Rep. Jo Anne Simon

Establishes the "removing barriers to higher education success act" which directs the state university and city university to adopt policies that makes certain documentation submitted by an enrolled or admitted student sufficient to establish that such student is an individual with a disability; establishes a program to provide transition services for students with disabilities entering higher education.

Relates to eliminating rent for homeless shelters; provides that a homeless individual or family applying for or receiving temporary housing assistance shall not be required to pay to any local or state government or agency or any provider, room and board or contribute any earned or unearned income, available benefits or resources to eliminate their need for temporary housing assistance or as a condition to receive temporary housing assistance from such provider.

Enacts the "just energy transition act"; requires a study of competitive options to facilitate the phase-out, replacement and redevelopment of New York state's oldest and most-polluting fossil fueled generation facilities and their sites by the year 2030.

Relates to requirements associated with contracts between state agencies and not-for-profit organizations including an advance payment of 25% of the total award to cover expenses incurred in the first quarter.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New York State's rules for contracts between state agencies and not-for-profit organizations, clarifying definitions and procedures for renewal contracts and temporary service agreements. It establishes clearer guidelines for "written directives" that allow not-for-profits to begin work before a contract is fully signed, including requirements for payment schedules and approval conditions. The legislation creates a new advisory committee to oversee contracting practices, review the short-term loan fund for not-for-profits, and provide recommendations to improve state agency contracting procedures. Additionally, the bill sets specific timelines for contract approvals by the attorney general and state comptroller, and expands access to short-term interest-free loans for not-for-profits working on state contracts.

Prohibits the use of electronic shelving labels, digital shelf display technology, and surveillance pricing in food retail establishments and drug retail establishments; provides injunctive relief and civil penalties.

Authorizes the use of body imaging scanning equipment in certain facilities for youth and adolescent offenders placed with or committed to the office of children and family services.

Enacts the "New York fundamental artificial intelligence requirements in (FAIR) news act"; provides transparency requirements for news media content composed, authored, or otherwise created through generative AI.

Requires the court to consider a child's health and safety when making a decision regarding child custody and visitation; directs the court to review certain information as it relates to allegations of child abuse, domestic violence and child safety.

Directs electric corporations and combination electric and gas corporations to file a cost-effectiveness and timetable analysis as part of any base rate proceeding with the public service commission; directs NYSERDA to conduct a study on the effectiveness of advanced transmission technologies.