Asm. Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes a tax on non-essential helicopter and seaplane flights in New York cities with populations of one million or more, affecting operators of such flights. Starting January 1, 2025, the tax is $50 per passenger or $200 per flight, whichever is greater. Exemptions cover flights for public safety (like emergency response), construction, news organizations, and flights using "quiet" electric aircraft that meet federal noise standards (10 decibels quieter than standard models). Operators must file quarterly tax returns and maintain detailed flight records.

Prohibits the use of an algorithmic device by a landlord for the purpose of determining the amount of rent to charge a residential tenant; declares that such use is an unfair or deceptive trade practice.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends payment rules for public construction projects, directly affecting state agencies, contractors, and subcontractors. It requires public owners (like state departments or public corporations) to pay contractors on schedule and mandates that contractors pay subcontractors within seven days of receiving public funds, with interest for delays. The bill also limits how much public owners can retain from payments (max 5%, up to 10% without required bonds) and prohibits contractors from withholding subcontractor payments pending public owner payments. These changes aim to streamline payments and protect subcontractors from payment delays in public works projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill streamlines background checks for prospective child care employees and volunteers by allowing the New York State Education Department to share their fingerprints and criminal history records directly with the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). It applies to individuals already cleared under education law for child care roles, removing previous barriers to sharing data between agencies. The law permits the Education Department to forward cleared applicants' records to OCFS for final background checks, and then enables OCFS to receive future criminal history updates directly from the state's criminal justice system. This eliminates duplicate checks and ensures OCFS has timely information to approve hires under safety regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners and operators of large cell towers (called "macro cell tower sites") in New York to install backup power systems capable of keeping towers running for at least 72 hours during power outages. The backup must use renewable energy, fuel cells, or energy storage, but existing towers with backup power do not need immediate upgrades until their current system requires replacement. It specifically applies to large outdoor towers providing wide-area service, excluding small cell systems or rooftop installations. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes a $100 per seat ticket or $400 per flight tax (whichever is greater) on non-essential helicopter and seaplane flights in New York City starting January 1, 2026. It directly affects operators of such flights that aren't for heavy-lift construction, public safety, emergency services, or public benefit purposes. Operators must file quarterly tax returns and pay the tax, but flights using "quiet aircraft" (electric models meeting specific noise standards) are exempt. The tax aims to reduce noise pollution from non-essential air travel in densely populated areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits state-operated hospitals, university health care facilities, and cancer institutes from suing patients to collect unpaid medical bills. It directly affects patients who owe money for care at these state-run facilities, preventing hospitals from using court action to recover debts. The bill defines "medical debt" as any obligation for health care services, products, or devices provided by licensed hospitals, health professionals, or ambulance services. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Relates to requiring the department of education to provide school districts with a list of resources and instructional materials on media literacy; defines terms.

Establishes duties for pharmacies when pharmacists employed by such pharmacy refuse to fill prescriptions on the basis of personal beliefs; requires a pharmacy to ensure the prescription is filled by another pharmacist; requires the pharmacy to inform individuals of items not in stock; requires such items to be ordered by another pharmacist without delay; sets forth penalty provisions.