Provides that, for a quorum, an advisory board may require that at a minimum, one quarter of the members and the presiding officer of a community board physically be present at a location where the public can attend for such board to conduct videoconferencing.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 7451) prohibits judges from banning parents from undergoing gender-affirming care during child custody decisions. It directly affects parents involved in custody cases by requiring courts to disregard a parent's sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression when determining a child's best interests. The law adds a specific provision to domestic relations law stating courts "shall not prohibit a party from undergoing gender reassignment" and must not consider gender identity factors. If passed, it would prevent courts from restricting a parent's access to medical care related to their gender identity as part of custody rulings. The bill is currently in the Assembly Judiciary committee after passing the Senate.
Requires the department of health to develop and maternal health care providers to distribute written information about episiotomy to maternity patients.
Maddy summaryS 138 establishes a "Medical Aid in Dying Act" for New York, allowing terminally ill patients (with decision-making capacity and a confirmed terminal illness expected to cause death within six months) to request and self-administer medication to end their life. Key provisions require patients to make an oral and written request, receive confirmation from two physicians (an attending physician and a consulting physician), and sign a witnessed written request with two non-related, non-beneficiary adults. The bill mandates patients be fully informed of alternatives like palliative care, outlines physician responsibilities, and includes requirements for documentation, safe medication disposal, and protections for healthcare providers.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 8320) modifies court pleading rules for certain claims involving sexual offenses. It exempts claims alleging physical or psychological injury from sexual offenses (as defined in New York Penal Law) against children or adults aged 18+ from needing detailed technical descriptions of the claim. Specifically, it removes the requirement to specify exact details like the time, place, or nature of the injury in these cases, preventing dismissals based solely on pleading technicalities. The law applies immediately to new claims, pending cases, and some previously dismissed claims that are still appealable.
Requires that an organization applying for grant funding shall provide to arts agencies a certification that it will enter into a labor peace agreement with at least one bona fide labor organization either where such bona fide labor organization is actively representing employees providing services covered by the organization seeking such grant funding or upon notice by a bona fide labor organization that is attempting to represent employees who will provide services to the organization seeking such grant funding; relates to prevailing wage requirements for not-for-profit theaters and payment of their employees on productions funded by the New York state council on the arts or arts agencies of localities.
Repeals provisions relating to mandatory anti-arson applications for insurance coverage to insure any building against the peril of fire or explosion.
Requires the appointment of a Title VI coordinator at every college and university in the state to ensure compliance with Title VI of the federal civil rights act of 1964; requires the division of human rights to develop training for students and employees; requires the Title VI coordinator to notify annually all students and employees of the institution's policies and procedures for reporting discrimination and harassment.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 8367) increases the value of a motor vehicle exempt from estate distribution rules from $25,000 to $50,000. It directly affects surviving spouses or children of a deceased person (decedent) who would otherwise have to share a vehicle in their estate. Under the change, they can claim one vehicle valued up to $50,000 (or receive cash for that amount) without it counting toward other estate distributions, even if the decedent owned multiple vehicles. The bill amends existing law and would take effect January 1 following its enactment.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1100) asks Governor Hochul to officially recognize September 21-27, 2025, as Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) Awareness Week in New York State. It does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise public awareness about FTD, a terminal brain disease affecting speech, behavior, and motor skills, often misdiagnosed in people aged 40-60. The resolution highlights FTD's impact - accounting for 10-20% of dementia cases under 60 - and its high care costs, urging greater attention to the condition. This symbolic action directly affects New Yorkers living with FTD and their families by promoting community recognition.
