Asm. Karines Reyes

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 14-member task force within the Office for the Aging to study how the state can help older residents stay in their homes and communities ("age in place"). The task force will examine specific areas like transportation improvements, zoning changes for home care, nutrition programs, fraud protections, home medical services, tax incentives, and private insurance options. It requires the task force to issue a final report with recommendations to state leaders by January 1, 2028. The bill creates a procedural study group with no immediate policy changes, focusing solely on gathering information to inform future decisions.

Requires instruction in public schools aligned to the Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework; requires the commissioner of education to update learning standards on an ongoing basis and provide technical assistance and resources to aid public schools in providing such instruction.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2648) requires all New York schools - including public, charter, and non-public elementary and secondary schools - to maintain and manage epinephrine auto-injector devices for emergency use. Schools must follow specific guidelines: regularly test devices per manufacturer standards, notify regional health councils of device locations, and post clear signage at building entrances indicating where devices are stored. The law designates schools as "public access epinephrine auto-injector device providers" under existing public health law, ensuring devices are accessible during allergic reactions. It takes effect 90 days after enactment, focusing on practical, standardized access without altering medical protocols.

Prohibits a cause of action for defamation where the subject of such action includes an allegation made to an employer regarding an unlawful discriminatory practice or act of retaliation.

Prohibits the use of biometric surveillance system or biometric surveillance information in places of public accommodation; prohibits entering into any agreement that authorizes any third party to use any biometric surveillance system or biometric surveillance information; provides penalties for violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires a 75% transfer fee on the market value when rental housing projects or mutual companies (after 20 years of occupancy) are sold or dissolved. It directly affects owners of these properties by mandating this fee payment upon sale or dissolution. The collected fees fund a dedicated housing program to subsidize existing affordable housing developments, provide zero-interest repair loans, convert projects to tenant-owned models, and support new affordable housing initiatives. The funds are managed by New York City and State housing agencies to maintain affordability and support tenant ownership.

Establishes the homeless protection act which designates certain offenses against homeless persons as hate crimes; includes the definition of homelessness.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits foreign-influenced business entities from contributing to or spending on New York state and local elections. It defines "foreign-influenced" as businesses where foreign owners hold ≥1% of shares (single owner) or ≥5% (multiple owners), or where foreign entities influence political decisions. Businesses making election-related spending must file a certification signed by their CEO confirming they meet the criteria. Violations carry felony charges and civil penalties, directly affecting businesses with significant foreign ownership and election committees receiving such funds.

Maddy summaryBill A 4015 seeks to increase the financial penalties for certain speeding violations, directly affecting drivers convicted of these offenses. It raises the maximum fine for exceeding the speed limit by up to ten miles per hour, from $150 to $175. For drivers caught speeding more than thirty miles per hour over the limit, the maximum fine increases from $600 to $700. These revised penalties will apply to violations occurring on or after January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3603) creates a statewide program to provide training and support for informal caregivers. It defines "person in need of assistance" broadly (including those needing help with daily tasks due to age or disability) and expands the definition of "informal caregiver" to include family members or others providing care who may not live in the same household (e.g., older adults caring for minor relatives). Key provisions require the state director to develop training curricula covering health knowledge, stress management, and resource access, fund caregiver resource centers and networks, and issue annual reports on program effectiveness. The law directly affects caregivers and the people they support, aiming to improve care quality through structured training.