Asm. Crystal Peoples-Stokes

Maddy summaryThis bill changes rules for where cannabis dispensaries can be located near schools and houses of worship. It requires new dispensaries to be at least 500 feet from schools and 200 feet from houses of worship, measured in straight lines to the nearest entrance. The law clarifies that houses of worship remain "exclusively" religious even with incidental activities like bingo, health events, or community meetings. Existing dispensaries and approved applications under previous rules remain compliant without needing reevaluation.

Provides that a person shall not be deemed to have entered the lands owned or occupied by a nation, tribe, or band of Indians if such person is temporarily and continuously passing through such lands; provides that at the request of the Seneca nation, the superintendent of state police, a sheriff of a county that includes lands of the Seneca nation, or the chief of police of the city of Salamanca may enter into an agreement with the Seneca nation detailing the activities such law enforcement entity will undertake within the nation's federally-recognized Indian Country lands; provides that such agreements shall not be construed to limit powers, duties, and responsibilities to undertake activities on Indian lands; and provides that such agreements may include provisions related to the appointment of tribal members of Nation employees as police officers.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds two new judicial districts (14 and 15) to New York State's fourth judicial department, reorganizing the state's judicial structure. District 14 covers Onondaga County, while District 15 includes Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, Livingston, Niagara, Orleans, Steuben, and Wyoming counties. The bill adjusts the number of supreme court justices for all 15 districts, specifying nine justices for District 14 and thirteen for District 15. These changes affect judicial administration, including county assignments and staffing levels across New York's court system.

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests Governor Hochul to officially designate February 2026 as Black History Month in New York State. It does not create new laws or policies but asks the governor to issue a formal proclamation recognizing the significance of Black history and contributions. The resolution highlights historical milestones and figures through its preamble but focuses solely on urging state-level observance. It directly affects New York by encouraging official state recognition of Black History Month. The resolution was adopted by the Assembly on February 5, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows licensed health and professional service providers (such as doctors, dentists, veterinarians, engineers, social workers, and therapists) to form limited liability companies (LLCs) for their practice. It requires all LLC members to hold valid state licenses for their specific profession and prohibits altering the scope of any member's licensed practice. The bill specifies that LLCs can offer multidisciplinary services only if each member practices within their individually licensed scope, and it explicitly bars law firms from mixing with other professional services. This changes existing rules by expanding LLC formation options for these professionals while maintaining strict licensing and scope-of-practice boundaries.

Enacts the climate and community investment act; prioritizes the allocation of public investments in disadvantaged communities; addresses climate change challenges through the expansion and growth of clean and renewable energy sources; adopts best value requirements for the solicitation, evaluation and award of renewable energy projects; establishes a community just transition program; establishes a climate pollution fee and a household and small business energy rebate; creates the climate and community investment authority.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 8697) would amend New York's constitution to lower the voting age from 18 to 16 for all elections. It would allow residents aged 16 or older who have lived in their county, city, or village for at least 30 days before an election to vote. The bill directly affects 16- and 17-year-old New York residents. If passed, it would require a constitutional amendment process, including a 3-month public notice period before a vote on the change.

Relates to standards relating to hydrofluorocarbon substances; provides that any rules or regulations relating to hydrofluorocarbon substances established or implemented by the department of environmental conservation shall conform with, and shall not exceed, any applicable rules or regulations set forth in 40 C.F.R. Part 84, as in effect on October first, two thousand twenty-five.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates the 41st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in New York State on January 19, 2026, by formally recognizing Dr. King's legacy and contributions to civil rights and social justice. It serves as a symbolic legislative gesture - adopted by the Assembly - to honor his work and does not create new laws, policies, or affect any specific group through legal mechanisms.

Creates the state office of the utility consumer advocate to represent interests of residential utility customers including a proposed change of rates, charges, terms and conditions of service, the adoption of rules, regulations, guidelines, orders, standards or final policy decisions.