Asm. William Colton

Relates to the creation of a crime database of all convictions in New York state of animal cruelty, fighting, neglect, abandonment and mistreatment; makes such crime database available to all law enforcement entities, district attorneys, duly incorporated humane societies, societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals, dog or cat protective associations and animal control officers.

Relates to protecting the communication rights of individuals with disabilities; provides that each person with a disability has the right to communicate in their preferred manner.

Requires employers to report certain employees' wages for the purposes of unemployment benefits; relates to the payment of unemployment benefits, and employer penalties for non-compliance.

Enacts the "elderly abuse protective act" to protect residents 62 years of age or older who suffer abuse or deprivation; requires reports to the commissioner of the office of children and family services of the possible necessity for protective services; specifies action by such commissioner upon receiving such report including evaluation, right of entry, and furnishing of protective services; specifies the authority of the office of children and family services with respect thereto and requires assistance of other agencies in the implementation thereof; provides for judicial and review action against caretakers who abuse elderly; creates statewide central register of elderly abuse; appropriates $600,000 to the office of children and family services.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework for mental health clubhouses in New York State, directly benefiting individuals with serious mental illness by providing free, community-based support services. It requires clubhouses to be accredited, offer voluntary membership, and provide integrated support for employment, housing, healthcare, and social engagement. The Office of Mental Health must develop a statewide implementation plan within one year and oversee biennial reporting from clubhouses on membership, employment outcomes, housing, and crisis responses. Clubhouses must operate as non-clinical therapeutic communities emphasizing work, mutual support, and connection to broader healthcare services.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 viruses to New York's public health department's health education and outreach program, requiring the department to provide virus-specific information on diagnosis, treatment, and community support services. It mandates that clinics specializing in sexually transmitted diseases, hospitals, and correctional facilities receive updated, culturally appropriate materials tailored to each virus's distinct health needs. The materials must include details on support groups, respite care, and care management, reflecting current best practices. The law takes effect 120 days after enactment, with necessary rules to be implemented before that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits schools from discriminating against students based on religious attire, clothing, or facial hair required by their faith. It applies to all students on school property or at school events, adding these religious expressions to the list of protected characteristics under existing anti-bullying and anti-discrimination laws. The law explicitly prevents harassment or exclusion tied to religious practices while maintaining existing exemptions for gender-based course requirements under Title IX and disability accommodations under Section 504. It amends education law to clarify that schools cannot deny participation or impose penalties for religiously mandated dress or appearance.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 156) regulates smart access systems in apartment buildings (class A multiple dwellings) to protect tenant privacy and ensure reliable entry. It requires owners to provide physical backup entry methods (like key fobs or cards) alongside apps, prohibits reliance solely on web-based systems, and mandates free basic access devices for tenants and children. The bill strictly limits data collection to essential information (e.g., user name, unit number, access times) and bans new biometric systems for three years, while requiring clear tenant notices about the system. It directly affects apartment owners/managers and tenants/guests by defining data rights and access standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits businesses from including contract terms that prevent consumers from making statements about goods, services, or the business itself. It makes any such waiver in consumer contracts void and unenforceable, and bans businesses from threatening or penalizing consumers for sharing protected statements. Violations carry civil penalties up to $2,500 for first offenses and $5,000 for repeat offenses, collectible by consumers, the attorney general, or local prosecutors. The bill directly affects businesses selling goods or services through contracts and protects consumers' right to share feedback without legal repercussions.

Requires each school district to provide interventions and special curricula for children with dyslexia or other phonological learning differences or disabilities.