Asm. Harvey Epstein

Regulates the development and use of certain artificial intelligence systems to prevent algorithmic discrimination; requires independent audits of high risk AI systems; provides for enforcement by the attorney general.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an extended producer responsibility program for mattresses, requiring manufacturers and importers to manage the disposal and recycling of their products. Producers must submit a detailed plan to the state department outlining how they will collect discarded mattresses, with specific goals to ensure collection sites are accessible to the majority of residents within a few years. The program defines recycling as separating materials for reuse while excluding incineration, chemical conversion, or landfill disposal. Retailers and consumers are also involved, with retailers responsible for facilitating the return of old mattresses and consumers able to discard them at designated collection sites. The legislation creates an advisory board to oversee the program and sets up enforcement measures and penalties for non-compliance.

Maddy summaryBill A 5420 requires certain temporary shelters to provide menstrual products to individuals at no cost. This mandate applies to facilities that receive state or state-administered funds, including family shelters, domestic violence shelters, and emergency apartments. The bill specifically expands this requirement to include drop-in centers, intake shelters, and emergency congregate housing. These facilities must supply an adequate number of products, such as sanitary napkins, tampons, and panty liners, to those who need them.

Requires law enforcement officers to conduct a lethality assessment as part of the standardized domestic incident report form when responding to incidents of domestic violence.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 206) amends New York State correction law to clarify that incarcerated individuals serving determinate or indeterminate sentences cannot lose earned time allowances for failing to complete work or treatment programs due to circumstances beyond their control (e.g., medical issues or facility disruptions). It modifies sections 803, 804, and 805 of the Correction Law to explicitly state that time allowances - earned through good behavior, program participation, or educational/vocational achievements - must not be withheld, forfeited, or canceled in such cases. The policy directly affects incarcerated people in state facilities who qualify for time credits under existing programs, ensuring they retain earned credits even if program completion is interrupted by external factors. This change aligns with existing provisions but adds specificity to prevent automatic loss of credits for unavoidable disruptions.

Provides that contractors and subcontractors to cable television companies who are assessed penalties for two separate violations of payroll reporting requirements shall be ineligible to submit a bid on or be awarded any public work contract with the state, any municipal corporation or public body for five years; provides that cable television companies shall be subject to the requirement that workers on certain excavation projects be paid not less than a prevailing rate of wage.

Prohibits drug, cannabis or alcohol testing of pregnant or postpartum individuals and newborns unless the individual consents and it is within the scope of medical care, or the testing is necessary for a medical emergency.

Relates to the health, safety and human rights of incarcerated pregnant individuals, incarcerated birthing parents and their children; requires the commissioner of corrections and community supervision to establish rules and regulations relating to conditions in institutions and correctional facilities and the treatment and care of birthing parents in such institutions and facilities.

Relates to special provisions for the operation of bicycles when approaching stop signs and traffic-control signals including steady circular red signals and red arrow signals.

Provides that prescription labels for gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, pubertal suppressants, anabolic steroids, alpha reductase inhibitors, progestins, or drug classes for hormone replacement therapy maybe include the name of the dispensing practice instead of the prescriber; provides for notice to patients.