Asm. Alec Brook-Krasny

Allows for the removal of members of the state board of parole by a majority vote in the senate and the assembly; requires three or more members of such board personally interview potential parolees; requires that the determination to parole an incarcerated individual be unanimous.

Relates to protecting witnesses in criminal prosecutions from intimidation and threats by permitting the court to withhold disclosure of names and other information if the court finds on the record that such witness is subject to potential intimidation, violence or threats.

Requires that any rules or regulations promulgated by the department of environmental conservation pursuant to the climate action fund are subject to a vote of the legislature and must be approved by a majority vote prior to implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public high schools to offer hunting, fishing, and outdoor education as a component of physical education courses upon request by 10 or more enrolled students. It mandates that schools provide curriculum covering hunting/fishing seasons, allowable species, license requirements, recreational opportunities, and historical context of these activities. The curriculum must be developed jointly by the education and environmental conservation departments and align with existing licensing course content. This policy directly affects high school students and physical education programs in New York State, adding structured outdoor skills education to existing PE offerings.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts individuals aged 75 or older from jury duty upon their written request. It requires the chief court administrator to create a form for seniors to submit, after which they are automatically excused unless they later request reinstatement. The exemption remains in effect until the person formally asks to be considered for jury service again. This policy directly affects senior citizens who qualify and seek relief from jury service obligations.

Provides that a member of a public retirement system of the state may obtain a total not to exceed three years of service credit for up to three years of military duty if the member has completed a term of state service, under orders from the governor of the state of New York, and as certified by a letter of release from such orders issued by the state division of military and naval affairs.

Enacts the student journalist education act to protect student speech at educational institutions unless such speech is libelous, an invasion of privacy, or incites students to commit an unlawful act, violate school policies, or to materially and substantially disrupt the orderly operation of the school.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows students in New York State schools to earn physical education credits by completing state-approved lifeguard certification training courses. It requires the Board of Regents to create rules enabling these courses to count toward the mandatory physical education requirements. The policy directly affects high school students who complete approved lifeguard training programs, potentially reducing the need for separate physical education classes. The change applies only to courses meeting state standards for lifeguard certification, not general physical education instruction.

Maddy summaryBill A 7914 establishes a 25-member commission to investigate foreign influence on New York State government employees and elections. The commission will examine weaknesses in laws related to lobbying, public corruption, foreign entity influence on officials, and election integrity, then make reform recommendations. It has authority to request documents or testimony, hold public hearings, and refer evidence of violations to prosecutors. The commission must issue a preliminary report by May 1, 2026, and a final report by May 1, 2027, after which it expires. This bill directly affects state government operations and election processes by creating a structured review mechanism.

Establishes the "recovery ready workplace act" which provides for the certification of an employer to become a recovery ready workplace; defines terms; establishes the recovery-ready workplace program; provides criteria for employers to obtain certification as a recovery ready workplace; provides for employee involvement.