Sen. Nathalia Fernández

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes clear standards for advertising housing as "deeply affordable." It defines such housing as units affordable to households earning 60% or less of the local area median income (as calculated by HUD). Advertisers - including developers and landlords - may not falsely label non-compliant housing as "deeply affordable," and must clearly disclose the percentage or number of deeply affordable units when marketing buildings with both affordable and market-rate units. Government agencies must also follow these rules when promoting housing availability. The law does not change eligibility for tax credits or grants but requires all advertising under those programs to comply with these new standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires organizations submitting records to state agencies to periodically renew their requests for information to remain exempt from public disclosure. Under the new rules, entities must apply for an exception at least sixty days before a current exemption expires, with each approval valid for a maximum of three years. If an organization fails to submit a timely renewal application, the exemption ends and the records become subject to public access laws. The legislation also establishes specific timelines for agencies to review these renewal requests and outlines a process for appealing denials of exemption.

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that the New York City Transit Authority must have at least one conductor on every subway or train, with limited exceptions for current operations. The law defines a conductor as the staff member responsible for safety tasks like opening and closing doors, distinguishing them from the driver or engineer. Proponents argue this requirement enhances passenger safety and provides a critical first responder presence to handle emergencies or potential security threats. The measure applies immediately to all passenger trains operated by the authority.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits new for-profit hospices from being established or incorporated and bans any capacity increases for existing for-profit hospices. It directly affects for-profit hospice care providers and future hospice developers by blocking new entries into the for-profit hospice market and preventing expansion of current for-profit facilities. The key provision, added to public health law, bans all approvals for for-profit hospice operations or capacity expansions effective immediately. This applies to all new applications and existing facilities operating under a for-profit model. The law takes effect as soon as signed, with no grace period for compliance.

Requires school districts, public libraries, BOCES, county vocational education and extension boards, charter schools, and non-public schools to provide and maintain on-site opioid antagonists; requires the department of health to provide such opioid antagonists to such entities upon request.

Establishes participation in assigned risk plans for voluntary foster care agencies (Part A); requires the office of children and family services to establish standards of payment for liability insurance costs beginning July 1, 2028 for the 2027-2028 rate year that ensures the maximum state aid rate accurately reflect the year over year increased costs for voluntary foster care agencies; directs such office to establish an application process (Part B); establishes the voluntary foster care agency insurance bridge fund; establishes a process for the distribution of moneys in such fund; sets eligibility requirements; requires certain supporting documentation (Part C).

Maddy summaryS 8902 amends New York's social services law to ensure that medical assistance recipients (such as Medicaid beneficiaries) cannot access school-based health center services through managed care programs until at least April 1, 2026. The bill adds a specific provision requiring these services to be provided outside of managed care arrangements during that period. This directly affects medical assistance recipients who use school-based health centers and the managed care organizations that coordinate their care. The law takes effect immediately, but the amendment expires when the underlying section of the law is repealed.

Prohibits artificial intelligence companions from using features which are considered unsafe for minors; defines terms; specifies what are considered unsafe features.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school districts in Westchester, Putnam, Nassau, and Suffolk counties to follow existing union contracts when disciplining bus drivers and driver's assistants. Districts must honor these agreements before taking adverse actions unless a superintendent certifies the driver's conduct involved "egregious misconduct" creating immediate danger to students. If such certification occurs, districts must complete a 5-business-day expedited review process, bypassing standard grievance procedures. Drivers or assistants wrongfully disciplined during this process are entitled to punitive damages if exonerated. The law applies specifically to transportation contracts in those counties.

Provides that for a substance use disorder outpatient treatment episode of care by a provider licensed, certified or otherwise authorized by the office of addiction services and supports, an insured shall only be responsible for a cost sharing fee not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars.