Asm. MaryJane Shimsky

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all voting systems in New York to use durable paper ballots that withstand recounts without damage and retain voter marks for the full retention period. It mandates that every polling place must offer voters either a hand-marked paper ballot or a nontabulating ballot marking device (which doesn’t record votes electronically). The bill explicitly bans voting machines with wireless capabilities, internet connectivity, or encoded marks like QR/barcodes that require special devices to read. These provisions ensure voter-verifiable paper records remain the standard for audits and recounts.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A-4279, "Regulating Addictive Notifications Act") prohibits mobile sports betting operators and platforms in New York from sending push notifications or text messages that solicit wagers or deposits. It specifically bans automatic alerts that appear on users' devices even when the betting app is closed, which the bill states can exploit vulnerable users and increase gambling risks. The law amends the racing law to require operators to stop these unsolicited notifications, aiming to reduce addictive behaviors linked to mobile betting accessibility. It directly affects all mobile sports wagering platforms operating in New York.

Establishes a uterine fibroids awareness and education program on the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of uterine fibroids and the elevated risk for minority women.

Strengthens protections for patients regarding sexual misconduct by medical providers; requires medical expert consultants involved in investigations disclose conflicts of interest and to not be under investigation, on warning, or on probation; requires a zero-tolerance policy to be adopted and training to be provided on sexual misconduct by the board for professional misconduct; includes provisions related to the right to have a chaperone; includes sexual misconduct in the definition of professional misconduct.

Maddy summaryBill A 4158 establishes procedures for police to seize vehicles used in illegal street races, speed contests, or exhibitions. Owners must provide proof of registration, pay storage and towing costs, and resolve related criminal charges to reclaim a seized vehicle. If not claimed within 30 days after notification, vehicles are forfeited to local authorities, with exceptions for stolen vehicles or short-term rentals (30 days or less). This directly affects drivers involved in illegal racing and local police departments handling impoundments.

Requires the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices if a driver accumulates eleven or more points on their driving record during a 24 month period, or receives 6 speed camera or red light camera tickets during a twelve month period.

Relates to a state transportation plan; requires such plan include a minimum twenty-year forecast period at the time of adoption, assessing long-range needs spanning such period, including a forecast of highway pavement and bridge conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New York State Police vehicles used for roadway patrols, crime prevention/investigation, or emergency response to be equipped with dashboard cameras. It directly affects the New York State Police department by mandating this equipment on specified operational vehicles. The law specifies that every such vehicle must have a dashboard camera installed, effective January 1st after enactment. Implementation rules must be finalized before the effective date to ensure compliance.

Provides that it is deceptive to misrepresent that a product or package is recyclable unless it can be collected, separated or otherwise recovered from the waste stream through an established recycling program for reuse or use in manufacturing or assembling another item; requires the department of environmental conservation to develop regulations on types and forms of plastic products and packaging for which a claim of recyclability may be made; requires all rigid plastic containers sold in this state be labeled with a code that indicates the resin used to produce such container; makes related provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies the legal definition of consent for sexual contact under New York law. It states consent must be a knowing, voluntary, and mutual decision among all participants, which can be expressed through words or clear actions showing ongoing permission. The bill specifies that consent is absent when there's physical force, threats, incapacitation, verbal withdrawal, or when a reasonable person would understand a lack of agreement. It directly affects how sexual assault cases are legally evaluated in New York courts, particularly for offenses like rape and sexual abuse. The changes take effect 30 days after becoming law.