Sen. Robert Jackson

Provides for the adjustment of stipends of certain incumbents in the state university of New York and designating moneys therefor; continues a doctoral program recruitment and retention enhancement fund; continues work-life services and pre-tax programs; continues a professional development committee; continues a comprehensive college graduate program recruitment and retention fund; continues a fee mitigation fund; continues a downstate location fund; continues a joint labor management advisory board; continues an accidental death benefit; makes an appropriation therefor.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the calculation method for special accidental death benefits paid to families of state and local government retirees who died. It adjusts the percentage of the deceased member's salary used to determine benefits, based on the year of death (e.g., higher percentages for deaths before 2024, decreasing to 0% for deaths in 2025 and later). The change affects widows/widowers, minor children (or students under 23), or parents if no dependents exist. The revised formula, effective July 1, 2025, ensures benefits align with current salary scales rather than outdated historical percentages. The bill amends sections of the General Municipal Law and Retirement and Social Security Law.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4545) repeals Section 2307 of New York's Public Health Law, which previously addressed individuals knowingly infected with venereal disease. The repeal eliminates the legal provision that could have been used to prosecute such cases. The law takes effect immediately, preventing any future enforcement or legal action under the repealed section.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New York State to issue birth certificates to individuals adopted from foreign countries, directly affecting people adopted abroad who now seek official state records. It requires applicants to submit specific documents, including foreign adoption papers (with certified translations), proof of New York residency during adoption, and evidence of valid immigrant visa status (like IR-3/IR-4). The key change makes these provisions retroactive, enabling individuals adopted before this law to apply for a birth certificate. The certificate must include standard details like birth date, parents' names, and place of birth, replacing prior foreign records when no other birth record exists in New York.

Prohibits the keeping of inventory, storage, warehouse, processing, packaging, shipping or distributing of flavored vapor products near where vapor or tobacco products are sold at retail or wholesale.

Prohibits the operation of NYC transit authority subways or trains without at least one conductor on board; requires a conductor on any subway or train operated by such authority whenever the subway or train has more than two cars attached to the engine.

Establishes an age-friendly health system technical assistance center to provide assistance in relation to age-friendly health systems; relates to hospital performance data.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires organizations that have records exempt from public disclosure under New York's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) to renew their exemptions every three years by submitting a written request to the state agency holding the records. Entities must specify which records they seek to keep confidential, provide reasons for the exemption, and apply for renewal at least 60 days before the current exemption expires; failure to renew results in the exemption lapsing. The law establishes procedures for agencies to review renewal requests and for entities to appeal denials, ensuring exemptions remain time-limited and subject to periodic review.

Creates the state office of the utility consumer advocate to represent interests of residential utility customers including a proposed change of rates, charges, terms and conditions of service, the adoption of rules, regulations, guidelines, orders, standards or final policy decisions.

Relates to utilization review program standards; requires use of evidence-based and peer reviewed clinical review criteria; relates to prescription drug formulary changes and pre-authorization for certain health care services.