Asm. Jo Anne Simon

Maddy summaryThis bill caps security deposits for residential leases of one year or longer at one month's rent. Landlords cannot charge more than this amount, and additional move-in fees (like pet fees or background checks) must be included within that limit - pet fees max at 25% of the total deposit, other fees at 10%. Most fees must be refundable to tenants, with pet-related fees only retained for cleaning or pet-caused damage after move-out. Violations carry civil fines up to 15% of the annual rent. The bill directly affects landlords and tenants in long-term residential leases.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school districts in cities with over 1 million residents to establish dedicated schools for students with dyslexia and related phonemic language learning differences. These schools must use multi-sensory sequential phonics techniques in all elementary and secondary grades. Additionally, teachers at these schools must complete at least 20 hours of specialized training in this teaching method. The law directly affects dyslexic students in large-city school districts and mandates specific instructional approaches. It takes effect July 1 following enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies the legal definition of consent for sexual contact under New York law. It states consent must be a knowing, voluntary, and mutual decision among all participants, which can be expressed through words or clear actions showing ongoing permission. The bill specifies that consent is absent when there's physical force, threats, incapacitation, verbal withdrawal, or when a reasonable person would understand a lack of agreement. It directly affects how sexual assault cases are legally evaluated in New York courts, particularly for offenses like rape and sexual abuse. The changes take effect 30 days after becoming law.

Provides for increased participation in state contracts and subcontracts by certified minority and women-owned business enterprises; relates to certain performance and payment bond requirements.

Enacts the "NYS net neutrality protection act"; relates to state contracts being only with internet service providers compliant with net neutrality; prohibits the purchase of internet services from a non-net neutral source of internet services; requires certain disclosures by internet providers.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a five-year pilot program in New York to provide hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to veterans diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries or post-traumatic stress disorder. The program, managed by the state health commissioner, requires participating providers to submit annual reports on costs, effectiveness, and improvement suggestions, with a final evaluation report due by December 2031. Veterans must be New York residents with a diagnosis from an authorized medical professional (such as a physician or nurse practitioner) and receive therapy using FDA-approved devices. The bill defines key terms like "hyperbaric oxygen therapy" and specifies eligibility criteria without expanding existing healthcare coverage.

Eliminates criminal and civil penalties for possession of controlled substances; establishes the drug decriminalization task force to develop recommendations for reforming state laws, regulations and practices so that they align with the stated goal of treating substance use disorder as a disease, rather than a criminal behavior.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits health care workers, including nurses and unlicensed assistive personnel, to their regularly scheduled work hours without mandatory overtime. Exceptions allow longer shifts only during declared emergencies (like natural disasters or public health crises), federal/state emergency declarations, or when completing an ongoing medical/surgical procedure. It specifically excludes doctors, residents, and security staff from this definition. The law aims to protect patient safety by preventing excessive staff fatigue through concrete scheduling limits. Employers cannot use on-call time to bypass these restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes specific facts that can serve as presumptive evidence for hate crimes under New York law. It directly affects prosecutors building hate crime cases by allowing four scenarios to be used as presumptive evidence: (1) the defendant made statements about protected characteristics (race, gender, religion, etc.) during the offense, (2) the defendant has a documented pattern of prejudice against the same protected class, (3) the victim was part of a outnumbered group in the area, or (4) bias symbols were left at the crime scene. The bill clarifies that proof of protected characteristics alone isn’t sufficient evidence but provides these specific, concrete circumstances to support hate crime claims. It does not change the legal definition of hate crimes but outlines clear, objective factors prosecutors may use to establish them.

Establishes a clinical preceptorship personal income tax credit for certain health care professionals who provide preceptor instruction to students studying to be a health care professional.