Asm. Phil Steck

Establishes a temporary state commission to conduct a feasibility study to evaluate and make recommendations concerning the formation and control of a state public bank; provides if such study finds that the state bank is feasible, the commission may recommend legislation to create a state public bank for New York; makes an appropriation therefor.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New York's Department of Health (with other agencies) to study medications prescribed for school-age children with ADD and ADHD. The study will examine harmful side effects, the accuracy of diagnostic tools, medication appropriateness, and whether diagnosis rates vary by demographic group. The Department must report findings to the governor and legislature within two years of the bill taking effect. The bill does not change current prescribing practices but aims to inform future policy through evidence-based research.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows cities and counties to set minimum wage rates higher than the state's standard. It amends labor law to explicitly state that local governments can establish stricter wage requirements within their own boundaries without conflicting with state law. The key provision removes barriers that might prevent municipalities from adopting more protective wage policies. This directly affects local governments and employers operating in jurisdictions that choose to implement higher minimum wages. The change takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires certain public water systems (serving at least 15 year-round residents or 25 regularly) to identify lead service lines connecting water mains to properties. It defines "lead service line" broadly, including galvanized pipes downstream of lead lines or where lead connectors are used. Water systems must obtain property owner or occupant consent for free inspections, with a 30-day response window; if consent isn't received, occupants may provide consent. Inspections must occur within 60 days of consent, focusing solely on identification, not removal, of lead service lines.

Relates to the definition of drug-related paraphernalia; clarifies that drug-related paraphernalia shall not impact substances that are not considered controlled substances.

Establishes a 10 day waiting period for the purchase of any firearm; establishes violations of such provisions shall constitute a class A misdemeanor.

Relates to the disposition of campaign funds raised by an elected official who has been convicted of a crime committed while in public office or has been impeached and has been convicted, or has resigned public office following findings by either the attorney general or a committee of the legislature that the official has violated the law.

Eliminates provisions exempting employees with disabilities from the minimum wage law; provides that laws or minimum wage orders that authorize an employer to pay a wage that is less than the minimum wage are valid provided that under such laws or orders an employee with a disability is paid the same wage as an employee in a comparable position that does not have a disability.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires retailers to clearly label specific perishable and packaged foods with two dates: a "safety date" (indicating the last safe consumption date) and a "quality date" (indicating the last recommended consumption date). It applies to common products like eggs, high-moisture baked goods (e.g., breads, cakes), dairy items (e.g., yogurt, cheese, milk), and other refrigerated foods. Retailers must display both dates on the container, and state health and agriculture officials will create detailed rules for how these labels appear. The law takes effect 180 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill defines specific terms in standard form contracts (where an individual didn’t draft the agreement) as unconscionable, directly affecting consumers who sign such contracts with businesses. It creates a rebuttable presumption that terms like requiring inconvenient dispute venues, waiving statutory rights, or imposing excessive fees are unfair and unenforceable. The law also establishes $1,000 in statutory damages per violation for consumers and classifies including these terms as an unfair trade practice. It applies to contracts entered into after its effective date (January 1 next year), aiming to prevent businesses from using oppressive contract terms.