Prohibits local, state and federal law enforcement officers from wearing any mask or personal disguise while interacting with the public in the performance of their duties; excludes certain protective masks.
Maddy summaryThis bill adds "housing status" to New York's existing anti-discrimination protections in employment, housing, and public accommodations. It explicitly defines "housing status" to include people experiencing homelessness, living in temporary shelters (like homeless shelters or transitional housing), or residing in places not designed for regular overnight stays (e.g., cars, sidewalks). The law prohibits discrimination based on this status by employers, landlords, and businesses providing public services, integrating it into current enforcement mechanisms under the Division of Human Rights. It does not create new penalties but extends existing protections to cover housing instability as a protected category.
Maddy summaryS 264 prohibits government agencies in New York from denying employment to job applicants solely because they are recovering from a substance use disorder. It directly affects state and local government employers (including departments, schools, and correctional facilities) and job seekers in recovery. The law defines "substance use disorder" per existing mental health law and explicitly bans employment discrimination based on recovery status. This creates a clear, immediate legal standard for government hiring practices.
Relates to the creation of a department of corrections and community supervision identification form; relates to the use of such form as proof of identity for individuals applying for a non-driver identification card or certain driver's licenses.
Relates to authorizing counties to set interest rates imposed on late payment of property taxes and delinquencies and redemption of property subject to more than one tax lien.
Requires the office of mental health to conduct a study on utilizing the therapeutic techniques studied by the research and recognition project for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Provides for a pilot project in furtherance of climate leadership and community protection act clean energy standards in Lake Erie; establishes standards for wind energy procured therefrom.
Provides for accessing records under the freedom of information law including notification procedures and the release of names of natural persons and residential addresses.
Maddy summaryS 4994 establishes an immediate ban on family courts using reports from forensic child custody evaluators (licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, or social workers) in custody or visitation cases. The bill prohibits courts from ordering or admitting such reports into evidence, directly affecting judges, attorneys, and families involved in custody disputes. It defines "forensic custody report" broadly to include any evaluation, assessment, or recommendation used by courts in these cases. The moratorium remains in place until all 11 recommendations from the Blue-Ribbon Commission on forensic custody evaluations are implemented.
Maddy summaryThis bill exempts baby bottles and bottle nipples from sales and compensating use taxes in New York. It specifically defines "baby bottle" as a bottle with a nipple for feeding infants and "bottle nipple" as the flexible part with a feeding hole. The tax exemption applies to these items when purchased for use by babies or very young children. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.
