Asm. Karines Reyes

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers with 20 or more full-time permanent employees to create a written workplace violence prevention program. The program must include specific measures to address risks like abusive conduct and bullying, such as conflict resolution training and clear reporting systems. Employers must provide annual training to all employees on identifying, reporting, and preventing workplace bullying and abusive conduct, including how to use safety procedures and access the prevention program. It directly affects covered employers across New York State and applies to all workplace settings where such risks exist. The law mandates these changes to reduce incidents of workplace violence and improve employee safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates which assets are excluded when determining eligibility for New York's public assistance programs (like food stamps or cash aid). It specifies that applicants and recipients do not have to count certain resources, including up to $10,500 in cash/assets (or $3,750 for seniors/disabled), funds in special accounts for vehicle purchases ($7,500) or education ($5,165), primary homes, one vehicle (with value limits increasing over time), burial plots, retirement accounts, and 529 college savings plans. The changes also clarify that child support payments and tax credit refunds are excluded from income calculations. These provisions directly affect low-income individuals and families applying for or receiving state assistance benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public schools in any New York city with a population over one million to offer Halal food options during lunch. It directly affects students and families who follow Halal dietary practices by ensuring accessible meal choices that meet religious requirements. The law would take effect 120 days after enactment, mandating schools to implement this change through necessary menu adjustments and rule updates before the deadline.

Requires the commissioner of education to establish and enforce rules and regulations to incorporate at least a three credit course devoted to the instructional techniques necessary for effective literacy instruction which shall include delivering structured, systematic, explicit, evidence-based instruction aligned with the science of reading for prospective teachers.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 21st each year as "Down Syndrome Awareness Day" in New York State. It adds this date to the state's official calendar of commemorative days, which already includes other observances like Holocaust Remembrance Day and Juneteenth. The bill does not create new policies or funding; it simply establishes a formal recognition day to raise awareness about Down syndrome. This designation affects all New York state entities and residents, encouraging official observances and educational efforts on that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits elected municipal officials (like mayors, council members, or county officials) from serving on most local government agencies or industrial development authorities. It repeals an existing law and replaces it with a rule stating that agency members cannot hold such elected offices, with two key exceptions: industrial development authorities that must include elected officials (like Troy's board, which requires two common council members) and authorities whose entire board consists of elected officials from the chartering municipality. The bill specifically amends sections governing the Troy and Auburn industrial development authorities to align with this new restriction, ensuring existing exceptions remain valid. This is a procedural change to clarify eligibility rules for agency membership.

Provides for the licensing of apartment information vendors; defines such vendors as persons who, for a fee, furnish information concerning the location and availability of rental real property.

Prohibits participation in torture of incarcerated individuals by health professionals; prohibits a health care professional from engaging, assisting or planning the torture of an incarcerated individual; requires health care professionals to report torture.

Relates to the statute of limitations for actions based on discriminatory practices in employment; establishes action must be commenced within six years.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the "Veterans' Memorials Preservation Act," requires public entities like cities, towns, and school districts to preserve existing veterans' memorials - such as parks, monuments, plaques, or structures - without altering, moving, or destroying them, except when changes are "reasonably necessary." It mandates that these memorials remain publicly accessible and properly maintained by the groups that own or manage them. The law directly affects local and state government bodies responsible for veterans' memorials across the state. It takes effect immediately upon passage.