Sen. Robert Jackson

Directs the commissioner of labor to create and distribute to employers written materials regarding mental health services and resources available to employees to be posted in the workplace; directs voluntary guidance for employers to put in place strategies and programs to support the mental health and wellness of their employees; provides that such guidance be in written and digital resources and in English or translated to an additional primary language or languages as applicable.

Relates to conversions of real property in public housing developments in relation to the RAD program; sets notice requirements for public housing authorities.

Prohibits the sale and distribution of compact fluorescent mercury-added lamps and linear fluorescent mercury-added lamps on and after January 1, 2029; provides exceptions; allows for sale of otherwise prohibited lamps from existing stock acquired prior to such date.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 8111) provides retirement credit for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Advanced EMTs who take a child care leave of absence without pay. It allows these workers to earn retirement credit for the leave period if they file a claim by December 31, 2025 (or within 90 days after the leave ends), pay the required pension contributions plus interest, and meet the leave terms under their collective bargaining agreement. The credit is limited to a maximum of one year per child care leave period. The policy directly affects EMTs in New York state who take unpaid leave for child care, ensuring their retirement service time isn’t reduced during that period.

Provides for automatic voter registration and pre-registration for persons applying for certain department of motor vehicles documentation, and for persons applying for or re-enrolling in Medicaid; allows individuals to decline such automatic registration and pre-registration.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special payment for pediatric practices that use the HealthySteps model, which supports families with young children. It requires the state health commissioner to establish an add-on payment rate to help cover costs for services like developmental screenings, behavioral health support, and prevention programs for children from birth to age six. Eligible practices must meet specific HealthySteps quality standards. The payment would be added to existing reimbursements for federally qualified health centers and rural clinics, without affecting other payment calculations. The policy takes effect April 1, 2026.

Requires the department of environmental conservation and the department of health, owners or operators of public water systems, and owners or operators of buildings to take actions to prevent and control waterborne pathogens including legionella from source-to-tap.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New York City fire protection inspectors (members of the city employees' retirement system who inspect fire safety) to earn retirement credit for time taken on unpaid child care leave. It requires them to file a claim by December 31, 2025, or 90 days after leave ends, and pay back contributions plus interest for that period. The credit cannot exceed one year per child care leave period. This change directly affects eligible fire protection inspectors by ensuring their leave time counts toward retirement benefits, which normally would not be counted under standard rules.

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.

Prohibits the application of fail-first or step therapy protocols to coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of serious mental health conditions; defines serious mental health condition.