Asm. Catalina Cruz

Maddy summaryThis bill requires mortgage lenders to accept and apply payments made as specified in a payoff statement, even if the payment is less than the full amount owed. It directly affects homeowners making mortgage payments and lenders processing those payments. The key provision mandates that lenders cannot return or destroy payments made per their stated instructions (like payment location or method), but partial payments won't trigger a mortgage discharge certificate or satisfaction document. Only full payments covering all principal, interest, and fees will legally clear the mortgage.

Enacts the New York state food security purchase and processing act to establish a state-level program that purchases food grown or raised by New York farmers; requires processing within New York State; distributes such food to communities in need.

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.

Directs the superintendent of financial services to conduct an analysis of the financial stability of the check cashing industry and review the current system of licensing for such industry and issue reports on both topics.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases short-term disability benefits for New York workers. It phases in higher weekly benefit rates (from 50% to 67% of average weekly wage) and extends maximum leave duration (from 8 to 12 weeks) over several years, starting in 2018. The changes apply to employees needing short-term disability leave due to illness or injury, directly affecting both workers and their employers who provide these benefits. The bill maintains a cap based on the state average weekly wage and allows the superintendent of financial services to delay increases if needed.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases corporate income tax rates in the state. For most corporations, the rate rises to 7.25% for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2026. Corporations with a business income base exceeding $5 million will pay 11.5% instead of the standard rate. The change applies to businesses operating within the state and affects all corporate taxpayers subject to the state's tax law, with specific lower rates for small businesses, manufacturers, and qualified emerging technology companies as defined in the law. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment for taxable years starting on or after the effective date.

Provides for adjustment of the maximum income threshold for eligibility for the senior citizen rent increase exemption (SCRIE), disability rent increase exemption (DRIE), senior citizen homeowners' exemption (SCHE), and disabled homeowners' exemption (DHE) by any increase in the consumer price index (CPI).

Relates to pre-arranged for-hire vehicle transportation services and the maximization of universal design and accessibility by persons with disabilities.

Relates to conditional release for eligible offenders who complete post-secondary degrees or programs; provides release twelve months before the completion of the controlling minimum period of imprisonment for eligible offenders who complete post-secondary degrees or programs.

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.