Asm. Jenifer Rajkumar

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 9571) increases family leave benefits under New York's workers' compensation law, directly affecting eligible employees taking leave for medical care, bonding with a newborn, or military family exigencies. It gradually raises weekly benefit percentages (from 50% to 67% of average weekly wage) and extends maximum leave duration (from 8 to 12 weeks) over time, with specific phased-in dates starting in 2018. Covered employers must provide these enhanced benefits while maintaining health insurance coverage during leave. The changes apply to employees meeting eligibility criteria under the law, with the Superintendent of Financial Services retaining limited authority to delay increases.

Establishes the "jobs and housing act"; directs the private housing finance agency to develop and administer a jobs and housing pilot program to construct and preserve housing, including workforce housing, that is affordable to low and moderate income persons, and creates jobs for those who build and work in such housing.

Relates to owner liability for failure of an operator to comply with street cleaning parking rules; relates to access to records prepared pursuant to street cleaning parking rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution that officially recognizes the 191st anniversary of the Woodhaven neighborhood in Queens, New York, to be celebrated on July 1, 2026. It honors the area's history, which includes its Native American origins, early European settlement, and development into a community known for its historic homes, diverse businesses, and Forest Park. The resolution directs copies of the text to be sent to local Woodhaven organizations to acknowledge the neighborhood's contributions to the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the commissioner of agriculture and markets to conduct a study on vertical farming within one year of its effective date. The study will examine how vertical farms affect access to locally grown food, job creation, educational opportunities, and environmental impacts. After completing the research, the commissioner must submit a report with recommendations to state leaders including the governor and legislative leaders. The bill does not authorize any new programs or funding but establishes a research requirement to inform future policy decisions.

Imposes a moratorium on the issuance of permits for new data centers; requires the public service commission to issue an order or orders to minimize the impact of new data centers on electricity and gas rates for residential, commercial, and industrial users; clarifies that certain provisions are applicable to the Long Island power authority.

Provides that the court shall not reduce jury awards as excessive in employment discrimination actions unless the court finds exceptional circumstances which compel the conclusion that the jury was influenced by partiality, prejudice, mistake or corruption or that remittitur or additur is necessary to avoid a complete miscarriage of justice.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the use, sale, distribution, and purchase of all pesticides containing paraquat dichloride or its chemical forms (including specific salts like methyl viologen) in New York State. It directly affects farmers, agricultural businesses, and anyone using paraquat-based herbicides, banning all such products starting January 1, 2027. The law explicitly defines "paraquat" using chemical identifiers (CAS numbers) to cover all related formulations. It aims to protect New Yorkers from health risks linked to paraquat exposure, such as Parkinson's disease, as noted in scientific studies cited in the bill's findings. The ban takes effect before the EPA completes its ongoing risk review of paraquat.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to increase transparency and accountability in how the state government purchases contracts. It requires agencies to document the reasons for using single-source contracts or emergency purchases and mandates that these decisions include a fairness review by the state comptroller. Additionally, the bill updates reporting requirements so agencies must annually disclose the number and value of single-source contracts to the governor and legislative committees. The legislation also clarifies that certain provisions related to contract expiration will remain in effect until 2029.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor of New York to officially recognize May 2026 as Malayalee Heritage Month. It directly affects the state's executive branch by requesting a formal proclamation honoring the Malayali community, whose ancestors originate from Kerala, India. The resolution highlights the cultural contributions and achievements of Malayalis within New York and the broader United States. Once adopted, the text will be sent to the Governor's office for her signature and public announcement.