Asm. John Zaccaro

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state prisons and detention centers to provide incarcerated individuals with free voice communication services, such as phone calls, without charging them or their families. It explicitly prohibits correctional facilities from earning any revenue from these communications and mandates that in-person visit programs continue to operate alongside these services. The law applies to contracts signed on or after April 1, 2025, and ensures that any existing contracts for these services must end by March 31, 2025.

Establishes the Marshall plan for moms interagency task force to examine, issue proposals and make recommendations on multiple policy areas to address the disproportionate burden mothers have weathered from the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Requires certain documents and forms to be provided in the twelve most common non-English languages spoken by limited English proficient immigrants of five years or less according to the American community survey, as published by the United States census bureau.

Prohibits the knowing sale of xylazine to persons under the age of 21 and without proof of the intended use for institutional, veterinary, or scientific purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the state education commissioner to rename the current high school equivalency diploma to the "Excelsior high school diploma." The legislation requires the commissioner to create and update the necessary rules and regulations to implement this name change. Once passed, the new name will officially apply to the diploma issued to adults who pass the state's equivalency exam. The law will take effect approximately 90 days after it is signed into law.

Allows victim impact statements in New York state be video recorded; requires that the members of the parole board and all presiding commissioners for such hearing review all relevant victim impact statements prior to the conduct of a parole hearing and to sign a written attestation confirming that they have done so.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that officially recognizes and celebrates the 2024 Festival and Graduation of Alba Life School. It honors the school's mission to preserve Albanian language and culture while providing a well-rounded education to students across New York. The text specifically acknowledges the founders, educators, and staff members who have dedicated themselves to the institution's success. Finally, the resolution directs that a copy of this acknowledgment be sent to the school.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state, county, and local transportation projects to prioritize safe access for all road users, including drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit riders. It mandates that agencies using complete street design principles consider these needs during the planning, design, and construction of new or rebuilt roads, while also applying these standards to maintenance projects lasting at least ten years. Additionally, the legislation updates the criteria for determining when a road project is unnecessary, adding community support as a key factor alongside traffic volume and land use. The law will not apply to projects approved before it becomes effective and will take effect approximately 260 days after passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits state and local registrars from charging any fees to issue certificates of still birth or fetal death. Under the new rules, these documents will be provided free of charge, removing the previous requirement to pay a fee similar to those for standard birth or death certifications. The change applies to all individuals requesting these vital records and takes effect immediately upon passage.

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.