Asm. John Zaccaro

Provides that an accusatory instrument or supporting deposition consisting of factual allegations by a deponent with limited English proficiency is not sufficient unless accompanied by a sworn statement from an interpreter affirming the accuracy of the English interpretation.

Provides additional protections for sensitive health information; requires all health information networks, electronic health record systems, and health care providers to provide patients with a right to restrict the disclosures of such patient's health information; defines terms; provides for exceptions.

Requires the municipal police training council establish standards for the destruction of controlled substances; requires such destruction of controlled substances policies be publicly available.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale of medical adhesives and bandages containing PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in New York State after December 31, 2026. It directly affects manufacturers and sellers of these medical products, requiring them to ensure their items contain no intentionally added PFAS or PFAS above a feasible, regularly reviewed threshold. Sellers must obtain written compliance certificates from manufacturers confirming PFAS-free products, and violations carry civil penalties up to $2,500 per day of noncompliance. The law focuses on concrete regulatory changes for medical products, excluding FDA-regulated devices from its scope.

Requires food service establishments to permit the use of reusable beverage and food containers provided by customers when requesting a beverage refill or requesting leftovers from a partially consumed meal to be packaged and post signs to inform customers that they are permitted to do so.

Directs the commissioner of education to change the name of the state high school equivalency diploma, formerly known as the general education development (GED) program, to the Excelsior diploma.

Directs the office of children and family services to establish a center for fatherhood initiatives to issue grants to initiatives regarding the promotion and advancement of fatherhood, including but not limited to all underserved fatherhood groups to help expand opportunities to improve parenting knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes all costs for individuals to receive copies of their high school equivalency diploma or official transcript. By amending the Education Law, it ensures that no fees can be charged for either taking the General Education Development exam or obtaining proof of passing it. The change directly benefits students and job seekers who need these documents without creating a financial barrier. The legislation will become effective 30 days after it is officially signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the possession and sale of pistol converters and convertible pistols. It defines a "convertible pistol" as a semi-automatic pistol with a specific trigger bar design that can be easily converted into a machine-gun using common household tools (like screwdrivers or pliers), excluding most modern firearms. The law makes selling or disposing of such pistols a class D felony, with limited exceptions for military personnel, police officers, and licensed gun dealers acting within their duties. The bill directly affects gun owners, sellers, and manufacturers by banning these specific devices and firearms.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a dentist loan repayment program and a practice support program to encourage dentists to work in underserved areas of New York. The loan repayment program provides up to $50,000 per year for three years (totaling $150,000) to help repay student loans for dentists who commit to practicing in underserved areas for three years. The practice support program offers up to $70,000 per year for three years (totaling $210,000) to assist dentists in establishing practices or hospitals in recruiting dentists for underserved communities. Both programs are funded at $1.2 million annually for loan repayment and $3 million annually for practice support (2025-2028), with at least 50% of funds reserved for dentists trained in teaching hospitals and 1/3 allocated to New York City.