Asm. Latrice Walker

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state, county, and local transportation projects to prioritize safe access for all road users, including drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit riders. It mandates that agencies using complete street design principles consider these needs during the planning, design, and construction of new or rebuilt roads, while also applying these standards to maintenance projects lasting at least ten years. Additionally, the legislation updates the criteria for determining when a road project is unnecessary, adding community support as a key factor alongside traffic volume and land use. The law will not apply to projects approved before it becomes effective and will take effect approximately 260 days after passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Syd O. Sotillo Sickle Cell Treatment Act to establish designated centers for sickle cell care excellence and outpatient treatment across the state. It designates five hospitals or hospices as centers of excellence that will provide specialized care, conduct research, and receive $200,000 annually, while also designating ten other hospitals as outpatient treatment centers that will receive $100,000 each. Additionally, the legislation modifies opioid prescribing rules to explicitly exempt patients with active sickle cell disease from restrictions that limit long-term pain medication use. These changes aim to improve access to specialized care and ensure that sickle cell patients can access necessary pain management without facing standard opioid limitations.

Conforms the definition of an incarcerated individual with a serious mental illness to the definition of "person with a serious mental illness" in the mental hygiene law.

Establishes the "earned time act" providing for time allowances against the term or maximum term of sentences imposed by the court to be credited on an annual pro rata basis.

Provides immunity from prosecution for certain individuals engaged in prostitution who are victims of or witnesses to a crime and who report such crime or assist in the investigation or prosecution.

Decreases the frequency of lock-down drills in schools; directs that such drills shall be implemented with a trauma-informed approach; permits parents to opt their children out of such drills.

Enacts the consumer litigation funding act to promote consumer protections related to consumer litigation funding transactions; provides for contract requirements, including that the contract contain a no penalty provision for the prepayment of the funded amount prior to the settlement of his or her case; makes related provisions.

Establishes a uterine fibroids awareness and education program on the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of uterine fibroids and the elevated risk for minority women.

Establishes a career and technical education (CTE) diploma; establishes a CTE pathway to a diploma shall be based on a curriculum designed to provide students with technical skills and shall demonstrate that the student is ready for a career as determined by regulations of the commissioner.

Expands protections regarding violations of safety conditions in adult care facilities; provides penalties for safety violations and operating without a valid license; prohibits reductions in fines in certain circumstances where a patient is endangered or harmed.