Sen. Jabari Brisport

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York's Office of Children and Family Services to automatically include any state-approved cost-of-living adjustment into the next base payment rate for foster care providers. It directly affects foster care agencies, family providers, and relatives receiving state aid for caring for foster children. The key mechanism mandates that when the state implements a cost-of-living adjustment, it must be added to the following year's base payment rate, in addition to any other existing adjustments or retention factors. This ensures foster care reimbursement rates rise with inflation without reducing other support factors.

Establishes the "earned time act" providing for time allowances against the term or maximum term of sentences imposed by the court to be credited on an annual pro rata basis.

Establishes a duty to inform certain patients about the risks associated with cesarean section for patients undergoing a planned or unplanned primary cesarean section.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially designate April 2026 as Arab American Heritage Month in New York State. The resolution highlights the historical contributions and cultural significance of Arab Americans within the state, noting that New York is home to over 300,000 individuals from diverse Arab backgrounds. By directing copies of the resolution to the governor and several advocacy organizations, the measure seeks to raise public awareness and promote recognition of this community's heritage.

Prohibits utility corporations from imposing late fees, interest, or penalties during an investigation by the commission; allows retroactive late fees, interest, or penalties if a determination is made in favor of such utility corporation; prohibits utility services from being terminated during an investigation by the commission; requires utility corporations to notify customers of investigations; requires notice to the general public; requires the public service commission to prepare reports on investigatory proceedings relating to gas, electric, and steam service.

Relates to parole eligibility for certain incarcerated persons age fifty-five or older if they have served at least fifteen years of their sentence or sentences.

Enacts the "Empowering People in Rights Enforcement (EMPIRE) Worker Protection Act"; relates to the delegation of state enforcement authority to private actors; authorizes an affected employee, whistleblower, representative organization or an organizational deputy to initiate a public enforcement action on behalf of the commissioner for certain provisions of the labor law, or any regulation promulgated thereunder.

Relates to the establishment of a single computerized state DNA identification index; requires municipalities to expunge any DNA record stored in a municipal DNA identification index.

Relates to consideration of gender-affirming health care or gender-affirming mental health care in child custody cases for purposes of jurisdiction, forum and enforcement of custody orders.

Includes delivery network company workers in the definition of "employee" for purposes of paid sick leave; provides that the employer of a delivery network company worker shall be a delivery network company.