Sen. Nathalia Fernández

Establishes the standardized human-trafficking recognition training program for private transportation services employees; requires private transportation services to require all employees to undergo a human-trafficking recognition training program established by the division of criminal justice services and the office of temporary and disability assistance in consultation with the department of transportation and the New York state interagency task force on human trafficking.

Creates the office of the correctional ombudsperson to achieve transparency, fairness, impartiality and accountability in New York state correctional facilities; relates to reports by coroners; designates investigators of the office of the correctional ombudsperson as peace officers; authorizes the attorney general to investigate the alleged commission of any criminal offense committed by an employee of the department of corrections and community supervision in connection with their official duties; relates to the confidentiality of certain records; includes the office of the correctional ombudsperson records within the definition of public safety agency records; makes related provisions.

Establishes the office of black male excellence to analyze and provide recommendations regarding issues relating to black males including education, criminal justice, health, mental health, economic opportunity, employment, fatherhood, mentorship, violence, public safety, and quality of life.

Prohibits any cannabis related advertisements in establishments within a certain distance from schools; increases penalties for prohibited advertisement of tobacco and cannabis products; requires enforcement inspections.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows pharmacists to swap brand-name epinephrine auto-injectors (like EpiPens) with cheaper, equally effective generic versions when a patient is prescribed one. It requires pharmacists to confirm the alternative is less expensive, get the patient’s consent, and provide proper usage instructions. The swap is permitted only if the doctor didn’t specify "dispense as written" on the prescription. This aims to lower costs for patients while ensuring safety through pharmacist counseling.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1808) requires sign language interpreters in New York to obtain a state license to provide paid interpretation services. It creates a state board (composed of deaf/hard of hearing clients and licensed interpreters) to set licensing standards, develop a code of ethics, and maintain a searchable database of licensed interpreters for the public. The board will also establish exemption rules for temporary out-of-state interpreters and define minimum industry standards for licensure. This directly affects interpreters seeking paid work, deaf/hard of hearing clients needing services, and the state through the new regulatory body. The bill establishes concrete licensing requirements and oversight mechanisms without specifying future outcomes.

Defines the term "construction projects" to mean the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation or improvement of any school building where a district receives any apportionment for debt service or building aid and the school building is sited within the Long Island region; provides that each contract involving the award of a construction project shall require the use of a project labor agreement for all contractors and subcontractors on such project.

Expedites MTA capital project improvement, construction, reconstruction, or rehabilitation by establishing a process for utility relocation necessary for such project.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits clipping dogs' ears or docking (cutting) their tails unless a licensed veterinarian deems it medically necessary to protect the dog's life or health. It directly affects dog owners, breeders, and veterinarians by requiring veterinary certification for these procedures and banning cosmetic alterations. Violations are misdemeanors: ear clipping without medical justification carries up to $1,000 fines, while tail docking for non-medical reasons incurs up to $500 fines. The law includes a grandfather clause allowing dogs already docked before 2026 to remain exempt.

Relates to the geriatric demonstration program to promote mental health and home care collaboration; authorizes the commissioner of mental health to waive rules and regulations to address barriers to participation in the program.