Asm. John Lemondes

Directs the metropolitan transportation authority, in consultation with the Long Island Rail Road, to establish a no fare program for transportation on the Long Island Rail Road for individuals in active military service of the United States and active duty members of the New York national guard, upon showing a military or national guard identification card.

Provides that the thruway authority shall issue permits for ambulances and fire vehicles exempting such vehicles from paying tolls on the thruway when engaged in an emergency operation.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 6133) establishes a mandatory 2-year warranty for new consumer goods purchased in New York State with a price of $500 or more per unit. It requires manufacturers to repair or replace defective items at no cost to the consumer if problems persist after a reasonable number of attempts, or if the item is inoperable for 30+ days during the warranty period. Consumers must report issues to the manufacturer within 2 years, and manufacturers must respond within 7 days to initial reports or 20 days to refusal notices. The law also mandates a clear "Consumer Goods Bill of Rights" notice for these items, outlining rights to free repairs, replacements, or refunds for substantial defects, while allowing manufacturers to deny claims for abuse, neglect, or unauthorized modifications.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 5116) prohibits the release of individuals convicted of first-degree murder through parole or any other means. It mandates that courts must sentence such offenders to either the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole, eliminating any possibility of parole consideration. The law directly affects people convicted of first-degree murder under New York Penal Law, requiring mandatory life sentences without parole options for this specific crime. The bill amends existing sentencing provisions to ensure no release is permitted for these offenders.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts wood burning used for recreation, building heating, cooking, or food preparation from certain greenhouse gas emissions regulations. It directly affects rural residents and small communities who rely on wood-burning for these everyday purposes. The law modifies environmental conservation rules to exclude these specific wood-burning activities from compliance requirements tied to New York's 2019 climate law. The exemption applies immediately upon the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryBill A 7467 expands the legal definitions of "sewage" and "sewerage system" for specific water, sewer, and water and sewer authorities. It explicitly includes "stormwater" within these definitions, meaning these authorities will legally manage stormwater as part of their waste and collection systems. The bill also defines "stormwater" as unabsorbed flow from rain or meltwater on the ground or other surfaces. This aims to clarify the responsibilities of these authorities for the collection, conveyance, treatment, and disposal of stormwater.

Directs the coordination of policies and services of the traumatic brain injury program with the office for the prevention of domestic violence; includes the executive director of the office for the prevention of domestic violence on the traumatic brain injury services coordinating council.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New York State laws to officially recognize threats or harm to animals as a form of coercive control used in domestic violence situations. It directly affects legal proceedings by requiring specialized training for mental health professionals and social workers who evaluate child custody cases involving domestic abuse. The training curriculum will include specific instruction on how abusers use animal cruelty to intimidate victims and manipulate family court outcomes. By integrating this definition into existing statutes, the legislation ensures that judges and evaluators better understand the full scope of abusive tactics when making custody decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially recognize April 29, 2026, as Undiagnosed Rare Disease Day in New York. The measure aims to raise public awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with rare conditions that have not yet been diagnosed. By aligning with a national observance, the bill highlights the emotional, physical, and financial burdens these patients and their families often endure. The resolution does not change laws or allocate funds but serves as a symbolic gesture to honor those affected and encourage community empathy.

Maddy summaryNew York's Senate Bill A 10321 requires solar and wind energy companies to provide financial security - such as bonds from licensed sureties - before receiving permits for their projects. This security must cover the estimated cost of restoring land after the project ends and remains in effect until reclamation is approved by the commission or office. Companies must replace canceled security within 30 days, and remain personally liable for any reclamation costs not covered by the security. Government entities like municipalities are exempt from these requirements.