Asm. Maritza Davila

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 4999) prohibits the retail sale of tobacco products with non-tobacco flavors (like fruit, mint, chocolate, or menthol) and accessories that add such flavors. It directly affects all licensed tobacco retailers, businesses, and vendors operating under New York's tax law. Violations carry a civil fine of up to $500 per incident, and the law explicitly bans law enforcement from stopping or questioning people about purchasing or possessing these products. The policy aims to restrict flavored tobacco access while defining "characterizing flavor" broadly to cover any distinct non-tobacco taste.

Requires the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices if a driver accumulates eleven or more points on their driving record during a 24 month period, or receives 6 speed camera or red light camera tickets during a twelve month period.

Relates to audits conducted by the office of Medicaid inspector general detecting ministerial or clerical errors that generate an overpayment to a vendor providing non-emergency medical transportation services.

Authorizes the commissioner of health to adjust medical assistance rates of payment for certified home health agencies, managed long term care plans, hospices, long term home health care programs, licensed home care services agencies and other entities for recruitment, training and retention of direct care workers for services in shortage areas and by shortage disciplines.

Relates to a state transportation plan; requires such plan include a minimum twenty-year forecast period at the time of adoption, assessing long-range needs spanning such period, including a forecast of highway pavement and bridge conditions.

Requires the office of mental health to convene statewide forums and listening sessions in areas with high rates of death by suicide, suicide attempts, or other risk factors associated with suicide, and high risk minority groups or special populations.

Requires the state shall offer a statewide emergency services internet protocol network (ESINet) available for connection to local public safety answering points (PSAPs).

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.