Sen. Nathalia Fernández

Prohibits the use of biometric identifying technology in schools for any reason other than certain specified purposes; adds fingerprint identification of teachers, administrators and students for the purpose of securely logging into a digital device for academic and administrative purpose to allowable purposes.

Codifies the disparate impact standard in the human rights law; provides that in cases of alleged housing discrimination, an unlawful discriminatory practice may be established by a practice's discriminatory effect.

Requires schools safety plans to include a cardiac emergency response plan that addresses the use of appropriate personnel and measures to respond to incidents involving any individual experiencing sudden cardiac arrest or similar life-threatening emergency on any school site owned or operated by a school or at a location of a school sponsored event.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3360) expands who can legally authorize the donation of a deceased person's body for medical education or research. It adds "a close friend" (as defined in section 2994-a of the law) to the list of people permitted to make an anatomical gift, alongside existing categories like family members or guardians. The bill also clarifies that if multiple people in the same category (including close friends) are eligible, a gift requires majority agreement among reasonably available individuals to avoid conflicts. It directly affects close friends of decedents seeking to facilitate body donations for medical purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit program for businesses relocating to cities with over one million residents (like New York City). It requires eligible businesses - those operating outside New York state for 24 months prior and relocating operations - to maintain a minimum number of "eligible employment shares" (calculated based on full- and part-time work weeks) and obtain annual city certifications from the mayor or designated agency. Businesses must meet specific thresholds, such as having at least 25% of their New York City employment base or 250 employment shares, to qualify for the credit. Certifications cannot be issued after July 1, 2028, and the program applies to local laws enacted under this article.

Provides that every insurance policy delivered or issued for delivery in New York which provides major medical or similar comprehensive-type coverage shall provide space on any enrollment, renewal or initial online portal process forms so that the insured or applicant for insurance shall register or decline registration in the donate life registry.

Relates to including outpatient care provided by creative arts therapists in certain insurance policies covering care for other mental health services.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1949) dedicates a specific segment of the state highway system in Haverstraw, Rockland County, to Hector L. Soto. It designates the portion of U.S. Route 202 from Rosman Road to Route 45 as "Highway Dedicated to Hector L. Soto" through ceremonial signage. The bill explicitly states this dedication is purely ceremonial, does not change the highway's official name, and requires no alteration to the highway's existing designation. The signing will be installed and maintained by the Department of Transportation.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits government offices from charging fees for two specific certificates: one for stillbirths and another for pregnancy loss. It directly affects parents who need official documentation following these experiences, removing a financial barrier to obtaining these certificates. The key provision requires registrars to issue these documents without any fee, aligning with existing fee structures for birth or death certificates. The law would take effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) congratulating Shawn MacKinnon on retiring after 30 years of service as a Senate staffer. It recognizes his roles including Secretary to the Senate Finance Committee, expertise in school funding, and mentorship, but contains no policy changes or mechanisms. The resolution formally acknowledges his contributions and will be sent to him as a copy. It directly affects MacKinnon as the honoree, with no impact on legislation or constituents.