Sen. Patrick Gallivan

Relates to the regulation of social media companies and social media platforms; provides for age requirements for the use of social media and parental consent; prohibits certain data collection from social media accounts; limits the hours a minor can have access to social media; establishes penalties for violations.

Restores judicial discretion relating to bail reform; provides that when the defendant is charged with a felony, the court shall request of the applicable county pre-trial services agency a risk and needs assessment be conducted on the eligible defendant for the purpose of determining whether such defendant should be released on the defendant's own recognizance, released under non-monetary conditions or, where authorized, bail or commit the defendant to the custody of the sheriff; defines risks and needs assessment; makes related provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires individuals arrested for specific felony offenses to submit a DNA sample for inclusion in the state DNA identification index. It applies to arrests for crimes including assault, homicide, sex offenses, kidnapping, burglary, robbery, and firearms violations. The law mandates DNA collection upon arrest unless the person previously provided a sample, and outlines procedures for court-ordered collection if refused. It also establishes clear processes for expunging DNA records when cases end in acquittal, dismissal, or pardons, ensuring records are removed from the index under defined conditions.

Directs the office of mental health to develop materials relating to suicide prevention and identifying signs of depression for school-aged children; authorizes school districts to include suicide prevention in health class curriculum.

Establishes the offense of aggravated reckless endangerment; includes aggravated reckless endangerment as a qualified offense the court must consider and take into account for securing an order.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New York State's requirements for mental health counselors seeking licensure from other states. It allows out-of-state applicants to obtain a license if their home state's standards are similar to New York's, they demonstrate recent competency (through work or education), and have no disqualifying disciplinary history. The bill also creates a temporary "provisional license" enabling practice while completing final requirements, valid until a license is denied, expires, or terms are violated. It does not override existing reciprocity rules but clarifies the process for cross-state licensure.

Creates a school resource officer working group to study appropriate standards and training for a person to serve as a school resource officer; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how New York state funds pre-kindergarten programs outside New York City. It repeals a previous funding formula and sets a fixed $300 million annual budget for New York City programs, while requiring that all non-NYC regions receive funding sufficient to cover every qualifying program's slots. The department must use a merit-based scoring system to allocate funds, prioritizing community need and program quality, with payments tied to actual enrolled students. This directly affects public pre-K programs in all upstate regions by guaranteeing full funding for qualified providers.

Provides that the state shall pay to the city or county operating a facility, including whenever a person confined during proceedings pursuant to article ten of the mental hygiene law has been placed in any county jail or penitentiary, or a city prison operated by a city having a population of one million or more inhabitants, the actual per day per capita cost as certified to the state commissioner of corrections and community supervision by the appropriate local official for the care of such person as approved by the director of the budget.

Maddy summaryS 8511 allows employers hiring volunteer or paid firefighters to conduct background checks on job applicants. The bill requires employers to provide applicants with copies of any background records obtained and give them a chance to explain the results. This directly affects firefighters applying for positions with fire departments across New York. The law adds a specific provision to criminal procedure law, ensuring transparency in the background check process for this workforce. It does not change existing background check rules for other professions.