Asm. Amanda Septimo

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals New York's election law (Section 17-140) that previously criminalized offering small-value items - like free coffee, pens, or snacks - to encourage people to vote at polling places. It directly affects voters and election organizers by removing criminal penalties for providing these nominal incentives. The key change is eliminating the legal prohibition on such low-cost, non-monetary enticements to boost voter turnout. The bill was signed into law on June 21, 2025, after passing both legislative chambers.

Prohibits discrimination against and harassment or bullying of students by other students on school property or at a school function; requires schools to investigate reports of bullying; requires schools to adopt a written, plain-language anti-bullying and harassment policy; requires school employees to report incidents of bullying or harassment.

Expands the options for shell color and roof color of petroleum bulk storage tanks to either white or beige/cream or which limits volatile emissions to the same or to a greater extent as a shell color and roof color of white or beige/cream as determined by the department of environmental conservation.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic Assembly Resolution (not a law) formally recognizing the "Dominicans in Albany" event on April 9, 2025. It commemorates the Dominican community's cultural heritage and contributions to New York State, hosted by the state Assembly and Senate Dominican Delegation. The resolution's key mechanism is the legislature pausing its work to publicly acknowledge this event, which aims to foster community engagement and cultural appreciation. The resolution was introduced on April 8, 2025, and withdrawn the next day (April 9), likely because the event date had passed. It directly affects the Dominican community in Albany by providing official state recognition of their cultural celebration.

Provides for the protection of health information; establishes requirements for communications to individuals about their health information; requires either written consent or a designated necessary purpose for the processing of an individual's health information.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for issuing certificates of relief from disabilities, which are legal documents that remove barriers for individuals with criminal records. It requires both courts and the Department of Corrections to verify three specific conditions before granting these certificates: the applicant must be an eligible offender, the relief must support their rehabilitation, and the decision must serve the public interest. By codifying these requirements, the legislation ensures a consistent standard for evaluating applications regardless of whether the request comes from a judge or a state agency. The changes take effect approximately 90 days after the law is signed.

Prevents the displacement of call center workers who provide call center services for the government in certain circumstances; provides protections for call center workers when contracts with call center contractors are terminated; requires new call center contractors to hire existing call center workers; protects collective bargaining agreements.

Expands the definition of mental health care provider to include licensed mental health counselors and licensed marriage and family therapists, for purposes of certain sex offenses committed during a treatment session, consultation, interview, or examination.

Provides an option for beneficiaries of NYC transit authority members to receive a lump sum equal to the pension reserve where a member who is eligible for a service retirement dies prior to filing for retirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates November 26th of every year as Sojourner Truth Day in New York State. It achieves this by adding the new commemoration to the official list of state days of recognition found in the executive law. The change allows schools and other organizations to observe the day in honor of the abolitionist and women's rights activist.