Sen. Toby Stavisky

Maddy summaryEmma's Law allows victims to make statements during the sentencing of defendants charged with misdemeanors under specific circumstances. This provision applies when a defendant pleads guilty to a misdemeanor after originally facing felony charges that caused serious physical injury to the victim. To use this right, a victim must request a statement at least ten days before the sentencing date, and the court must notify the defendant no less than seven days in advance. The law also permits the defendant to request a delay in sentencing if they do not receive this required notice in time.

Relates to the purchase of zero-emission buses and the procurement of electric-powered buses, vehicles or other related equipment and infrastructure; requires public utilities to have infrastructure, capacity, facilities, and transmission and distribution systems needed to supply power for the charging of zero-emission buses; provides a tariff for charging of electric buses.

Provides for certain presumptions for reckless driving and the implementation of a reckless driving and vehicular violence awareness component of the pre-licensing course for driver's licenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New York's Commissioner of Health to create a special health insurance program under the federal 1332 state innovation program, allowing the state to offer coverage to specific individuals who currently do not qualify for standard plans. The program is designed for New York residents under age 65 who are ineligible for Medicaid, lack affordable employer-sponsored insurance, and have household incomes between 133% and 250% of the federal poverty line, with additional provisions for certain noncitizens and pregnant individuals. Key features include the requirement that approved health plans cover essential benefits, dental and vision services, and specific cancer care, while also providing temporary income protections for children and pregnant people. The legislation mandates that the state obtain necessary federal approvals from the Department of Health and Human Services and the Treasury Department before implementing the plan.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for appointing members to the boards of trustees for both the State University of New York and the City University of New York. It requires that anyone appointed by the governor or the mayor cannot simultaneously be a paid employee serving at their pleasure, and it extends the seven-year terms for most appointed trustees. The legislation also clarifies that student and faculty representatives on these boards must follow the same ethical and disclosure rules as regular voting members. These changes apply to all new appointments made after the law takes effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal licensure system for dietitian nutritionists and nutritionists in New York State, replacing the previous certification framework. It creates a new State Board for Dietetics and Nutrition to oversee the regulation of these professionals and defines the specific duties allowed under each title, including the practice of medical nutrition therapy. The legislation restricts the use of professional titles to only those individuals who are duly licensed under the new rules, ensuring that public claims of expertise are backed by state authorization.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New York corporations that are already licensed to practice engineering or land surveying to also offer professional geology services. To qualify, the corporation must have at least one officer or director who holds a valid professional geologist license. The legislation also updates the rules for issuing three-year certificates of authorization to individuals and business entities providing these regulated services.

Enacts the tropical rainforest economic & environmental sustainability act requiring that companies contracting with the state do not contribute to tropical forest degradation or deforestation directly or through their supply chains; establishes the supply chain transparency assistance program to assist small and medium-sized businesses and minority and women-owned businesses in achieving compliant supply chains.

Requires the district attorney to notify victims by letter of the final disposition of the case within sixty days of such disposition in cases where such final disposition includes a conviction; provides such letter shall also notify victims of their right to make a victim impact statement; allows them to personally appear at parole hearings and make such a statement.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor of New York to officially declare May 12-18, 2024, as Fibromyalgia Awareness Week. The resolution highlights the challenges faced by people with fibromyalgia, a chronic condition causing widespread pain and fatigue, and notes the need for better medical understanding and support. It also acknowledges the work of the Fibromyalgia Task Force of New York State in advocating for improved diagnosis and treatment. The bill is a symbolic gesture intended to increase public awareness rather than changing specific laws or funding.