain permanent performing institutions; imposes a civil penalty not to exceed $1000 for a violation.