Relates to special provisions for the operation of bicycles when approaching stop signs and traffic-control signals including steady circular red signals and red arrow signals.
Sen. John Liu
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 176 creates a new civil legal remedy allowing individuals to sue when their constitutional or legal rights are violated by government officials or public entities acting under government authority. It directly affects anyone whose rights are deprived by such actors, including victims of police misconduct, discriminatory policies, or other state-sponsored violations. Key provisions include allowing lawsuits for damages and attorney fees (even if the case settles without a court judgment), removing common defenses like "good faith" or "unclear law," and requiring public entities to cover their employees' legal costs. The law sets a three-year deadline for filing claims and applies to both state and federal rights violations.
Requires the inclusion of certain information in fiscal notes in retirement bills and on bills affecting political subdivisions; provides that fiscal note measurements shall be made in units of money, personal services, equipment, or any appropriate, convenient or accessible units and measurement.
Maddy summaryThe Hunger-Free Campus Act (S 2637) creates a grant program for public colleges and universities to address student food insecurity. To qualify, campuses must meet specific requirements, including establishing student-led hunger task forces, providing SNAP enrollment assistance, operating on-campus food pantries, and conducting annual student hunger surveys. Grants fund initiatives like meal donation programs, SNAP outreach, and awareness campaigns to support students' basic food needs. The program requires institutions to report on grant usage and outcomes to the state education commissioner, with priority given to schools with high Pell Grant enrollment.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits drivers from wearing head-mounted portable electronic devices (like Google Glass) while operating any vehicle on public roads, including when temporarily stopped due to traffic. It defines "head-mounted" as devices worn on the head, ears, or nose (e.g., smart glasses) and creates a legal presumption that drivers holding such devices are using them - unless they can prove otherwise. The law applies broadly to all drivers, with specific exceptions for commercial vehicles stopped properly off the road. It amends vehicle and traffic laws to clarify prohibited devices and the circumstances of use.
Enacts the "fair college admissions act"; prohibits legacy admissions policies at colleges and universities in New York; declares such policies and practices to be discriminatory and inequitable.
Relates to the regional cost index for purposes of the calculation of total foundation aid; updates the regional cost index to better reflect the differences in cost of living across the state.
Enacts the building up immigrant legal defense or BUILD act to provide competitive workforce development and capacity building grants to eligible entities that are seeking to expand access to representation for individuals facing deportation by increasing the workforce and strengthening the legal services infrastructure needed to provide such representation.
Maddy summaryS 3779 increases the maximum number of academic years students can receive tuition assistance under New York's program from four to six years. It directly affects undergraduate students enrolled in eligible two- or four-year colleges who rely on this state-funded aid. The key change extends eligibility periods, with specific provisions for students in remedial programs (counted as five-year programs) and those transferring due to college closures (allowing up to two additional semesters). This update aligns the program with longer degree completion timelines common in higher education.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits all individuals and businesses from operating gas-powered leaf and lawn blowers between May 1st and September 30th each year. It directly affects residents, landscapers, and property maintenance workers who currently use these devices during the warmer months. Violators face a civil fine of up to $100 per offense. The law takes effect on May 1, 2027.