Sen. Tim Kennedy

Requires railroad corporations to conduct a comprehensive safety inspection when a freight train is parked in a train yard prior to traveling on tracks within the state including, but not be limited to, a review of tracks, safety equipment, including brakes, and train cars.

Establishes a Black youth suicide prevention task force to study the current mental health practices and suicide prevention efforts of Black youth age 5 through 18 years and make recommendations therefor; provides for the number of members, manner of appointment and the topics to be reviewed.

Requires the commissioner to establish Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander history and civic impact curriculum or instructions for school districts.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the Lead-Based Paint Right to Know Act, requires real estate agents in New York to disclose lead-based paint test reports during residential property transactions. It mandates that sellers or their agents provide inspection results for homes built before 1978, ensuring buyers have access to information about potential lead hazards before purchasing. The legislation also requires these specific inspection reports to be added to a state health registry, making lead data available to future renters and buyers. By standardizing this disclosure process, the bill aims to prevent lead poisoning and protect public health without altering existing responsibilities for property condition or liability.

Requires the department of transportation to conduct a follow up inspection of any freight rail train or freight rail track audit within the state conducted by the federal railroad administration that identifies safety-related deficiencies or violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New York's Commissioner of Health to create a special health insurance program under the federal 1332 state innovation program, allowing the state to offer coverage to specific individuals who currently do not qualify for standard plans. The program is designed for New York residents under age 65 who are ineligible for Medicaid, lack affordable employer-sponsored insurance, and have household incomes between 133% and 250% of the federal poverty line, with additional provisions for certain noncitizens and pregnant individuals. Key features include the requirement that approved health plans cover essential benefits, dental and vision services, and specific cancer care, while also providing temporary income protections for children and pregnant people. The legislation mandates that the state obtain necessary federal approvals from the Department of Health and Human Services and the Treasury Department before implementing the plan.

Requires cultural awareness and competence training for medical professionals, including two hours of course work or training encompassing minority healthcare issues; provides an exemption for certain individuals; requires hospitals and facilities to request documentation of the completion of training from employees and prospective employees.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the ten-year time limit for charging the crime of persistent sexual abuse, allowing prosecutors to pursue cases based on past actions regardless of how much time has passed. It directly affects individuals who have previously been convicted of specific sexual offenses, such as forcible touching or sexual abuse, by eliminating the requirement that new convictions occur within a decade of the prior ones. The law still requires that a person has been convicted two or more times for these crimes in separate incidents, and it excludes any time spent in prison from the calculation of the time period. Once passed, this change expands the window in which the state can bring charges for this specific felony offense.

Provides "WiFi service" internet access to all individuals residing in temporary housing; relates to funding for internet service under the ConnectAll digital equity grant program.

Establishes the "earned time act" providing for time allowances against the term or maximum term of sentences imposed by the court to be credited on an annual pro rata basis.