Asm. Emily Gallagher

Prohibits the use of biometric surveillance system or biometric surveillance information in places of public accommodation; prohibits entering into any agreement that authorizes any third party to use any biometric surveillance system or biometric surveillance information; provides penalties for violations.

Prohibits the department of environmental conservation from issuing or authorizing any permits to new or expanding large concentrated animal feeding operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits foreign-influenced business entities from contributing to or spending on New York state and local elections. It defines "foreign-influenced" as businesses where foreign owners hold ≥1% of shares (single owner) or ≥5% (multiple owners), or where foreign entities influence political decisions. Businesses making election-related spending must file a certification signed by their CEO confirming they meet the criteria. Violations carry felony charges and civil penalties, directly affecting businesses with significant foreign ownership and election committees receiving such funds.

Repeals certain provisions relating to use tax exemptions for certain race horses; prevents nonresident race horse owners from avoiding use tax in certain situations.

Provides that in any jurisdiction in which a party is eligible under local law for free legal counsel, if such party has in good faith attempted to secure such counsel and is unable to obtain counsel through no fault of their own, the court shall adjourn the trial of the issue for consecutive periods of not less than fourteen days each until the party is able to secure counsel.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's Social Services Law to allow licensed creative arts therapists to bill Medicaid directly for their services, rather than requiring them to work through another provider. It specifically adds creative arts therapists to the list of mental health professionals (including mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists) already permitted to bill Medicaid for covered services within their scope of practice. The change applies only to services Medicaid already covers, and does not alter the therapists' existing scope of practice. The bill was referred to the Health committee on February 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits involuntary servitude and forced labor in all New York state and local correctional facilities, directly affecting incarcerated individuals. It amends the Civil Rights Law to explicitly ban slavery, involuntary servitude, and forced labor for all people in New York - including those convicted of crimes - and adds a new Correction Law section prohibiting any labor compelled through force, threats, or adverse actions (like disciplinary measures). The law makes it illegal for facilities to require labor against an individual's will using coercion or fear of punishment. This represents a concrete legal change to end forced labor practices within New York's prison system.

Establishes a publicly available database of business entities in the state that enter into procurement contracts with procuring entities in the state; requires such database to include, among other things, the name of the business entity, the current business street address and county associated with each business street address, and the full name of each beneficial owner.

Establishes the Hudson Valley power authority to own and operate electricity service and to create or acquire one or more wholly owned subsidiaries or membership interests in subsidiaries; establishes energy observatory corporations for studying and enabling effective community governance of power authorities; makes related provisions.

Relates to the purchase of zero-emission buses and the procurement of electric-powered buses, vehicles or other related equipment and infrastructure; requires public utilities to have infrastructure, capacity, facilities, and transmission and distribution systems needed to supply power for the charging of zero-emission buses and provides a tariff for charging of electric buses.