Asm. Alex Bores

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York public schools to provide plant-based food options upon request by a student or their parent/guardian. Schools must offer these meat-free alternatives (defined as USDA-recognized meat substitutes) at no extra cost compared to standard meals, and include this option in all food service descriptions. The policy applies to every meal or snack the student participates in, while allowing students to choose non-plant-based options if they prefer. It does not mandate schools to offer plant-based meals to all students, only to those who specifically request them.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York's environmental and health departments to establish new, stricter standards for lead in air, soil, and on surfaces like floors and window sills within 180 days. It directly affects all New Yorkers, especially children, by mandating that these standards protect against lead exposure from dust and contaminated surfaces - such as lead paint chips - that can cause health harm. The law specifies that the new standards must be at least as strict as current federal guidelines (40 CFR Part 745 as of January 13, 2025) and target blood lead levels fully protective of children's health. The bill expires one year after enactment unless extended, with immediate rule changes allowed for implementation.

Enacts the "beauty justice act"; provides for the regulation of ingredients in personal care products and cosmetics; prohibits the sale of personal care products and cosmetic products containing certain restricted products.

Maddy summaryBill A 382 expands existing advertising restrictions for gaming facilities to include mobile sports wagering licensees. It requires that all advertisements, including those for mobile sports betting, be factual, not misleading, and avoid depicting individuals under the age of 21 engaging in gaming. The bill mandates that a problem gambling hotline number be clearly displayed in all ads, and that direct advertisements provide a clear method for individuals to opt out of future communications. Licensees must also provide copies of their advertisements to the commission and maintain records for a period of two years.

Establishes the proposition betting task force to examine, evaluate and make recommendations concerning proposition betting, with particular consideration of under bets.

Authorizes gas or electrical corporations to submit proposals to the public service commission establishing a voluntary rate or rates for energy supplied to residential customers utilizing heat pumps as the primary heating source.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's animal cruelty laws to explicitly classify failure to provide shelter to animals as an act of cruelty. It directly affects pet owners, livestock keepers, and anyone responsible for animal care by requiring them to ensure animals have adequate shelter. The law maintains existing protections against abuse while clarifying that neglect of basic needs like shelter constitutes a class A misdemeanor. Scientific research using animals in approved laboratories remains exempt from these requirements, with oversight provided by the state health commissioner. The changes take effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state correctional facilities to provide incarcerated individuals with free voice communication services, including calls made to and from their families or legal representatives. The legislation mandates that these services cannot be replaced by in-person visit programs and prohibits facilities from generating revenue from communication services. It also ensures that existing contracts for communication services must end by March 31, 2026, while new contracts are subject to the free service requirement starting April 1, 2026.

Removes and updates outdated terminology and provisions of law; makes technical corrections thereto; removes certain provisions relating to outdated terms and provisions of law.

Enacts the "New York state teleworking expansion act"; provides that each state agency shall establish a policy and program to allow employees to perform all or a portion of their duties through teleworking to the maximum extent possible without diminished employee performance.