Sen. Iwen Chu

Directs the education department to conduct a study to evaluate services provided by public library systems of the state to determine if the current funding standards are adequate and equitably enable libraries to meet community needs across the state; makes related provisions.

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 allows New York State residents aged 65 and older to take up to nine credit hours of courses for credit at state and city universities each semester without paying tuition. The legislation amends existing education laws to establish this benefit, ensuring that senior students can enroll in classes on a space-available basis without taking exams or receiving grades. By modifying regulations for both state-operated institutions and the City University of New York, the bill provides a specific pathway for seniors to pursue academic credits free of charge while maintaining priority for other qualified students.

Relates to establishing the crime of larceny by cyber extortion which occurs when a person intends to obtain property from another person or entity located in the state of New York through the use of certain malicious software.

Relates to the automated storage and dispensing of controlled substances using an automated dispensing device at licensed nursing homes, residential health care facilities and hospices.

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.

Enables students to receive information from colleges and universities without disclosing their personally identifiable information via an opt-in system.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal mechanism called "anti-stalking orders" to provide specific protections for individuals who feel they are being stalked. It allows victims to file a sworn application in their local supreme court to request these orders, which can be issued quickly as temporary measures before a full hearing takes place. The orders can require the accused person to stop all contact, delete related digital content, refrain from monitoring the victim's location or devices, and stay away from specified places like homes or workplaces. By adding these provisions to the civil practice law, the bill aims to offer a streamlined and targeted response to stalking behavior that involves repeated acts of harassment or intimidation.

Prohibits state contracts with contractors who do not provide health insurance which covers supplemental breast cancer screenings; authorizes the comptroller to promulgate any necessary rules and regulations.

Enacts the college student suicide prevention act to provide for policies, guidelines and training opportunities to effectively and appropriately prevent student suicide, intervene in crisis situations, and support college communities in postvention.