Directs the president of the state civil service commission to conduct a study on job vacancies across state agencies and determine which, if any, state agencies are understaffed.
Creates the New York electronic communications privacy act; requires government agents and agencies to obtain a search warrant for physical or electronic access to electronic device information.
Creates a temporary commission to conduct a comprehensive study on the current utilization of paid family leave, make recommendations on how to increase access and the visibility of the program.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates the laws governing wrongful death lawsuits in Maryland by clarifying who can sue, what damages are recoverable, and how any awarded money is distributed. It expands the list of eligible claimants to include domestic partners and individuals who stood in a parent-like role to the deceased, while also extending the time limit for filing claims related to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The legislation specifies that compensation may cover funeral costs, medical expenses, grief, and financial losses such as lost support or inheritance, with the court determining how these funds are split among the eligible survivors based on their specific relationship to the decedent. Additionally, the bill outlines procedures for appointing administrators to pursue these claims when existing estate executors refuse to do so and details how legal fees and other costs are handled if the lawsuit is unsuccessful.
Restricts the performance of surgical devocalization procedures on dogs and cats; prohibited for reasons of convenience in keeping or handling a dog or cat.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows victims of certain misdemeanor offenses to make statements at sentencing. Specifically, it applies when a defendant pleads guilty to a misdemeanor related to a vehicle traffic offense that originally involved a felony charge resulting in serious physical injury to the victim. Victims must request this statement at least 10 days before sentencing, and the court must notify the defendant at least 7 days in advance. If the defendant doesn't receive timely notice, they may request a sentencing delay. The bill does not apply to all misdemeanors, only those tied to specific traffic-related felony charges with serious injury.
Grants employees access to personnel records; requires notice of negative information in such records and an opportunity for a review; permits employee to include certain information in personnel records.
Relates to the convening of a human services employee wage board; requires the commissioner of labor to convene a human services employee wage board comprised of twelve members; requires the wage board to hold hearings and report and make recommendations to the governor and legislature no later than December 31, 2027.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the use, sale, distribution, and purchase of all pesticides containing paraquat dichloride or its chemical forms (including specific salts like methyl viologen) in New York State. It directly affects farmers, agricultural businesses, and anyone using paraquat-based herbicides, banning all such products starting January 1, 2027. The law explicitly defines "paraquat" using chemical identifiers (CAS numbers) to cover all related formulations. It aims to protect New Yorkers from health risks linked to paraquat exposure, such as Parkinson's disease, as noted in scientific studies cited in the bill's findings. The ban takes effect before the EPA completes its ongoing risk review of paraquat.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans and issuers to cover rehabilitation treatment for children diagnosed with pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) when an attending physician certifies the medical necessity in writing. It directly affects children with PANS and their families, ensuring insurance coverage for necessary rehabilitation services. The key provision mandates that insurers provide this coverage without additional barriers, relying solely on physician certification rather than prior authorization for the treatment. The law applies to all health insurance policies issued, renewed, or modified on or after its effective date.
