Codifies the disparate impact standard in the human rights law; provides that in cases of alleged housing discrimination, an unlawful discriminatory practice may be established by a practice's discriminatory effect.
Authorizes the department of transportation to establish and implement a state memorial sign program to memorialize persons who died due to injuries sustained in a fatal motor vehicle crash on state highways.
Requires hospitals to establish a violence prevention program which includes a workplace safety and security assessment and develop a safety and security plan that addresses identified workplace violence threats or hazards.
Maddy summaryBill A 2266 requires state agencies operating prisons and youth detention facilities to provide incarcerated individuals with free voice communication services (and optionally video or messaging), effective April 1, 2026. It prohibits facilities from charging inmates for these services or generating revenue from them, and mandates that communication services cannot replace in-person visit programs. The bill repeals the existing correction law section on this topic and adds new requirements for agencies managing correctional facilities. This directly affects all people confined in state correctional facilities by guaranteeing free communication access with external contacts.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows attendees at professional or collegiate sporting events to bring specific reusable beverage containers into sports venues. It defines "reusable containers" as aluminum or stainless steel bottles/cups designed for multiple uses and prohibits venues from banning them, while permitting three limited restrictions: containers must be empty upon entry, cannot have caps, and must hold 24 ounces or less. Venues violating the law face civil penalties of up to $500 for the first offense and $750 for repeat violations. The law directly affects sports venues and event attendees by changing beverage container policies at games and events.
Provides that the thruway authority shall issue permits for ambulances and fire vehicles exempting such vehicles from paying tolls on the thruway when engaged in an emergency operation.
Requires that health insurance policies shall provide coverage for follow-up screening or diagnostic services for lung cancer; provides that no patient cost sharing shall be imposed for follow-up screening or diagnostic services for lung cancer.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires most health insurance plans in New York to cover one rescue inhaler and one maintenance inhaler for asthma treatment at no cost to the patient. It applies to all medical, major medical, and comprehensive health insurance policies that cover prescription drugs, directly affecting asthma patients who rely on these medications. Insurers must provide this coverage without deductibles, copayments, or other cost-sharing, with a narrow exception only for high-deductible plans that would otherwise disqualify patients from health savings accounts. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, for all new or renewed policies.
Maddy summaryThis bill (A2311) prohibits local health offices from charging fees when issuing certificates for stillbirths or fetal deaths. It directly affects parents or families seeking official documentation for pregnancy losses. The law amends public health regulations to remove all fees for these specific certificates, replacing previous fee structures. The bill passed both legislative chambers in 2025 and was signed into law on November 21, 2025.
Defines therapeutic agriculture for the purposes of community gardens as the use of agricultural activities as a means of promoting physical, mental and emotional well-being, rehabilitation and therapy for certain individuals.
