Asm. Jo Anne Simon

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York State to make burial records for former patients interred at state mental health hospital cemeteries freely available to the public. It mandates that records include name, birth/death dates, burial location, military service details, and family relationships, with no fees charged for access. The law also requires maintaining public cemetery maps, posting informational signs at cemeteries, and permanently preserving all burial records - including those for historical institutions like Utica State Hospital and Willard Asylum. These records are explicitly separated from clinical patient files under the law.

Establishes a nonprofit news media jobs grant program within the newspaper and broadcast media jobs program to provide grants to support certain nonprofit media organizations which increase employees.

Establishes participation in assigned risk plans for voluntary foster care agencies (Part A); requires the office of children and family services to establish standards of payment for liability insurance costs beginning July 1, 2028 for the 2027-2028 rate year that ensures the maximum state aid rate accurately reflect the year over year increased costs for voluntary foster care agencies; directs such office to establish an application process (Part B); establishes the voluntary foster care agency insurance bridge fund; establishes a process for the distribution of moneys in such fund; sets eligibility requirements; requires certain supporting documentation (Part C).

Relates to the duty owed by cities and counties to children in the legal custody of such cities and counties with respect to the placement of children; provides a statutory private right of action for compensatory damage.

Establishes the "New York state lead-safe renovation, repair and painting act"; establishes standards for lead-safe renovation, repair and painting of residential properties; requires documentation of compliance with such standards.

Relates to physician charges for missed appointments by patients; bars physicians from charging fees if a patient arrives on time for appointment but was not seen; requires written policy about missed appointments be prominently posted in patient waiting room and included in bills mailed to patients.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires chain restaurants with 15+ locations in New York to display a specific sodium warning icon and text next to menu items exceeding 2,300mg of sodium (the daily recommended limit). The warning states: "Warning indicates that the sodium (salt) content of this item is higher than the total daily recommended limit (2300 mg)." Chain restaurants must report sodium content for menu items quarterly, and the state health department must develop the required icon within one year. Violations carry a $250 daily penalty per non-compliant location. The requirement applies to standard menu items, including combo meals, but exempts restaurants already using comparable sodium labels under other jurisdictions.

Prohibits a public officer or member of the legislature from have a building or space named after themself while holding public office based on the fact that such person was responsible for securing public funds for the person or entity involved in naming the building or for securing public funds for the person's or entity's cause or agenda.

Maddy summaryBill A1214 prohibits New York employers from requiring job applicants or employees to waive legal rights (such as claims under state or federal law) as a condition of employment. It directly affects all employers and job seekers in New York State by banning pre-employment agreements that diminish rights like wage claims or discrimination protections. The law specifically excludes collective bargaining agreements with labor unions. This creates a clear legal requirement that employers cannot force individuals to give up existing or future legal claims to secure a job. The bill takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Allows members of a public body who cannot physically attend a meeting due to a disability to be counted as present for quorum purposes at meetings attended remotely; makes provisions of law relating to permitting videoconferencing and remote participation in public meetings under certain circumstances permanent.