Asm. Dana Levenberg

Makes the release of any claim by an employee, or independent contractor who is a natural person, against an employer, unenforceable if, as a condition of such resolution, the employee or independent contractor is prohibited from applying for, accepting, or engaging in future employment with such employer, or any entity or entities related to such employer.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies tax levy rules for local governments and school districts. It establishes a minimum annual tax levy growth rate of 2% (or the inflation rate, whichever is higher) and reduces the voter approval threshold for overriding the tax levy cap from 60% to a simple majority (over 50%). These changes apply to all local governments and school districts seeking to exceed the statutory tax levy limit. The bill amends sections of the General Municipal Law and Education Law to implement these provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates the "look-back period" for non-institutionalized Medicaid applicants seeking home care services. It repeals a provision requiring Medicaid applicants to have no asset transfers below fair market value for 60 months prior to application, instead establishing a 30-month look-back period (pending federal approval) for home care eligibility. This change directly affects individuals applying for community-based long-term care services who previously faced eligibility delays due to past asset transfers. The policy simplifies eligibility by removing penalties for asset transfers made within the shorter look-back window.

Relates to releasing individuals charged with a crime under non-monetary bail conditions in order to receive mental health screening or be admitted to a hospital as a result of a mental illness which is likely to result in harm to such individual or others.

Establishes the homeless protection act which designates certain offenses against homeless persons as hate crimes; includes the definition of homelessness.

Directs the commissioner of education, in conjunction with the superintendent of state police and the commissioner of the division of homeland security and emergency services, to establish standards for the security and safety of school grounds.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits foreign-influenced business entities from contributing to or spending on New York state and local elections. It defines "foreign-influenced" as businesses where foreign owners hold ≥1% of shares (single owner) or ≥5% (multiple owners), or where foreign entities influence political decisions. Businesses making election-related spending must file a certification signed by their CEO confirming they meet the criteria. Violations carry felony charges and civil penalties, directly affecting businesses with significant foreign ownership and election committees receiving such funds.

Provides that in any jurisdiction in which a party is eligible under local law for free legal counsel, if such party has in good faith attempted to secure such counsel and is unable to obtain counsel through no fault of their own, the court shall adjourn the trial of the issue for consecutive periods of not less than fourteen days each until the party is able to secure counsel.

Relates to regulation of toxic chemicals in pet products; requires disclosure on information on priority chemicals; establishes the interstate chemical clearinghouse; makes related provisions.

Maddy summaryA 1157 (2025) requires businesses handling New York residents' personal data - such as names, Social Security numbers, or financial details - to notify affected individuals within five days of discovering a security breach, replacing a previous 30-day deadline. This applies to any breach involving "private information" stored in computerized systems. The law maintains existing exceptions for law enforcement investigations but shortens the disclosure window significantly. The bill amends New York's general business law to enforce this faster notification requirement.