Relates to the establishment of a single computerized state DNA identification index; requires municipalities to expunge any DNA record stored in a municipal DNA identification index.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Education Law to allow students to be absent from school specifically for reasons related to their mental or behavioral health. It requires the state education commissioner to create specific rules outlining how schools should handle these absences and ensures that private or home-based schooling arrangements also permit such time off. The legislation applies to all minors required to attend school, giving them a recognized reason to miss class without violating attendance mandates.
Prohibits the use of a victim's DNA collected from sexual offense evidence kits from being added to the state DNA identification index or other databases or being used in certain actions.
Imposes a surcharge on monthly phone bills to fund the costs associated with the administration, design, installation, construction, operation, and maintenance of a 9-8-8 suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis hotline in New York state; establishes the 9-8-8 suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis hotline trust fund.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires state, county, and local transportation projects to prioritize safe access for all road users, including drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit riders, by applying complete street design principles. It mandates that these design features be used during the planning, design, construction, and rehabilitation of funded projects, while also applying them to resurfacing and maintenance if the work is expected to last at least ten years. Additionally, the legislation updates the criteria for denying funding to projects, allowing officials to reject proposals that show a demonstrated lack of community support based on factors like population density and traffic volumes. The changes will take effect approximately 270 days after becoming law and will not apply to projects already approved before that date.
Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Access to Representation Act, would guarantee the right to legal counsel for certain low-income individuals facing immigration proceedings in New York. It directly affects non-citizens and citizens with disputed status who are detained or subject to removal, as well as those with a significant connection to the state. Under the proposed law, eligible individuals would receive ongoing legal representation from designated providers starting from their first court appearance or as soon as possible thereafter. The program would be administered by the New York State Office for New Americans, which would set income limits and oversee the delivery of legal services.
Enacts the student journalist education act to protect student speech at educational institutions unless such speech is libelous, an invasion of privacy, or incites students to commit an unlawful act, violate school policies, or to materially and substantially disrupt the orderly operation of the school.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Resolution that formally congratulates the Bolton Central School Boys Varsity Basketball Team, their coaches, and athletic director on winning the Class D State Championship. The resolution specifically names the individual players, Head Coach Cody Kober, Assistant Coach Angel Figueroa, and Athletic Director Mark Andrejkovics, and directs that copies of the document be sent to them. It recognizes the team's 26-1 season record and their victory over Sackets Harbor High School, highlighting the athletic achievement without altering any laws or policies.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires public schools to provide plant-based food options as an alternative to every meal or snack upon request by a student or their parent. The plant-based option must be offered at no additional cost and must meet USDA standards for meat alternatives, while the school must also include this availability in all food-related written materials. Schools must respond to requests in a reasonable manner, and the requirement applies to all students regardless of whether they have requested the option, though requesting students may still choose non-plant-based meals. The law takes effect immediately but applies to school food service starting one year after enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially recognize March 31, 2026, as Farmworkers Day in New York State. The resolution honors the historical contributions of farmworkers to democracy and human rights, particularly referencing the United Farm Workers movement and their advocacy for better working conditions. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a commemorative proclamation to acknowledge the legacy of farmworkers. The measure directs the governor to issue a formal statement recognizing this date and highlights New York's 2019 Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act as part of the state's ongoing support for farmworker protections.
