Sen. April Baskin

Creates statewide emergency and crisis response council to work in conjunction with the commissioners of mental health and addiction services to jointly approve emergency and crisis services plans submitted by local governments, and provide supports regarding the operation and financing of high-quality emergency and crisis services provided to persons experiencing a mental health, alcohol use, or substance use crisis.

Enacts the "fair concession pricing act" to require certain entertainment and sports venues constructed or operating under public financial benefit to implement fan-friendly concession pricing policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new enforcement mechanism allowing certain workers, whistleblowers, or labor organizations to file public lawsuits on behalf of New York's labor department to address violations of specific labor laws. It enables private parties to initiate enforcement actions for issues like unpaid wages or misclassification (covered under Articles 5, 6, 9, 19, 19-A, 19-B, and 25-A), with civil penalties collected going to the state treasury. The law aims to supplement limited public enforcement resources by empowering workers and organizations to act as "private attorneys general" while protecting whistleblowers from retaliation. It explicitly excludes government agencies as targets and applies only to violations covered by designated labor law sections.

Requires peer-to-peer car sharing programs provide insurance coverage in amounts equal to the financial responsibility requirements set forth in section three hundred eleven of the vehicle and traffic law; removes requirements relating to requiring additional insurance coverage.

Maddy summaryS 6997 requires utility companies and contractors to electronically submit detailed information about pole attachments (including equipment ownership, work dates, and contractors) to a central database. It creates a public complaint system for safety issues like unsafe attachments or violations of industry standards, with inspectors required to investigate within two weeks. Violations can result in fines up to $50,000 for repeat offenses, and the commission must publish semiannual lists of repeat violators. The bill also adds new disclosure requirements for contractors working in public rights-of-way when applying for permits.

Maddy summaryS 1548 bans specific harmful chemicals from menstrual products sold in New York State. It prohibits manufacturers from intentionally adding substances like lead, mercury, formaldehyde, triclosan, and PFAS (a class of chemicals including Teflon-like compounds) to products such as tampons, pads, and menstrual cups. The bill takes immediate effect for all intentionally added restricted substances, with a 2029 deadline for setting science-based limits on any remaining traces of these chemicals. This directly affects all companies producing or selling menstrual products in New York, requiring them to reformulate products to remove these substances.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1224) prevents school-based health center services from being delivered to medical assistance recipients (like Medicaid beneficiaries) through private managed care insurance plans. It amends state law to require these services to continue being provided directly outside of managed care programs. The key change ensures that students receiving medical assistance can access school health services through traditional public health channels, not through private insurance networks. The bill was passed by the legislature in June 2025 but was vetoed by the governor on October 16, 2025, so it did not become law.

Maddy summaryS 8269 authorizes the Town of Cheektowaga (Erie County) to impose a 3% occupancy tax on hotel, motel, and similar lodging rentals. This tax applies to short-term room rentals (not exceeding 30 consecutive days) for guests staying in accommodations like hotels, motels, or boarding houses, but excludes permanent residents, government entities, and qualifying nonprofits. The town’s chief fiscal officer will collect the tax, which must be paid by guests to the property owner, and revenues will fund the town’s general operations. The bill specifies collection methods, review procedures for disputes, and a two-year renewal limit for the local tax law.

Relates to utilization review program standards; requires use of evidence-based and peer reviewed clinical review criteria; relates to prescription drug formulary changes and pre-authorization for certain health care services.

Relates to the purpose of such corporation and the use of certain tax monies received by the Rescue Volunteer and Exempt Firemen's Benevolent Association Inc. in the town of Cheektowaga, Erie county.