Asm. Phara Souffrant Forrest

Enacts the "gender identity respect, dignity and safety act"; relates to the treatment and placement of incarcerated individuals based upon gender identity; requires that incarcerated individuals in state and local correctional facilities who have a gender identity different from their assigned sex at birth be addressed and have access to commissary items, clothing and other materials that are consistent with the person's gender identity; establishes that incarcerated individuals shall be presumptively placed in a correctional facility with persons of the gender that most closely aligns with such person's self-attested gender identity unless the person opts out of such placement.

Relates to creating the health emergency response data system, which collects information and statistical data relating to public health emergencies in order to assist the department of health, other government entities, health care providers, and the public in understanding and responding to public health emergencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Dyslexia Diagnosis Access Act, mandates that health insurance policies covering physician services must pay for comprehensive neuropsychological exams used to diagnose dyslexia. The legislation aims to address the high cost of these tests, which can exceed six thousand dollars and are often unaffordable for families without coverage. By requiring insurers to include these specific exams, the law ensures that individuals suspected of having dyslexia can access necessary diagnostic evaluations without facing financial barriers. The changes apply to all insurance policies issued, renewed, or modified on or after the act's effective date of January 1st following its passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates November 26th of every year as Sojourner Truth Day in New York State. It achieves this by adding the new commemoration to the official list of state days of recognition found in the executive law. The change allows schools and other organizations to observe the day in honor of the abolitionist and women's rights activist.

Directs the commissioner of corrections and community supervision, in consultation with the commissioner of health and the commissioner of mental health, to develop a uniform electronic medical records system to be utilized by all correctional facilities in the state.

Establishes the retail worker safety act requiring retail worker employers to develop and implement programs to prevent workplace violence; directs the department of labor to produce a model workplace violence prevention training program; requires employers to provide training on such programs; requires the installation of panic buttons at certain workplaces or wearable or mobile phone-based panic buttons to be provided.

Provides for a working families tax credit; directs quarterly prepayment of the credit; provides for a sliding reduction in the credit for incomes which exceed a certain threshold.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires motor vehicle dealerships to receive full and fair payment from their franchisors for all warranty-related work, including repairs, diagnostics, and parts. It mandates that payments for approved claims be made within thirty days and sets a specific method for calculating compensation based on the rates dealers charge their own customers for similar non-warranty services. The law also establishes a process for dealers to declare their reimbursement rates and limits exclusions to items like wholesale parts, tires, and routine maintenance. By defining "reasonable compensation" and outlining dispute resolution steps, the bill aims to ensure dealers are not underpaid for services performed under manufacturer warranties.

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that all public colleges and universities in the state provide menstrual products free of charge in their restrooms. The law requires schools to stock these items in school buildings without charging students for them. It applies immediately to every public institution of higher education within the jurisdiction.

Prohibits employers from using the federal electronic employment verification system to check the employment authorization status of an existing employee or an applicant who has not been offered employment and prohibits municipalities from requiring employers to use the federal electronic employment verification system.