Sen. Roxanne Persaud

Establishes a grant program for public K-12 schools which are eligible for support provided under Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, for the purposes of installing laundry equipment for facilities for use by students and parents or guardians of students.

Enacts the "NYS net neutrality protection act"; relates to state contracts being only with internet service providers compliant with net neutrality; prohibits the purchase of internet services from a non-net neutral source of internet services; requires certain disclosures by internet providers.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new rules for state and local agencies regarding immigration-related matters. It prohibits government agencies from asking about a person's immigration status when providing public benefits or services, and bans law enforcement from stopping or detaining people based on immigration status or federal immigration detainers. The law requires confidentiality for any immigration information collected and mandates free interpreter services for non-English speakers during related inquiries. These provisions directly affect immigrants seeking public assistance, law enforcement agencies, and government offices handling benefits or services.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates special "epilepsy awareness" license plates for New York residents who choose to purchase them. Owners pay a $25 annual fee on top of regular registration, with all fees deposited into the new "epilepsy awareness fund." The fund must be used exclusively for epilepsy research and education programs approved by the state health department, including scientific studies and public awareness initiatives. The bill directly affects New York drivers who opt for these plates and establishes a dedicated funding stream for epilepsy-related programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the New York Autism Spectrum Disorders Treatment, Training and Research Council to address gaps identified in a 2010 state report. The council, composed of 28 members including agency heads, experts, and family representatives, will develop a coordinated state policy and plan for ASD services within one year. Key duties include holding community forums statewide, coordinating existing state services, improving early screening access, and providing annual updates to the governor and legislature. The council directly affects New Yorkers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and their families by aiming to streamline care, research, and information access.

Maddy summaryS 3186 requires licensed healthcare providers (like doctors, nurses, dentists, and therapists) who are on probation to disclose specific details about their probation to patients before their first appointment. Providers must provide written information including the reason for probation (e.g., gross negligence, felony conviction, or practice restrictions), probation duration, and how to find more details online. Patients can cancel their appointment without cost if they choose, and providers face fines or license suspension for failing to disclose this information. The law applies to all probationary orders issued on or after January 1, 2026, affecting providers in 15 licensed healthcare professions.

Provides that a state employee whose position is eliminated for certain reasons and who is subsequently transferred to a different agency be entitled to the same hourly salary, retain all accrued sick leave, retain, cash out or use all accrued vacation time, and be paid relocation expenses.

Establishes the temporary state commission on intimate partner violence, within the office for the prevention of domestic violence, to study, report on and make recommendations on the prevalence, causes, effects, risks and costs of such violence.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows cities with over 1 million residents to offer a real property tax freeze to homeowners aged 65 or older who own and occupy their primary residence (including single-family homes, farms, or condo/co-op units). To qualify, applicants must have gross income under $58,400 annually (including Social Security and retirement income but excluding gifts or inheritances) and apply yearly. If approved, the current tax rate is frozen permanently, with the accumulated amount becoming a lien on the property that must be paid if the freeze ends or the property is sold. Surviving spouses aged 62+ retain the freeze after the death of the older spouse, and the freeze expires if the homeowner fails to reapply annually.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2394) requires websites and apps that book hotel stays (like Airbnb or Expedia) to clearly identify themselves as third-party services - not the hotel - before users complete a reservation. It prohibits these services from charging your credit card until you confirm the booking and caps cancellation fees: no fee for cancellations more than 48 hours before check-in, and no more than 10% of the first night’s cost for last-minute cancellations within 48 hours. Violations could result in $1,000 penalties per violation. The bill directly affects third-party booking platforms, not hotels or individual travelers.