Sen. Nathalia Fernández

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4160) requires state correctional facilities to provide free voice communication services (like phone calls) to incarcerated individuals, with no cost to the person initiating or receiving the call. It prohibits state agencies from charging fees or generating revenue from these communication services and mandates that in-person visit programs remain available - digital services cannot replace them. The law repeals an existing correction law section and takes effect April 1, 2026, applying to new or renewed communication contracts after that date. It directly affects incarcerated people in state prisons and youth detention centers by guaranteeing free access to basic voice communication.

Relates to requiring agencies to provide unsuccessful bidders that are certified minority- and women-owned business enterprises with a written statement of the completion of the procurement selection process and that such enterprise was not selected.

Requires employers to provide up to ten additional days of unpaid leave for absences when the employee or employee's family member has been the victim of domestic violence, a family offense, sexual offense, stalking or human trafficking upon the employee's request for reasons related to such offense or offenses.

Requires school districts and charter schools to establish a task force to make recommendations on model curriculum or instruction on the political, economic, and social contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual people, in an appropriate place in the curriculum of middle school and high school students.

Enacts "Jesse's law" to provide that a person subject to involuntary emergency admission for immediate observation, care, and treatment of mental illness shall have the right to select the hospital they are admitted to.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows school districts to create policies enabling homeschooled students to try out for and join their district's interscholastic sports teams. It requires these students to meet the same academic, health, and behavioral standards as enrolled public school students - including annual academic checks, health exams, and age requirements - and limits participation to their district of residence. Parents must provide transportation, and districts may set additional academic eligibility rules. The policy is optional for school boards, not mandatory.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the manufacture, sale, and use of all cookware containing polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, commonly known as Teflon) within the state starting January 1, 2026. It directly affects cookware manufacturers, retailers, and consumers who currently use PTFE-coated products like non-stick pans and bakeware. The law defines "cookware" broadly to include pots, pans, grills, and cooking appliances that interact with food. The state environmental department will establish rules to implement the ban, and the state has exclusive authority over this regulation.

Establishes an LGBTQ+ youth and young adult suicide prevention task force; provides for the number of members, manner of appointment and the topics to be reviewed.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows healthcare professionals licensed in other states (including physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and midwives) to provide reproductive health services in this state without first obtaining a local license. It requires applicants to submit a letter of intent, employer verification, and start date/location details while applying for licensure. Providers must maintain good standing in their home state and comply with all applicable regulations during the temporary practice period. The provision does not apply to professionals from states with licensing standards deemed substandard by the commissioner. This law directly affects reproductive health providers seeking to serve patients across state lines.

Relates to the use of MWBE investments for and aspirational goal of at least twenty percent of each New York state fund, to the greatest extent feasible within the bounds of financial and fiduciary prudence.