Provides that instructions to the jury shall include certain defenses; provides that such instructions shall include, but not be limited to, "Do not let bias, sympathy, prejudice, or public opinion influence your decision"; defines the term "bias".
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "abortion access fund" to support individuals seeking abortion services. It allows New York taxpayers to voluntarily contribute to the fund via their state income tax returns starting in 2027 (without reducing their tax liability), with the tax form including a dedicated line for this purpose. Funds will be used to cover financial and logistical barriers for abortion access, supporting nonprofits providing services like medical care and transportation. The bill includes strong privacy protections, prohibiting the state from requiring nonprofits to share personally identifying information about patients or staff. The comptroller must annually report on fund usage, including disbursement details and financial plans.
Maddy summaryThis bill imposes a 7% tax on annual gross revenue from digital advertising services in New York for companies with over $100 million in such revenue. It directly affects large digital platforms (like social media and search engines) that use targeted advertising based on user data, requiring them to pay tax on revenue generated from ads served to New York users. The tax applies to digital ads delivered via websites, apps, or other digital interfaces, with companies earning $1 million or more in digital ad revenue required to file annual returns. The law excludes smaller platforms and government entities, and tax payments begin for 2026 tax years.
Prohibits local, state and federal law enforcement officers from wearing any mask or personal disguise while interacting with the public in the performance of their duties; excludes certain protective masks.
Limits retaliation against incarcerated individuals following the filing of a grievance, by requiring more than the oral or written statement of the subject of a grievance filed by an incarcerated individual for the purposes of finding such incarcerated individual guilty at an evidentiary or disciplinary hearing for misbehavior.
Maddy summaryThis bill removes a disqualification for voting based on felony convictions by repealing specific sections of election law. It directly affects individuals with felony convictions who were previously barred from voting due to these disqualifications. The key mechanism is the deletion of language in voter registration rules that listed felony convictions as a reason for canceling registration. The bill makes it so that a felony conviction no longer automatically disqualifies someone from voting under state election law. This change takes effect immediately upon enactment.
Enacts the "Michael K. Williams law" to establish a grant program to incentivize counties and municipalities to reduce prison populations; makes an appropriation therefor.
Waives tuition requirements for nonresident pupils if the nonresident pupil is enrolled in a school where the pupil's parent or guardian is a principal, a teacher or a paraprofessional or the nonresident pupil is enrolled at another school within the same district as a school where the pupil's parent or guardian is a principal, a teacher or a paraprofessional.
Maddy summaryThis bill replaces New York's existing criminal forfeiture process with a new "Criminal Forfeiture Process Act." It applies specifically to property seized in connection with certain felony drug offenses, prostitution, driving under the influence, or property seized during hot pursuit of a felony suspect. Key changes include requiring courts to hold prompt hearings after seizure, mandating notice to all known property owners (including "innocent owners" who didn't know their property was used in crime), and making forfeiture proceedings part of the criminal trial rather than a separate civil case. The law also clarifies that contraband or stolen property must be disposed of or returned per state law, and prohibits civil forfeiture.
Authorizes certain persons confined in institutions operated by the department of corrections and community supervision to apply for a sentence reduction.
