Asm. Chantel Jackson

Maddy summaryThis bill requires annual independent audits of how New York State manages opioid settlement funds. It directly affects the Office of Addiction Services and Supports, which administers these funds. The law mandates that auditors (selected through competitive bidding) evaluate internal controls, identify weaknesses, and report findings publicly - including any significant issues. The audits must follow government auditing standards and include management recommendations for improvements.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits involuntary servitude and forced labor in all New York state and local correctional facilities, directly affecting incarcerated individuals. It amends the Civil Rights Law to explicitly ban slavery, involuntary servitude, and forced labor for all people in New York - including those convicted of crimes - and adds a new Correction Law section prohibiting any labor compelled through force, threats, or adverse actions (like disciplinary measures). The law makes it illegal for facilities to require labor against an individual's will using coercion or fear of punishment. This represents a concrete legal change to end forced labor practices within New York's prison system.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits law enforcement from using New York's state DNA identification index to conduct familial DNA searches, which identify potential relatives of crime scene DNA samples. It directly affects law enforcement agencies and the Commission on Forensic Science by banning this specific investigative technique. The key mechanism requires amending state law to explicitly state that no search of the DNA index may be performed to identify an offender who might be a biological relative of the person whose DNA was submitted. The policy change takes effect immediately, nullifying any conflicting existing rules or practices.

Relates to the purchase of zero-emission buses and the procurement of electric-powered buses, vehicles or other related equipment and infrastructure; requires public utilities to have infrastructure, capacity, facilities, and transmission and distribution systems needed to supply power for the charging of zero-emission buses and provides a tariff for charging of electric buses.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 5516) creates a process for appointing foreclosure receivers and managing agents in New York City (population over 1 million). It requires city agencies overseeing residential property to submit lists of qualified candidates to the chief administrative judge, restricting courts to appointing only from these pre-approved lists. The law directly affects homeowners and property owners facing foreclosure in NYC by changing how court-appointed receivers and managing agents are selected. It does not alter foreclosure rules but streamlines the appointment process through agency vetting. (3 sentences)

Maddy summaryThis bill requires youth organizations (like sports leagues, clubs, or religious groups that use volunteers to supervise children) to conduct sex offender registry checks before allowing volunteers with direct contact with youth under 18 to serve. Organizations must check the statewide registry using a specific phone number before a volunteer begins, inform the volunteer about the check, and give them the option to withdraw before the check is done. Organizations cannot allow individuals listed on the registry to volunteer in roles involving direct youth contact, and must complete initial checks for all current volunteers by January 1, 2026. Violations carry small civil penalties ($100 for first offense, up to $200 for repeat offenses).

Directs the commissioner of health to establish a cannabis awareness program for youths age eighteen and younger designed to educate about the effects and risks associated with cannabis use, including that it is illegal for persons under the age of twenty-one.

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.

Requires food service establishments disclose if they are operating out of another food service establishment's kitchen or in a location which is not operated exclusively as a kitchen for such establishment.

Requires contracts with home care service providers to provide sufficient resources to ensure compensation to a qualified workforce providing high quality care; authorizes the commissioner of health to establish a program to provide loans, through the dormitory authority, to home care facilities to finance health care reform efforts.