Sen. James Skoufis

Maddy summaryThis bill allows advisory committees and their subcommittees to let members join meetings remotely using videoconferencing. Under the new rules, these remote participants would count toward the required number of members present to make a decision. However, the law requires that at least one physical location remain open for the public to attend, listen, and watch these meetings in person. The change applies only to groups that provide advice rather than make final decisions, and it does not alter requirements for other types of public bodies.

Establishes the clean fuel standard of 2024; provides such standard is intended to reduce greenhouse gas intensity from the on-road transportation sector, with further reductions to be implemented based upon advances in technology.

Requires principals to make a good faith effort to identify and notify co-trustees and co-beneficiaries of the signing of a power of attorney including the identity of the agent where the agent is not a co-trustee or co-beneficiary.

Requires manufactured home park owners to provide a written justification for rent increases in excess of three percent of the current rent; provides that increases in costs to justify such rent increase for ordinary maintenance or repair to meet the warranty of habitability obligations must be shown to be necessary.

Requires the commissioner of health to promulgate regulations requiring that the addition of, decertification of, or changes in the method of delivery of perinatal services by a general hospital be subject to an application under article 28 of the public health law that requires review and approval by the council.

Repeals provisions relating to resolutions of disputes in the course of collective negotiations with certain deputy sheriffs to provide such deputy sheriffs with the same interest arbitration scope as municipal police officers.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Freedom of Information Act to set stricter deadlines for government agencies responding to public records requests. It requires agencies to acknowledge receipt of a request within five business days and mandates that most responses be completed within thirty days, with a maximum extension of sixty days for complex cases. The legislation also clarifies that agencies cannot deny requests simply because they are large or require significant staff time, provided they can hire outside help to fulfill them. Additionally, the bill mandates that agencies accept and respond to requests via email and ensures their websites allow for online submission of these requests. These changes aim to make the process more efficient and transparent for citizens seeking government information.

Prohibits the sale of certain products that contain regulated perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances; requires manufacturers of products containing PFAS to provide notice of such fact to persons that offer the products for sale or distribution; provides penalties for violations.

Prevents the displacement of call center workers who provide call center services for the government in certain circumstances; provides protections for call center workers when contracts with call center contractors are terminated; requires new call center contractors to hire existing call center workers; protects collective bargaining agreements.

Prohibits recording of the entrance or exit of a school ground or the entrance or exit to a property that contains school grounds within its boundaries.