Asm. Jo Anne Simon

Limits the identification of individuals who provide face-to-face care to or direct observation of a patient to their employee identification number, first name and first initial of last name when full name identification may place the personal safety of such individual in jeopardy; requires complainants to only submit their employer's address in cases involving an alleged offense against a hospital worker.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits state agencies from including confidential clauses in contracts for purchasing services or commodities. It directly affects state procurement processes by requiring all contract terms to be publicly available through the procurement opportunities newsletter. The law defines confidential clauses as any contract provisions not made accessible to the public, aligning with guidelines from the state procurement council. Contracts entered into after the bill takes effect must comply with this transparency requirement, while existing contracts remain unaffected.

Relates to the publication of information on public meetings; requires the office of information technology services to develop a mobile application and website to publish information on every public meeting held by a state or local public body; requires public bodies to report such meetings to the office of information technology services.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state correctional facilities to provide incarcerated individuals with free voice communication services, including calls made to and from their families or legal representatives. The legislation mandates that these services cannot be replaced by in-person visit programs and prohibits facilities from generating revenue from communication services. It also ensures that existing contracts for communication services must end by March 31, 2026, while new contracts are subject to the free service requirement starting April 1, 2026.

Protects residential customers from utility service shutoffs due to non-payment during summer and winter periods of extreme heat or cold; allows such utility services to be discontinued for non-payment outside such periods; requires an annual report to be submitted to the governor and legislature and posted publicly online.

Relates to motor vehicle insurance fairness; provides that insurance rates shall not be increased based on certain factors; sets forth processes for motor vehicle insurers to have rate increases approved; allows public access in relation to any proposed insurance rate increases; allows members of the public to request permission to intervene in proceedings related to rate increases; directs rules and regulations to be established.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all motor vehicles operated for hire (like taxis, ride-sharing services, or limousines) to have a human driver physically present, seated behind the steering wheel, and actively engaged in driving. It specifically prohibits the use of self-driving technology in these vehicles without a human driver present and actively operating the vehicle. The law amends traffic regulations to mandate this requirement for all such hired vehicles on public roads. It directly affects companies and drivers providing for-hire transportation services in New York. The policy change is a clear restriction on automated driving systems in commercial passenger vehicles.

Maddy summaryBill A 8287 requires all school districts and boards of cooperative educational services (BOCES) to conduct triennial testing for lead in potable water systems in their buildings. If lead contamination exceeds a specified action level, affected schools must implement a "filter-first drinking water management plan." This plan mandates the installation of filtered bottle-filling stations (one per 100 occupants) and filtered faucets in areas like kitchens, while rendering other unfiltered water outlets for human consumption inoperable. Schools must also provide safe, free drinking water until remediation is complete, notify parents of test results, and make all testing data and management plans publicly available.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's mental hygiene law to automatically include Down syndrome as a qualifying condition under the definition of developmental disability for Medicaid eligibility. It adds Down syndrome to a list of specific conditions (alongside cerebral palsy, autism, and others) that now qualify individuals for Medicaid without needing separate assessments. People with Down syndrome who meet income and other standard Medicaid criteria will automatically qualify under this change. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Enacts the "New York state teleworking expansion act"; provides that each state agency shall establish a policy and program to allow employees to perform all or a portion of their duties through teleworking to the maximum extent possible without diminished employee performance.