Asm. Michael Durso

Maddy summaryBill A 7407 permits public schools to utilize or display indigenous names for their extracurricular activities, such as sports teams. It defines "indigenous names" as those referring to indigenous persons, tribes, cultures, or traditions. The bill mandates the education commissioner to adopt regulations allowing this practice and to repeal any inconsistent rules. Notably, it does not prevent the commissioner from prohibiting public schools from using indigenous *logos or mascots*, distinct from names, except for classroom instruction.

Authorizes counties to lease county land for natural gas exploration, development and production for five years or as long as gas is produced in paying quantities.

Enacts the "NYPD highway officer Anastasios Tsakos act"; requires intoxicated drivers to pay child support if such intoxicated driving results in the death of the parent or guardian of a minor child due to the influence of alcohol.

Requires a valid government issued photo identification card be presented when casting a ballot; provides for persons eligible for Medicaid to receive identification cards.

Requires maternal health care providers facilitate a screening for maternal depression, unless refused by the birth mother, within the first six weeks of birth and that such screening be covered by insurance.

Provides annual vehicular access for New York state's active volunteer firefighters and active volunteer ambulance workers and their immediate family at any state park or recreational facility.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 4344) provides free access to New York State parks and public campsites for active volunteer firefighters (as defined in General Municipal Law §215) and enrolled members of volunteer ambulance services (as defined in Public Health Law Article 30). It amends existing law to add these groups to the list of residents who can use state recreational facilities without paying fees, under the same terms as the general public. The policy change directly affects eligible volunteer firefighters and ambulance service members statewide who use these facilities. The provision becomes effective 120 days after enactment, with immediate rulemaking authorized for implementation.

Relates to segregated confinement; provides that certain incarcerated individuals shall not be placed in a residential rehabilitation unit; makes related provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1467) adds "to recover after a stillbirth" as a qualifying reason for paid family leave under New York's workers' compensation law. It directly affects employees who experience a stillbirth, allowing them to take paid leave for recovery. The key provision amends existing law to include stillbirth recovery alongside other covered reasons like bonding with a newborn or caring for a family member with a serious health condition. The change applies to all policies or contracts issued, renewed, or modified after the effective date. This is a specific policy update to expand access to paid leave for a defined health-related event.

Relates to making contractors, subcontractors, and substantially owned-affiliated entities that have been debarred under the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 3144) ineligible to bid for or be awarded public works contracts.