Asm. Michael Durso

Relates to enacting the Justice for Nursing Home Victims act; creates a nursing home resident COVID-19 compensation program to provide full compensation to any nursing home resident or their statutory beneficiary when COVID-19 caused or contributed to such resident's death; provides the responsibilities of a nursing home during a pandemic; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.

Enacts "Chelsey's law"; provides that a person commits the crime of manslaughter or aggravated manslaughter when such person knows or has reasonable grounds to know that a controlled substance is likely to cause the death of another person and sells, administers, delivers, or causes the delivery of a controlled substance to another person and such substance causes, contributes to, or aids in the death of such other person.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new statewide program allowing local communities in New York to form regional partnerships to design their own broadband expansion plans, replacing the previous state-managed approach. It directly affects residents in areas with inadequate internet speeds (under 25 Mbps) and local governments like counties, cities, and towns. The program provides state funding for infrastructure projects like fiber networks or mobile hotspots, with local groups selecting internet service providers. The state will review plans to ensure full coverage for all residents in each region, prioritizing access over speed or reliability.

Provides an exemption for the sale of the first $35,000 for a battery, electric, or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle from state sales and compensating use taxes; authorizes local governments to elect such incentives; repeals the hybrid exemption after ten years.

Directs the public service commission to evaluate hydrogen, sewage thermal energy, and nuclear small modular reactors as renewable energy sources and report the results of such evaluation to the governor and the legislature.

Requires instruction in arts and music education to be incorporated into curriculums for all public school students; requires school districts to ensure that appropriately certified teachers are providing such education; authorizes rules and regulations consistent with such provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 4761) prohibits New York state agencies from contracting with entities that boycott certain U.S. allies, defined as NATO members, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Ireland, and other specified nations. It requires the commissioner to publish an annual list of boycotting entities and mandates contractors to certify they are not on this list when bidding for state contracts. Exemptions allow limited exceptions for past boycotts that ceased or for critical services essential to state operations. The law creates a formal process for entities to challenge their inclusion on the list and for agencies to enforce compliance through contract penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's Family Court Act to require courts to assign lawyers to petitioners (the person filing a custody case) in certain custody proceedings. Previously, court-appointed counsel was available only to respondents (the other party), but this change extends that right to petitioners in specified cases. The amendment applies specifically to proceedings under Part Three of Article Six of the Family Court Act. It ensures both sides in custody disputes can receive legal representation when the court determines it is necessary.

Enacts "Jessica Lunsford act" relating to enhancing the class A-II felony of predatory sexual assault against a child by expanding the acts to which such offense applies; establishes a mandatory sentence of 25 years to life term of imprisonment; requires electronic monitoring of incarcerated individuals upon release from prison.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's family court procedures to tighten when youth court cases may be transferred to family court. It requires courts to deny such transfers if defendants caused serious injury, displayed weapons (including firearms), or committed certain sexual offenses as defined in criminal law. The bill repeals section 725.15 of the criminal procedure law and updates victim notification rules for dispositional hearings. These changes directly affect youth defendants, family courts, and prosecutors handling cases involving minors.