Asm. MaryJane Shimsky

Maddy summaryBill A 5955 authorizes the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) to conduct a study on the treatment and conditions of aging prison populations. The study will profile current elderly incarcerated individuals, project future populations, and analyze factors contributing to their growth. It also requires an assessment of the adequacy of specialized housing, medical care, and programs provided to older prisoners, including training for corrections officers and facility oversight. DOCCS must report its findings, conclusions, and legislative recommendations to the governor and legislature within one year.

Maddy summaryBill A 7666 allows county comptrollers to audit projects and actions by industrial development agencies (IDAs) and certain non-profit corporations affiliated with local governments within their counties. It requires comptrollers to examine IDAs (defined under Public Authorities Law) and non-profits sponsored by or created by counties, cities, towns, or villages. If a county lacks a comptroller, the chief elected official must designate a budget or finance director to conduct these audits. The bill takes effect 90 days after enactment and aims to enhance financial oversight of these entities without altering their core operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the standard fee that New York notaries public can charge for common services from $2 to $5 per transaction. It directly affects notaries by raising fees for administering oaths, certifying acknowledgments of documents, and swearing witnesses. The key provision updates Section 136 of the executive law to replace all instances of "$2" with "$5" for these specific notarial acts. Electronic notarial services are excluded from this change and will continue to be regulated separately. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1341) creates a New York state mobile application for Medicaid-eligible individuals who are pregnant, postpartum, or seeking prenatal care. The app must provide New York-specific health resources, program links, and multilingual support, developed through a competitive state contract. Developers must share anonymized usage data (like user numbers and engagement) with lawmakers but cannot sell or share personal user information. The app must meet state health standards and be accessible across all mobile platforms.

Provides for the initiation of treatment for COVID-19, influenza, and pharyngitis resulting from a Group A streptococcal infection by a licensed pharmacist in certain circumstances.

Relates to the salaries of certain teachers and aides employed by boards of cooperative educational services; puts limits on certain administrative and clerical expenses.

Directs the commissioner of health to establish a cannabis awareness program for youths age eighteen and younger designed to educate about the effects and risks associated with cannabis use, including that it is illegal for persons under the age of twenty-one.

Increases access to resources for culturally diverse arts and culture organizations that advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion, racial and social justice, and cultural preservation.

Directs the advisory panel on employee-owned enterprises to evaluate barriers to certification as MWBEs for employee-owned businesses and recommend strategies for continuation of certified business enterprises upon the transfer or sale of such business; extends the expiration date of the panel.

Prohibits libraries and library systems, including school libraries and school library systems from banning books or other materials based on partisan or doctrinal disapproval.