Sen. Nathalia Fernández

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York State law to officially designate New York City's sheriffs, under-sheriffs, and deputy sheriffs as "police officers" within the criminal procedure law. It changes legal references to clarify that these officials perform policing functions under the same classification as sworn police officers. The key mechanism is updating specific sections of the criminal procedure law to include these NYC sheriff roles in definitions previously limited to traditional police officers. This change affects NYC sheriff's department personnel by aligning their legal designation with police officers for procedural purposes. The bill takes immediate effect upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-funded grant program to create peer support networks for health care workers, directly affecting hospitals, clinics, and other health care facilities that apply for funding. It appropriates $10 million to provide grants (capped at $250,000 per entity) to eligible organizations to develop peer-to-peer mental health programs focused on issues like PTSD and suicide prevention. The program requires standardized training for peer volunteers and administrative staffing, while prohibiting the collection of personal health data from workers seeking support. The law mandates that grant recipients follow state-established standards for program implementation and ensures privacy protections for participants.

Requires abandoned property escheat to the Indian nation or tribe that historically occupied the land or to the nearest nation or tribe; establishes such land shall be tribal land.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 1st as "Alcohol Awareness Day" in New York State by adding it to the list of official commemorative days in the executive law. It does not create new policies or requirements; it simply establishes a symbolic observance date alongside other existing days like Holocaust Remembrance Day and Juneteenth. The designation affects state recognition of this day but does not impose any obligations on individuals or organizations.

Requires private insurance plans which provide for reimbursement for psychiatric or psychological services or for diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions to include reimbursement for services provided by child advocacy centers.

Maddy summarySenate Bill S 856 reorganizes the State Commission of Correction by expanding its membership from three to nine individuals. The bill diversifies the appointment process, allowing the Governor, Speaker of the Assembly, Temporary President of the Senate, and the Correctional Association to each appoint members. It also mandates that the commission include members with specific professional backgrounds, such as formerly incarcerated individuals, health professionals, and attorneys. Additionally, the bill establishes a ten-year term limit for commissioners and alters the process for designating the chairperson and removing members.

Maddy summaryS 1791 eliminates asset limits for households receiving public assistance in New York, meaning people can keep more savings and property while still qualifying for benefits. The bill removes specific dollar thresholds for assets like cash (currently capped at $2,500), vehicles, homes, burial plots, and education funds that previously disqualified households from aid. It directly affects low-income families and individuals enrolled in programs like family assistance or medical assistance under New York's social services law. The change simplifies eligibility by disregarding all household assets in benefit calculations, aligning with federal requirements where applicable.

Requires grand jury proceedings for police officers or peace officers involved in a shooting or excessive use of force to be conducted in open, contemporaneous public hearings.

Provides that the term "landlord" when used in the real property law, shall not include or apply to any corporation, entity or organization, hereinafter known as a "cooperative entity" that is or is operating for the purpose of providing housing and/or residences for its shareholders by leasing or subleasing to such shareholders, under proprietary leases or occupancy agreements or subleases of such leases or occupancy agreements of apartments or residences in the buildings or premises owned by such cooperative entities; makes related provisions for the term "tenant".

Relates to the confidentiality and expungement of records in juvenile delinquency cases in the family court; requires certain records to be expunged automatically.