Sen. Nathalia Fernández

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits government registrars from charging any fees for issuing certificates of still birth or fetal death. It directly affects local registrars who currently administer these records and families seeking these documents. The law removes the ability to set fees equal to those charged for standard birth or death certificates, ensuring these specific documents are provided free of charge. This change takes effect immediately upon passage.

Requires harmful ingredient labels on certain foods and beverages containing harmful ingredients; requires the creation of rules and regulations regarding the content and placement of harmful ingredient labels.

Relates to the purchase of zero-emission buses and the procurement of electric-powered buses, vehicles or other related equipment and infrastructure; requires public utilities to have infrastructure, capacity, facilities, and transmission and distribution systems needed to supply power for the charging of zero-emission buses; provides a tariff for charging of electric buses.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New York's vehicle and traffic laws to officially recognize electronic transmission as a valid method for sending vehicle title documents, replacing the previous requirement for physical mail. It directly affects vehicle owners, lienholders, and the Department of Motor Vehicles by allowing digital delivery of certificates of title, lien notices, and duplicate titles. The legislation amends specific sections of the law to ensure that all official communications regarding vehicle ownership and security interests can be sent electronically whenever appropriate. By modernizing these procedures, the bill aims to streamline administrative processes while maintaining the same legal standing for documents sent via email or other digital means as those sent by post.

Establishes a co-occurring disorders patient bill of rights to be implemented by various agencies; requires a five-year plan for implementing such bill of rights.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a patient bill of rights for individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, requiring various state agencies to adopt these protections. The law mandates that affected individuals receive non-discriminatory care, accurate diagnosis, integrated treatment plans, and continuous support from families and peer advocates. Additionally, it ensures access to safe housing, prevention services for youth, and accountability measures within a transparent system. These provisions aim to improve the quality and consistency of care across hospital, residential, community, and school-based settings.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New York's Commissioner of Health to create a special health insurance program under the federal 1332 state innovation program, allowing the state to offer coverage to specific individuals who currently do not qualify for standard plans. The program is designed for New York residents under age 65 who are ineligible for Medicaid, lack affordable employer-sponsored insurance, and have household incomes between 133% and 250% of the federal poverty line, with additional provisions for certain noncitizens and pregnant individuals. Key features include the requirement that approved health plans cover essential benefits, dental and vision services, and specific cancer care, while also providing temporary income protections for children and pregnant people. The legislation mandates that the state obtain necessary federal approvals from the Department of Health and Human Services and the Treasury Department before implementing the plan.

Refers individuals to appropriate service providers that are able to provide services to such individual within seventy-two hours for substance use disorders.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York State's anti-discrimination laws to explicitly protect individuals from discrimination based on their religious clothing or facial hair. It directly affects owners, managers, and employees of public places such as businesses, resorts, and amusement venues. Under the new rules, it becomes illegal for these entities to refuse service, deny access, or display advertisements that discourage people from wearing religious attire or growing religious facial hair. The change ensures that existing protections against discrimination based on religion now specifically cover these physical expressions of faith.

Enacts the tropical rainforest economic & environmental sustainability act requiring that companies contracting with the state do not contribute to tropical forest degradation or deforestation directly or through their supply chains; establishes the supply chain transparency assistance program to assist small and medium-sized businesses and minority and women-owned businesses in achieving compliant supply chains.