Requires the community gardens task force to conduct an assessment of all community gardens located on publicly owned land in the state to facilitate each garden's designation as a critical environmental area.
Enacts the "unmarked burial site protection act"; requires the cessation of all ground disturbing activities upon the discovery of a burial ground, human remains or funerary objects; requires the reporting of such discovery to the local coroner; provides that if such remains are more than 50 years old, the state archaeologist shall be notified; requires state archaeologist to determine whether the remains are of Native American origin; provides that the lineal descendants or culturally affiliated group of such remains shall be notified and be given possession thereof; establishes the Native American burial site review committee to provide for notice and disposition of Native American remains; establishes criminal penalties for the violation of such provisions relating to the disturbance or failure to report the discovery of any such site, remains or objects; grants the attorney general and aggrieved parties a civil right of action for the violations of such provisions.
Relates to the use of MWBE investments for and aspirational goal of at least twenty percent of each New York state fund, to the greatest extent feasible within the bounds of financial and fiduciary prudence.
Requires the division of criminal justice services to establish and maintain a database of information relating to the sale or use of microstamped guns in the state and to promulgate regulations regarding the provision of information pertaining to the sale, delivery or use of such guns within the state.
Renames the state aid for certain independent institutions of higher learning to the Leonard P. Stavisky student success grants; requires certain institutions and colleges to submit a report on the use of the state aid apportionment received including how it supported student success.
Requires the commissioner of transportation to install and maintain fiber optic utility along all highways and thruways in the state for access to fiber optic and broadband services.
Requires that a business allow a consumer to cancel a contract between the two parties using the same method that was used to enter into the contract; excludes businesses operating pursuant to certain franchises.
Prohibits mandatory arbitration agreements in consumer and employment contracts; repeals existing provisions prohibiting mandatory arbitration clauses in certain consumer contracts.
Enacts the student journalist free speech act to protect student speech at educational institutions unless such speech is libelous, an invasion of privacy, or incites students to commit an unlawful act, violate school policies, or to materially and substantially disrupt the orderly operation of the school.
Lowers the voting age to 16 years; requires that students receive education in civics and be given the opportunity to register to vote in the classroom.