Asm. Jo Anne Simon

Provides that in toxic tort cases the date of discovery of the injury by the plaintiff or claimant is presumed to be the date of diagnosis and where the specific toxic etiological cause of injury is not known for up to ten years (instead of five years) after the injury itself is discovered a plaintiff shall have three years to file a claim from the time such specific cause is discovered.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York healthcare facilities providing birthing services to implement specific protocols when a stillbirth occurs. It mandates facilities to assign a primary physician to communicate with families, provide bereavement support (including memory boxes with keepsakes like handprints and photographs), and offer sensitive counseling. The bill also establishes a confidential state database collecting anonymized stillbirth data - including maternal health history, fetal evaluation details, and autopsy findings - to identify causes and prevention strategies. All collected data will be publicly accessible on the health department website in non-identifiable form, while facilities must comply with these protocols as a condition of licensure.

Increases the minimum wage outside of New York city and the counties of Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester; repeals certain provisions of law relating to exceptions to minimum wage increases.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies how "floor area" is measured for residential buildings under housing regulations. It specifies that spaces with higher ceilings (e.g., 12-24 feet tall count twice) are included multiple times in floor area calculations, while excluding cellars, low attics, outdoor balconies, parking spaces, and mechanical equipment areas (except where noted). It directly affects housing developers, building inspectors, and property owners who must comply with these measurement rules for zoning and construction. The changes apply to all residential buildings covered by the Multiple Dwelling Law, ensuring consistent application of floor area definitions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 5211) requires all New York school districts to employ certified school library media specialists in every elementary and secondary school based on student enrollment size. For example, schools with 100-300 students must have 0.3 full-time equivalent librarians, while schools over 2,000 students need two full-time librarians plus one additional for every 1,000 more students. It also mandates library clerks in schools with at least 1,000 students (one clerk per 1,000 students). School districts may request a one-year waiver for up to two years total if they demonstrate a shortage of certified librarians and made hiring offers, but waivers cannot exceed two years in a five-year period. The law applies to all public elementary and secondary schools statewide.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New York's social services law to provide targeted assistance for people with medically diagnosed HIV infection. It requires social services districts to ensure individuals with HIV who are homeless or facing homelessness pay no more than 30% of their income toward rent, and to provide emergency shelter, transportation, or nutrition assistance when needed to maintain independent living. The bill also mandates districts to help with eligibility documentation, arrange home visits for interviews, and refer to specialized resources, while creating a statewide online resource hub for HIV-related services. Funding rules are updated to allow full reimbursement for HIV-related emergency shelter costs (up to 110% of fair market rent) and necessary transportation/nutrition payments. The policy directly affects low-income New Yorkers living with HIV who face housing instability.

Prohibits the city school district from reimbursing charter schools for leasing a privately owned or other publicly owned facility; prohibits charter school employee contracts from including a non-disclosure agreement.

Requires public buildings which are or contain an area of public assembly or service to have equipped and installed an induction loop listening system for use by persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Maddy summaryThe bill imposes a tax on New York residents with $1 billion or more in net assets (total assets minus debts) by calculating gains as if their assets were sold at market value on December 31, 2024. Taxable gains apply only to the value exceeding $1 billion, capped at 25% of that excess. Taxpayers may pay the full amount or in ten annual installments with an annual deferral charge based on estimated borrowing rates. It covers assets owned directly, through trusts, or held by family members, including those donated within five years.

Maddy summaryNew York State bill A 3627 would allow public employees to take paid leave for mental health treatment without using their accrued sick leave. It applies to state workers, county employees, school staff, and retirement system employees across multiple public sectors. The law creates a specific leave category for mental or behavioral health needs, ensuring such absences don’t reduce an employee’s sick time allowance. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.