Asm. Harvey Epstein

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the definitions and requirements for organizations that provide fiscal intermediary services within the consumer directed personal assistance program. It establishes a new category of "Fiscal intermediary" alongside the existing "Statewide fiscal intermediary," allowing certain entities, like those with Department of Health contracts or independent living centers, to operate in this role. These new fiscal intermediaries will have the same status as the Statewide fiscal intermediary and can directly contract with managed care plans and other programs. The bill also removes the procurement process requirement for the Statewide fiscal intermediary and streamlines registration rules for these service providers.

Maddy summaryBill A 6586 requires health insurance plans and Medicaid to cover patient navigation services for individuals with serious conditions expected to last at least three months and at high risk of hospitalization, nursing home placement, or health decline. These services help connect patients to social supports like transportation, housing, food assistance, and healthcare appointments, and include referrals, enrollment help, and care coordination. Certified navigators (trained through approved programs) must provide these services under a healthcare provider's supervision. The law applies to all medical, major medical, and comprehensive insurance policies, ensuring coverage for high-risk patients who need help accessing care.

Provides that the term "landlord" when used in the real property law, shall not include or apply to any corporation, entity or organization, hereinafter known as a "cooperative entity" that is or is operating for the purpose of providing housing and/or residences for its shareholders by leasing or subleasing to such shareholders, under proprietary leases or occupancy agreements or subleases of such leases or occupancy agreements of apartments or residences in the buildings or premises owned by such cooperative entities; makes related provisions for the term "tenant".

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires developers seeking permits for major projects near low-income or minority neighborhoods to submit a detailed public engagement plan. The plan must include maps of the community, locations of sensitive sites like schools, a schedule for at least three public meetings, and materials in plain language translated into common community languages. Applicants must also provide quarterly progress reports and ensure community input influences project design. This applies to projects within one mile of designated disadvantaged communities, aiming to improve transparency and community involvement in environmental permitting.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the MTA to create a half-fare program for eligible New York State veterans using public transportation. It applies specifically to veterans who are New York residents, honorably discharged from U.S. military service, and possess a valid New York veteran ID card. The MTA must establish the program but cannot fund it from its regular operating or capital budgets; instead, it can only implement it using state funds specifically allocated for this purpose. The bill defines "veteran" clearly and mandates that the program be implemented with state appropriations.

Provides that cities having a population in excess of one million shall not supersede state provisions relating to the state law prohibition on individuals standing or parking a vehicle within twenty feet of a cross walk at an intersection.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the minimum hourly pay for home care aides in upstate New York counties (excluding New York City boroughs and Nassau/Suffolk counties) by adding $3.22 per hour to their cash compensation. It directly affects home care workers employed in these regions, raising their base pay rate. The change takes effect October 1, 2025, and applies to the "cash portion" of their total compensation as defined by existing law. The bill does not alter regional pay rates but adds a fixed hourly amount to the existing minimum for eligible counties.

Requires school districts to have diversity, equity and inclusion officers to develop methods to diversify the personnel of the school district and to recommend changes to district policies and practices to reduce racial disparities in hiring school district employees, particularly teachers; requires boards of education to annually report information regarding such policies and practices to the department of education; requires the department of education to annually report such information to the legislature.