Asm. Steven Raga

Establishes the bank of Rochester, including provisions related to definitions; sponsors and corporate structure; powers and restrictions; governance; charter requirements; financial and operations frameworks; transparency and financial reporting; insurance; deposits; policy mandates; ethics and financial disclosure; inconsistency with other laws; and owners not to be considered bank holding companies.

Relates to the use of funds and payments from the IOLA fund; provides that funds and payments shall not be used for any other purpose other than as stated in section 97-v of the state finance law.

Enacts the "Consumer and Small business Protection Act"; relates to standing for persons affected by prohibited or unlawful business practices; expands prohibited acts to include unfair, deceptive or abusive acts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state, county, and local transportation projects to prioritize safe access for all road users, including drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit riders. It mandates that agencies using complete street design principles consider these needs during the planning, design, and construction of new or rebuilt roads, while also applying these standards to maintenance projects lasting at least ten years. Additionally, the legislation updates the criteria for determining when a road project is unnecessary, adding community support as a key factor alongside traffic volume and land use. The law will not apply to projects approved before it becomes effective and will take effect approximately 260 days after passage.

Enacts "Melanie's law"; relates to orders of protection; allows courts to issue orders of protection for immediate family members or household members of the named victims, regardless of age.

Prohibits residential landlords from charging tenants a fee for a dishonored rent check in excess of the actual costs or fees incurred by such landlord as a result thereof, provided such dishonored check fee was included in the initial lease.

Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding; authorizes the department to compile and make publicly available guidance and reference material related to consideration of complete street design.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits employers, labor organizations, and employment agencies from using an individual's consumer credit history to make decisions about hiring, compensation, or employment terms. It defines consumer credit history to include credit reports, credit scores, and details about payment history or bankruptcies obtained directly from the individual. The law includes specific exceptions for roles requiring security clearances, access to trade secrets, positions involving significant financial authority, and certain law enforcement or investigative jobs. Additionally, it prevents state and municipal agencies from using credit history for licensing or permitting purposes, with similar exceptions for positions requiring high levels of public trust or financial responsibility. The Division of Human Rights is tasked with collecting data on how these exemptions are used and reporting findings to the legislature within two years.

Prohibits health insurers, health care plans and HMOs from requiring prior authorization for pre-exposure prophylaxis used to prevent HIV infection, provided that the health insurer, health care plan or HMO can confirm that the insured prescribed pre-exposure prophylaxis has tested negative for HIV within the previous one hundred and twenty days.

Provides for the licensure of school psychology practitioners; authorizes the use of the title "licensed school psychology practitioner" to licensed or exempt individuals; defines practice of licensed school psychology practitioners; sets forth requirements for professional licensure (including educational attainment, experience, exam and fee); provides for issuance of limited permits under specified circumstances; identifies exempt persons.