Sen. Cordell Cleare

Enacts the "food safety and chemical disclosure act"; prohibits certain food additives and food color additives; provides that in an action to enforce compliance, the recognition by the federal food and drug administration of any of these substances as safe may not be alleged as a defense; establishes requirements for the reporting of GRAS (generally recognized as safe) substances.

Relates to arbitration organizations; requires private arbitration organizations involved in fifty or more consumer arbitrations per year to collect, publish at least quarterly, and make available to the public in a computer-searchable database certain information relating to such arbitrations; prohibits financial conflicts of interest.

Prohibits the sale of foods containing synthetic color additives in schools except under certain circumstances off and away from the premises or on premises at least a half hour after the end of the school day.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York State's education regents to include water safety instruction in the curriculum for students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. The law mandates that the instruction cover identifying drowning risks, understanding safe behaviors for both children and adults, and learning how to respond to water-related emergencies. The regents will decide how to integrate this component into existing courses, with options including interactive assemblies, presentations, or classroom activities. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryNew York State bill S 9094 bans the use, sale, distribution, and purchase of all pesticides containing paraquat dichloride or its chemical forms (identified by CAS numbers 4685-14-7, 1910-42-5, and 2074-50-2). The law directly affects farmers, agricultural businesses, and anyone using paraquat-based herbicides in New York. It takes effect January 1, 2027, prohibiting all paraquat products after this date. The bill cites scientific evidence linking paraquat exposure to increased risks of Parkinson's disease and certain cancers, following the EPA's ongoing review of the chemical.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits state-chartered banks from investing in or providing financing for private prisons. It directly affects state-chartered banking institutions by banning financial support for entities owning or operating private correctional facilities. The key provision (Section 12 of the banking law) explicitly forbids banks from funding or purchasing securities related to such facilities, aligning with existing state restrictions on private prisons under Correction Law §121. The law applies immediately to all new or modified financial contracts after its effective date.

Maddy summaryBill S 5565 requires health insurance policies, including comprehensive-type coverage, and Medicaid to cover patient navigation services. This coverage is for individuals facing serious health conditions expected to last at least three months, who are at high risk for outcomes like hospitalization or physical decline. Patient navigation services include screening for nonclinical needs such as transportation or housing, connecting individuals to support services, and assisting with healthcare appointments. Reimbursement is provided to trained and certified patient navigators who work under the general supervision of a licensed healthcare provider.

Relates to providing language access services to individuals relating to the tax abatement program for rent-controlled and rent-regulated property occupied by senior citizens or persons with disabilities and senior citizen and disabled homeowners.

Establishes the insure our communities act to implement climate leadership and community protection act targets for insurers; identifies and protects such communities; relates to affordability of insurance rates; assesses covered insurance companies' record of performance at meeting insurance needs; requires covered insurance companies to file statistical reports, including information on insurance coverage in specific assessment areas and disadvantaged communities.