Asm. Michaelle Solages

Maddy summaryThis 2016 bill requires local governments to get state comptroller approval before privatizing public bus services. It mandates that transit authorities publicly disclose details about the proposed services, how worker benefits might change, and submit competitive bids. The contract must cost at least 15% less than current public operation, and the comptroller can reject proposals that fail to meet quality or cost standards. The bill directly affects city or county bus systems considering private contractors and ensures public oversight of such contracts.

Relates to utility intervenor reimbursement to a participant for its reasonable costs of participation in any proceeding before the Public Service Commission (PSC).

Prohibits local, state and federal law enforcement officers from wearing any mask or personal disguise while interacting with the public in the performance of their duties; excludes certain protective masks.

Prohibits a landlord, lessor, sub-lessor, rental broker, real estate agent, or apartment rental clearinghouse from requesting from a potential lessee or a consumer reporting agency a consumer report for the purposes of evaluating a rental application; provides penalties for violations.

Allows an adult home, enriched housing facility, assisted living residence or special needs assisted living residence to provide for nursing services in the facility that are not continual, either by arrangement with a provider of nursing services or by employment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new tax deduction for New York taxpayers who adopt children from the foster care system. It allows deductions for adoption-related expenses including fees, medical costs, legal fees, court costs, and other associated expenses paid during the tax year. The deduction applies specifically to adoptions involving children in foster care, directly benefiting adoptive parents who incur these costs. The provision takes effect immediately for taxable years beginning January 1 after the law is enacted.

Establishes the housing for an equitable reentry and opportunity (HERO) act to prohibit housing discrimination on the basis of criminal legal system involvement; defines criminal legal system involvement.

Authorizes certain persons confined in institutions operated by the department of corrections and community supervision to apply for a sentence reduction.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 5199) ensures that New York residents with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status maintain Medicaid benefits even if the federal government ends those programs. It directly affects TPS beneficiaries and DACA recipients in New York by preventing the state from canceling their Medicaid coverage due to changes in federal immigration designations. Key provisions require the state health department to: (1) keep Medicaid benefits active for TPS/DACA recipients if federal programs end, and (2) extend eligibility to former TPS/DACA recipients who meet all other Medicaid requirements except immigration status. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Aligns utility regulation with state climate justice and emission reduction targets; provides for a statewide affordable gas transition plan and utility home energy affordable transition programs; repeals provisions relating to continuation of gas service; repeals provisions relating to the sale of indigenous natural gas for generation of electricity.