Asm. Dana Levenberg

Requires a motion picture theater that offers more than ten motion picture showings per week to provide scheduled showings of motion pictures with open motion picture captioning such that at least one quarter of all showings of a motion picture with four or more showings during a one-week time period shall have open motion picture captioning; provides exceptions and penalties for violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's criminal procedure law to allow the expungement (removal from criminal records) of certain convictions related to syringe possession. It specifically covers convictions for offenses under Penal Law sections 222.10, 222.15, 222.25, 222.45, or for violations under former Penal Law section 220.45 prior to this bill's effective date. The key mechanism adds a new provision to the law making these convictions eligible for expungement. This directly affects individuals previously convicted under these specific syringe possession statutes.

Enacts the "anti-waiver of employment rights act" to invalidate any express or implied contractual provision waiving or otherwise limiting any employee's substantive or procedural rights, remedies, or claim.

Directs the commissioner to publicly publish an annual report on the environmental radiation surveillance program and analyze such report showing trends and cumulative impact, as well as notify other relevant agencies if contamination has exceeded EPA standards for maximum amounts of contamination allowed in drinking water or food.

Imposes a moratorium on the issuance of permits for new data centers; requires the public service commission to issue an order or orders to minimize the impact of new data centers on electricity and gas rates for residential, commercial, and industrial users; clarifies that certain provisions are applicable to the Long Island power authority.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York's Department of Health to create a patient-friendly pamphlet about laparoscopic power morcellation surgery by July 1, 2027. The pamphlet must explain the procedure, its risks (including the potential to spread undetected cancer cells), benefits, required cancer screenings (like for uterine myoma and leiomyosarcoma), privacy protections, and alternatives like hysteroscopic morcellation. It must be written in plain language, available in English and six common non-English languages in New York, and posted online. The pamphlet will directly inform patients considering this surgery and guide healthcare providers who must share it before the procedure.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York's Motor Vehicle Commissioner to accept electronic signatures for all documents related to vehicle registration, titles, and other motor vehicle records. It directly affects drivers, dealers, and anyone submitting forms to the Department of Motor Vehicles, including those transferring titles or signing powers of attorney. The key provision mandates that electronic signatures - defined as digital processes with intent to sign - must be accepted whether submitted online or printed after electronic signing. Physical documents like title certificates still require original paper copies in certain cases, but electronic signatures cannot be refused if they meet the bill’s requirements. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryBill A 2619 establishes specific rights for residents and cooperatives in ground lease residential cooperative apartment buildings. Upon the expiration of a ground lease, the cooperative must dissolve, and residents are converted to tenants, with rental leases offered under existing tenant protection laws. The bill also allows cooperatives to encumber their interest in the ground lease, requiring ground lease owners to provide reasonable cause for refusal if consent is needed. Additionally, it grants ground lease residential cooperatives a right of first refusal to purchase the ground lease real property if the owner decides to sell it.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates mandatory minimum prison sentences for certain offenses, replacing them with judicial discretion to determine appropriate sentences based on individual circumstances. It requires courts to provide written explanations for sentencing decisions and mandates that pre-sentence reports include analysis of incarceration costs to the state. Defendants gain expanded access to pre-sentence reports used in sentencing decisions, and judges must consider rehabilitation and community safety goals rather than fixed minimum terms. The law applies to felony sentencing under New York's penal and criminal procedure laws, directly affecting judges, defendants, and the state correctional system.

Enacts the student suicide prevention act; requires the governing board or body of every local educational agency serving students in grades seven to twelve, to adopt policies, procedures and guidelines on student suicide prevention, intervention and postvention for students in such grades.