Asm. Jaime Williams

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York's state librarian to develop and distribute evidence-based guidance on core reading skills (like phonemic awareness, fluency, and comprehension) for libraries serving pre-K through 5th-grade students, with separate guidance for older students and adults. The guidance, created within one year of the law taking effect, must be based on existing education standards and shared with all public and association libraries statewide. Libraries will receive resources such as texts, educational technology, and professional materials to support literacy programs. The state librarian must update this guidance every two years, incorporating feedback from libraries.

Provides for the sealing of unfounded, exonerated, and pending claims made against law enforcement officers; requires such claims to be redacted from disciplinary records.

Requires every franchisor, including its affiliates and subsidiaries to properly fulfill any warranty agreement and/or franchisor's service contract and to compensate each of its franchised motor vehicle dealers for warranty parts and labor, including but not limited to all warranty repairs, extended service contract repairs, extended warranty repairs, campaigns, service bulletins, policy repairs, component part warranties, factory compensated repairs, recalls, diagnostics, parts and other voluntary stop-sell repairs, and any other franchisor compensated repairs; relates to reimbursement to a motor vehicle dealer from a motor vehicle franchisor.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows public employees in New York (including state, county, school district, and retirement system workers) to use accrued sick, vacation, or personal time during waiting periods for workers' compensation benefits or when their claim is disputed. Employers cannot force employees to use this time during such periods, and if an employee later qualifies for benefits, they get their used time fully restored. The law does not apply to employees covered by collective bargaining agreements unless their union specifically opts in to these provisions. It preserves existing collective bargaining rights while ensuring employees don't lose accrued time during workers' comp processing delays.

Maddy summaryBill A 6037 establishes a peer support program specifically for veterans dealing with mental illness, alcohol abuse, or substance dependence. The bill defines "veteran peer support services" as counseling provided by a veteran peer counselor to other veterans. It directs the Commissioner of Mental Hygiene, in consultation with other agencies, to develop recommended minimum qualifications for these veteran peer counselors and to create procedures for connecting them with training. This program aims to support veterans by leveraging the unique understanding and experiences of fellow veterans in recovery and support roles.

Requires an applicant filing any application for a permit or authorization relating to the siting or construction of a qualified energy storage system that has a storage capacity greater than one megawatt hour, is connected to the local distribution system and primarily operated for commercial or electric retail purposes, and is not constructed in connection with a major renewable energy facility to provide notice of such application to the chief executive of the city, town, or village in which it is located and each member of the state legislature within whose district the proposed energy storage system is to be located.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a licensing system for dietitians and nutritionists in New York, requiring professionals to be licensed to use the titles "licensed dietitian" or "licensed nutritionist." It defines key terms like "medical nutrition therapy" (specialized nutrition care for medical conditions) and specifies that only licensed individuals can provide services such as dietary planning, nutrition counseling, or ordering therapeutic diets. The bill restricts the use of these titles to licensed professionals and clarifies that unlicensed individuals cannot practice under these names or provide certain nutrition services. It updates existing law to standardize qualifications and scope of practice for these health professionals.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets new requirements for who can supervise mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists in New York. It specifies that supervisors must have at least three years of active licensure, diagnostic privileges, and 36 hours of specialized training in supervision ethics. The bill also clarifies that supervised experience gained under certain department waivers - such as in settings operating under temporary authorization - can count toward licensing requirements. These changes apply directly to professionals seeking licensure and those providing supervision in the mental health counseling field.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New York's First Home Savings Program, creating tax-advantaged savings accounts for first-time home buyers. It directly affects New York residents who have never owned a primary residence (including those with mobile homes but excluding those who claimed home tax deductions), allowing them to save for purchasing a home in the state. Key provisions include tax incentives under state law, strict rules defining "first-time buyer" status, and requirements that funds be used only for qualified home purchases (houses, condos, or co-ops) within New York as a primary residence. Withdrawals for non-qualified purposes face penalties, while exceptions exist for death, emergencies, or military service. The program is managed by the state comptroller and requires accounts to be held at approved financial institutions.

Relates to utilization review program standards; requires use of evidence-based and peer reviewed clinical review criteria; relates to prescription drug formulary changes and pre-authorization for certain health care services.