Sen. Kristen Gonzalez

Enacts the "food safety and chemical disclosure act"; prohibits certain food additives and food color additives; provides that in an action to enforce compliance, the recognition by the federal food and drug administration of any of these substances as safe may not be alleged as a defense; establishes requirements for the reporting of GRAS (generally recognized as safe) substances.

Prohibits the sale of foods containing synthetic color additives in schools except under certain circumstances off and away from the premises or on premises at least a half hour after the end of the school day.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially designate April 2026 as Arab American Heritage Month in New York State. The resolution highlights the historical contributions and cultural significance of Arab Americans within the state, noting that New York is home to over 300,000 individuals from diverse Arab backgrounds. By directing copies of the resolution to the governor and several advocacy organizations, the measure seeks to raise public awareness and promote recognition of this community's heritage.

Maddy summaryNew York State bill S 9094 bans the use, sale, distribution, and purchase of all pesticides containing paraquat dichloride or its chemical forms (identified by CAS numbers 4685-14-7, 1910-42-5, and 2074-50-2). The law directly affects farmers, agricultural businesses, and anyone using paraquat-based herbicides in New York. It takes effect January 1, 2027, prohibiting all paraquat products after this date. The bill cites scientific evidence linking paraquat exposure to increased risks of Parkinson's disease and certain cancers, following the EPA's ongoing review of the chemical.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state to waive fees for non-driver identification cards for incarcerated individuals, victims of crime replacing lost IDs, and residents with income below 200% of the federal poverty line. To qualify, applicants must prove their financial status using documents such as tax returns, employer letters, or wage statements. The change mandates that the commissioner grant these waivers rather than leaving the decision to their discretion. It applies to anyone seeking a state ID and takes effect 30 days after becoming law.

Prohibits public employers from diminishing health insurance benefits provided to Medicare-eligible retirees and their Medicare-eligible dependents or the contributions such employer makes for such health insurance coverage below the level of such benefits or contributions made on behalf of such retirees and dependents by the public employer as of December 31, 2021.

Prohibits utility corporations from imposing late fees, interest, or penalties during an investigation by the commission; allows retroactive late fees, interest, or penalties if a determination is made in favor of such utility corporation; prohibits utility services from being terminated during an investigation by the commission; requires utility corporations to notify customers of investigations; requires notice to the general public; requires the public service commission to prepare reports on investigatory proceedings relating to gas, electric, and steam service.

Establishes the tenant power act; authorizes the establishment of tenant unions and sets forth the powers and duties of such organizations; establishes the statewide tenant association; provides for the enforcement of such provisions; establishes the statewide tenant association fund; makes an appropriation therefor.

Relates to parole eligibility for certain incarcerated persons age fifty-five or older if they have served at least fifteen years of their sentence or sentences.

Enacts the "Empowering People in Rights Enforcement (EMPIRE) Worker Protection Act"; relates to the delegation of state enforcement authority to private actors; authorizes an affected employee, whistleblower, representative organization or an organizational deputy to initiate a public enforcement action on behalf of the commissioner for certain provisions of the labor law, or any regulation promulgated thereunder.