Asm. David Weprin

Relates to attachments to utility poles for broadband service; provides that for a broadband internet provider that does not provide regulated telephone service, a pole owner shall not require such broadband internet provider to obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity as a condition to making attachments to utility poles solely owned or jointly-owned by the pole owner.

Establishes the crime of forcible touching of a correction officer; increases criminal penalties for certain sexual offenses committed against correction officers when such correction officer is acting in the course of such correction officer's employment.

Maddy summaryThis New York state bill creates a work opportunity tax credit for employers hiring New York residents in targeted groups (such as veterans or long-term unemployed individuals, as defined by federal law). Employers can claim a 100% credit against state tax for qualified wages paid to these employees, capped at $500 per employee annually. The total credit is limited to $90 million across all taxpayers, with the program expiring December 31, 2028. It applies to wages paid after April 1, 2026, and cannot overlap with other state tax credits for the same wages.

Categorizes members of an auxiliary police program organized and maintained by a state or local police department with police officers and peace officers for purposes of certain felony classifications.

Authorizes the governor and lieutenant-governor, commissioner of general services, secretary of state, comptroller, attorney general, and members of the legislature, provided that such request does not impact upon the department's ability to manage its facilities as determined by the director of the facility, to visit any facility designated by the commissioner of mental health for care and treatment.

Authorizes the department of environmental conservation to issue special airport air strike hazard permits when the department finds that wildlife has become a nuisance, destructive to public or private property or a threat to public health or welfare.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits lenders from cutting off access to funds in home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) when borrowers are making timely payments. It directly affects homeowners who use HELOCs for residential financing by ensuring lenders cannot arbitrarily block their access to available credit. The law amends two state laws to explicitly state that lenders must maintain borrower access to these credit lines as long as payments are current. This creates a clear, enforceable requirement for lenders regarding a common type of residential mortgage product.

Relates to claims for unjust conviction and imprisonment and the availability of certain benefits and entitlements to exonerees; allows for sealing of records, payment of awards and payment of attorney's fees; repeals certain provisions relating thereto.

Requires the commissioner to establish Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander history and civic impact curriculum or instructions for school districts.

Provides that any claim for deceptive acts or practices against a distribution utility providing gas, electric or steam services to the public, the court shall have exclusive jurisdiction over such claim without regard to any defenses alleged; provides that in any claim for false advertising, the court shall have exclusive jurisdiction over such claim.