Asm. Al Taylor

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new civil lawsuit pathway for individuals whose constitutional or federal rights were violated by government actors (such as police, courts, or public officials). It allows victims to sue for damages and court-ordered remedies, removes common defenses like "I thought it was legal," and requires courts to award attorney fees to winning plaintiffs - even if the case settles without a formal judgment. Public entities (like cities or state agencies) must cover their employees' legal costs if sued under this law, and lawsuits must be filed within three years of the violation. It directly affects people harmed by government overreach, ensuring they have a clear legal route to seek redress for rights violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all health insurance plans covering prescription drugs to also cover the cost of donated breast milk. It directly affects insurance companies and policyholders by mandating this coverage under existing prescription drug coverage policies. The key provision amends three sections of the insurance law to explicitly include donated breast milk costs in all relevant insurance policies, effective immediately. This creates a concrete policy change without altering existing coverage requirements for other medical expenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a "Gate Money Program" providing eligible individuals released from New York State correctional facilities with monthly cash payments. Specifically, those who served at least six months in state prison and haven't received prior payments get $425 per month for up to six months (capped at $2,550 total), adjusted annually for inflation. Payments are made immediately upon release (cash/check) and then monthly by community supervision agencies, with funds not counting toward public assistance eligibility. The program is funded by a $25 million appropriation into a dedicated "gate money fund" and excludes individuals released to other states or federal custody.

Allows individuals detained in any correctional or local correctional facility to vote at polling places located within the facility if they are registered to vote and are otherwise eligible; provides for polling places within correctional facilities; provides for automatic changes in voter status; includes bi-partisan boards of elections officials and inspectors as persons who may visit correctional facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New York school districts to create policies enabling home-schooled students to try out for and join district interscholastic sports teams. It requires these students to meet the same academic, health, and behavioral standards as enrolled public school students, including annual academic verification and age/eligibility rules. Home-schooled students would only be eligible to participate with their district of residence and must arrange their own transportation. The policy is optional for school districts and does not mandate participation.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 6192) establishes a 5-year moratorium on the land application, sale, and distribution of biosolids and products containing them for agricultural or landscaping use (like fertilizer or soil amendment). It directly affects wastewater treatment facilities, farmers, and businesses using biosolids-derived products, banning their use on crops, parks, golf courses, and similar non-crop lands. The moratorium excludes landfill disposal of biosolids and certain composts made from food waste, manure, or crop residues (not biosolids). Violations carry fines up to $2,500 per offense plus daily penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 811) clarifies the process for the state board of elections to enforce election laws. It directly affects the state board of elections and its chief enforcement counsel, who investigates alleged election violations. Key provisions require the chief enforcement counsel to request the board’s authorization to use subpoena powers for investigations, with the board required to act within 20 days or the authority automatically transfers. If the board fails to act, the chief counsel gains subpoena authority immediately. The bill also mandates the board issue implementing rules within 30 days of enactment.

Allows current, active and retired military service members and reserve units of the state to qualify for distinctive license plates; allows the spouse to also qualify for such distinctive plates.

Limits exemptions from immunization requirements by local governments and private entities to medical exemptions; repeals religious exemptions for certain post-secondary students.

Relates to the tolling of statute of limitations for individuals in state custody; provides that with respect to state action brought by anyone to recover damages for physical, psychological, or other injury or condition suffered while in state custody, the time in which such action must commence shall be extended to three years after such person is released from such custody.