Asm. Robert Carroll

Requires the Olympic regional development authority, in consultation with the department of environmental conservation and division of human rights to develop an anti-bias and inclusion training to be completed by employees of such agencies annually.

Relates to prevailing wage requirements applicable to public works and certain construction projects performed under private contract and paid for with public funds.

Maddy summaryBill A 7568, known as the "school libraries curation guidance act," requires the state librarian to provide guidance on library material curation to all school library systems. This guidance will include standards to ensure library materials present a wide range of viewpoints, prohibit censorship, and provide access to developmentally relevant content for all students. It also outlines procedures for librarians to regularly review and remove materials based on factors like relevance, condition, and demand. The state librarian will maintain and publish a list of school library systems that adopt policies meeting these minimum standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires transit authorities and their subsidiaries to ensure accessible buses (wheelchair-friendly) are available within a three-mile service area of any bus line. It mandates that 65% of all regularly operated buses must be accessible, achieved by requiring all newly purchased, leased, or brought-into-service buses (except those for temporary shortages) to be accessible until the 65% threshold is met. The law directly affects public transit agencies like the MTA, ensuring better access for transportation-disabled riders, including wheelchair users, on fixed-route bus services. Key provisions include the 65% accessibility target and the 3-mile service area requirement for accessible buses.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state-approved program for nonpartisan poll monitors in New York elections. Civic organizations (groups focused on voter education and election integrity) and ballot issue committees (groups promoting specific ballot measures) can appoint up to two monitors per polling place, but must first get approval from the State Board of Elections. To qualify, organizations must prove they've maintained a New York office for over a year, provide voter rights training materials, and have monitors sign a pledge to remain nonpartisan. The State Board must approve or deny applications 32-45 days before an election, with limited appeal options. The program aims to provide independent oversight of polling places while ensuring monitors follow strict neutrality rules.

Prohibits certain regulations of the state division of housing and community renewal, for cities having a population of less than one million and towns and villages, from permitting an owner to refuse to renew a lease on grounds that the housing accommodation is sought for personal use or occupancy (i.e. use or occupancy by the owner or the owner's immediate family); repeals provisions which permit evictions for personal use and occupancy.

Lowers the voting age to 16 years; requires that students receive education in civics and be given the opportunity to register to vote in the classroom.

Directs payment of certain internet sales and use taxes into the central business district tolling capital lockbox fund partially dedicated for the MTA to be made without appropriation.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a requirement that applicants must pass an exam to become a licensed master social worker in New York. It directly affects individuals seeking this specific license by removing the examination step from the qualification process. The key provision eliminates Section 7704(d) of the Education Law, which previously mandated the exam. As a result, applicants will no longer need to pass a test to qualify for the license, simplifying the licensing pathway. The change takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework for safe injection sites in New York, creating a program approved by the Department of Health to provide overdose prevention services. It directly affects people who use drugs (participants), community health organizations operating the sites, and local communities through designated locations. Key provisions require sites to offer sterile equipment, overdose monitoring, naloxone access, referrals to treatment, and language-accessible education, while mandating annual reporting on participant numbers and services. The bill also provides legal immunity from arrest or penalties for participants, staff, and property owners who follow approved protocols, ensuring these sites operate without criminal or civil liability.