Asm. Jo Anne Simon

Establishes the carbon farming certification committee for the purpose of developing a certification framework, determining qualified carbon removal practices eligible for the carbon farming tax credit, and promulgating certification standards for qualified carbon removal practices; provides for the development of educational materials to encourage carbon farming by promoting farming practices which reduce, sequester and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions on land used in support of a farm operation; establishes carbon farming tax credits.

Requires certain watercraft, aircrafts, and trains to use clean energy, including ensuring such vehicles are zero-emissions; requires NYSERDA to study zero-emission commercial vehicles, the use of renewable energy in publicly funded airports, and the use of sustainable aviation fuel; requires NYSERDA to administer a grant program to flying schools and clubs that install charging infrastructure.

Relates to access to appropriate drugs at reasonable prices, formulary exceptions, standing prior authorizations and external appeals; to access to retail pharmacies, prescription synchronization, limits on patient drug costs, explanations of benefits and rebates; to prescription drug synchronization; to pharmacy benefit management; and to limits on copayments and drug substitutions.

Increases access to resources for culturally diverse arts and culture organizations that advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion, racial and social justice, and cultural preservation.

Creates privacy standards for electronic health products and services; requires consent to be given for the collection and/or sharing of personal health information or other personal data.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new civil lawsuit pathway for individuals whose constitutional or federal rights were violated by government actors (such as police, courts, or public officials). It allows victims to sue for damages and court-ordered remedies, removes common defenses like "I thought it was legal," and requires courts to award attorney fees to winning plaintiffs - even if the case settles without a formal judgment. Public entities (like cities or state agencies) must cover their employees' legal costs if sued under this law, and lawsuits must be filed within three years of the violation. It directly affects people harmed by government overreach, ensuring they have a clear legal route to seek redress for rights violations.

Provides that entities soliciting a recurring contribution to a political campaign, political committee, party committee, or not-for-profit or for-profit entity shall receive the affirmative consent of the contributor at the time of arrangement of the recurring contribution; provides for refund of recurring contributions; provides penalties for violations.

Implements a one year phase-in period for a local law, ordinance or resolution imposing a paper carryout bag reduction fee where forty percent of such fees are returned to such county or city for the purpose of purchasing and distributing reusable bags, with priority given to low- and fixed-income communities, and after the first year, such forty percent of fees shall be remitted to the person who collected the fees.

Relates to flexible working arrangements; provides that employees may submit a request for flexible working arrangements in good faith; requires the employer to notify the employee of the decision; prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for exercising rights under the section.

Requires course work or training in menopausal health for physicians, physician assistants, nurses, mental health practitioners, psychologists and social workers.