Asm. William Colton

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 106) increases monthly financial standards for public assistance eligibility and home energy grants in New York State. It doubles the current monthly need standards for households (e.g., a single-person household jumps from $158 to $316) and home energy grants (e.g., from $14.10 to $28.20) starting July 1, 2025, for all public assistance recipients. The bill also establishes annual cost-of-living adjustments based on federal Social Security data. These changes directly affect low-income individuals and families receiving state public assistance benefits.

Relates to the use of antipsychotic medications in nursing homes; imposes limits as to time and documentation; requires informed consent under certain circumstances.

Provides for the regulation of indoor and outdoor worksites with temperature protection standards and education, training and reporting requirements to ensure that employers provide safe conditions for their employees.

Declares a climate emergency and places a ban on fossil fuel infrastructure projects but shall not apply to repair or maintenance of existing infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases criminal penalties for damaging property or stealing items at religious worship sites and cemeteries. It makes damaging religious items (like scrolls, vestments, or religious symbols) at churches, synagogues, or religious museums a class D felony, and upgrades cemetery vandalism or theft (e.g., headstones, monuments) to higher felony levels based on value. Offenders face harsher punishments for targeting these specific locations, including theft exceeding $250 at cemeteries or damage exceeding $2,000 at religious sites. The law directly affects individuals who commit these acts at protected locations, with penalties now reflecting the heightened seriousness of targeting sacred or memorial spaces.

Maddy summaryThis bill bans the commercial import, possession (with intent to sell), or sale of any kangaroo body part or product, including skin, meat, or bones. It directly affects businesses involved in trading kangaroo-derived goods, such as leather or fur exporters. The law imposes civil penalties of up to $1,000 for first offenses and $5,000 for repeat violations. It specifically covers red kangaroos, eastern grey kangaroos, western grey kangaroos, and common wallaroos, while clarifying it does not override existing animal welfare laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates late fees for residential utility customers in New York. It prohibits utility companies and municipalities from charging residential customers (homeowners and renters) any late payment fees, penalties, or interest for overdue gas or electric bills. The law directly affects all residential utility customers by removing this common charge, while small businesses remain subject to different late fee rules. The change takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Enacts the solar for schools act which provides grants for eligible school districts to purchase and install solar and geothermal power sources; defines terms; directs the New York state energy and research development authority to establish such grant program; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof; makes an appropriation therefor.

Prohibits the diminution of health insurance benefits of public employee retirees and their dependents or reducing the employer's contributions for such insurance; defines employers to include the state, municipalities, school districts, and public authorities and commissions.

Prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for confronting an individual to prevent a theft or the unlawful taking of goods, wares, or merchandise; does not prohibit employers from training or re-training employees on policies against confrontation of theft.