Sen. Robert Jackson

Restricts the use by an employer or an employment agency of electronic monitoring or an automated employment decision tool to screen a candidate or employee for an employment decision unless such tool has been the subject of an impact assessment within the last year; requires notice to employment candidates of the use of such tools; provides remedies for violations.

Requires school districts to conduct mandatory early screening for dyslexia for all children commencing in pre-kindergarten or kindergarten and continuing thereafter on an annual basis until each child successfully completes second grade; requires school districts to designate an individual to maintain complete and accurate records containing early screening reports for each child, and to provide resources and materials to the parent and/or guardian of any child who displays indications of dyslexia.

Maddy summarySenate Bill S 7433 aims to prohibit employers in New York from requiring employees or job applicants to give up certain legal rights as a condition of getting or keeping a job. Specifically, employers cannot demand that individuals waive, arbitrate, or reduce any existing or future claims, rights, or benefits they are entitled to under New York state or federal law. This measure applies to all employers and their employees or job seekers. However, it does not affect agreements made through collective bargaining with a labor union.

Maddy summaryBill S 7444 establishes a crisis intervention demonstration program, primarily in cities with a population of one million or more, to assist law enforcement officers in responding to situations involving individuals with mental illness or substance abuse issues. It creates a Crisis Intervention Team Training Program Coordinator to coordinate specialized training for first responders and foster partnerships between law enforcement, mental health providers, and communities. The bill also establishes a Crisis Intervention Team Training Fund, supported by state and other moneys, to finance the training and community coordination efforts, and an advisory committee to oversee the program and make recommendations.

Maddy summaryThe New York State Supplier Diversity Act (S 7443) aims to increase the participation of businesses owned by LGBT individuals, disabled individuals, and veterans in state contracts. It establishes a new Division of Supplier Diversity within the Office of General Services. This division will certify eligible businesses - defined as those at least 51% owned and controlled by these groups, with a significant state presence and up to 300 employees - and create a directory for state agencies to use. The bill applies to state contracts for services, supplies, and real property projects exceeding specified monetary thresholds.

Requires school districts to provide instructional programming and services in reading and literacy which are evidence based and aligned with state standards; requires teachers in grades pre-K through five to attend professional development courses in reading education.

Enacts the student suicide prevention act; requires the governing board or body of every local educational agency serving students in grades seven to twelve, to adopt policies, procedures and guidelines on student suicide prevention, intervention and postvention for students in such grades.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 741 formally congratulates Shayla Byrne, a student-athlete at South Glens Falls High School, for winning the 2025 New York State Public High School Athletic Association Girls Giant Slalom Championship. The resolution, adopted by the Senate, recognizes Byrne's achievement of breaking the one-minute barrier in both runs of the championship with a combined time of 1:57.06. It is transmitted to Byrne, her coach Erin Welch, and school administrators (including the principal and superintendent) as a formal tribute to her athletic accomplishment. This resolution has no policy impact and serves solely as a ceremonial acknowledgment of her sports achievement.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill with policy changes) memorializing Governor Hochul to officially recognize April 2025 as Sikh Awareness Month in New York. It asks the Governor to issue a proclamation highlighting Sikh contributions to New York's cultural and economic life, including historical context like Sikh immigration patterns and the significance of Vaisakhi and Guru Nanak's birthday in April 2025. The resolution directly affects all New Yorkers by promoting awareness of Sikh history and community contributions through state recognition. It has no binding policy impact but serves as a symbolic gesture to honor Sikh Americans.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (J 594) congratulating Carman Bogle for her decade-long service as Mayor of Cambridge, New York, concluding April 7, 2025. It formally recognizes her public service achievements, including leading pandemic response, police reform, infrastructure projects, and community initiatives. The resolution has no policy impact or legal effect - it is purely an expression of appreciation with no binding provisions. It was adopted by the Senate on April 8, 2025.