Relates to enacting the "free resources for equitable education (FREE) act"; requires State University of New York higher education institutions to designate all general education and 25 percent of all major specific courses as low textbook cost (LTC) or zero textbook cost (ZTC).
Enacts the comprehensive motor vehicle insurance rate reform act; amends provisions applicable to automobile insurance rates including establishing a program for consumer information on insurers and establishing an office of public insurance advocate; revives previously expired provisions of law relating to automobile and property/casualty insurance rates.
Provides for the regulation of the licensure and practice of immigration providers by the department of state in order to protect immigrants from exploitation.
Maddy summaryS 4219 establishes the New York State Muslim American Advisory Council to advise the legislature on issues affecting Muslim Americans. The council, composed of 10 members (including community representatives and legislative appointees), will provide recommendations to improve Muslim American civic participation, social and economic integration, and access to state services. It must submit annual reports detailing findings and strategies for state programs impacting this community. The bill creates a formal mechanism for the state to engage with Muslim American leaders and address their concerns through structured policy advice.
Prohibits motor vehicle insurers from discrimination on the basis of socioeconomic factors in determining algorithms used to construct actuarial tables, coverage terms, premiums and/or rates.
Requires the public service commission to retain an independent auditor to conduct audits of private water utility companies prior to and after rate changes are approved by the public service commission.
Provides that instructions to the jury shall include certain defenses; provides that such instructions shall include, but not be limited to, "Do not let bias, sympathy, prejudice, or public opinion influence your decision"; defines the term "bias".
Relates to restraint of individuals in facilities under the jurisdiction of the office of mental health; establishes procedures which must be followed in order to restrain patients who are served in mental hygiene facilities.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York school districts to implement age-appropriate hate crime awareness curriculum. It directs the education commissioner, with input from the Division of Human Rights, to develop content covering discrimination, religious intolerance (including anti-Semitism and Islamophobia), and positive actions for inclusion. Schools may integrate this into existing social studies or other curricula, without requiring statewide uniformity. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, after enactment.
Maddy summaryThe NY Cares Act provides New York resident service members with academic credit for military training and experience without tuition fees, plus transition "bridge courses" to help them adjust to college life. It also establishes tuition awards covering full undergraduate costs for spouses and children of service members who died while serving, limited to 8 semesters of full-time study or equivalent. Both programs require state education officials to coordinate with veterans' services, ensuring military experience is recognized in higher education pathways.
