Asm. William Colton

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2477) prohibits state-operated psychiatric facilities that share a building with a children's psychiatric center from admitting or treating registered sex offenders. It requires these facilities to screen all patients for sex offender status under New York's Correction Law before admission. The law bans such facilities from treating registered sex offenders at locations sharing space with children's centers, creating a separation to protect minors. The policy applies directly to state psychiatric centers operating in shared facilities with children's programs.

Adds cargo bicycles with electric assist to the types of bicycles with electric assist regulated under the vehicle and traffic law; provides that no person shall operate a cargo bicycle with electric assist unless it is accompanied by proof of financial security unless otherwise authorized by local law, ordinance, order, rule, or regulation or pursuant to an agreement made on behalf of the city, town, or village.

Provides that in toxic tort cases the date of discovery of the injury by the plaintiff or claimant is presumed to be the date of diagnosis and where the specific toxic etiological cause of injury is not known for up to ten years (instead of five years) after the injury itself is discovered a plaintiff shall have three years to file a claim from the time such specific cause is discovered.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies how "floor area" is measured for residential buildings under housing regulations. It specifies that spaces with higher ceilings (e.g., 12-24 feet tall count twice) are included multiple times in floor area calculations, while excluding cellars, low attics, outdoor balconies, parking spaces, and mechanical equipment areas (except where noted). It directly affects housing developers, building inspectors, and property owners who must comply with these measurement rules for zoning and construction. The changes apply to all residential buildings covered by the Multiple Dwelling Law, ensuring consistent application of floor area definitions.

Expands coverage for developmentally disabled persons past twenty-six years of age; prohibits insurance companies from wrongfully terminating contracts of developmentally disabled persons; requires recertification of such developmentally disabled person's condition once every five years.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's foreclosure laws for residential mortgages (covering 1-4 family homes) involving subordinate loans. It requires lenders (plaintiffs) to prove ownership of the mortgage note by providing a detailed custodial file showing the note's chain of custody, plus complete payment history from loan origination. Borrowers (defendants) can now raise defenses based on missing documentation or lack of standing, even if not initially raised in court filings. The bill also establishes a statute of limitations for foreclosure actions related to these loans. These changes directly affect lenders initiating foreclosures and borrowers defending against them.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New York residents aged 70 or older to request an automatic exemption from jury service without needing to prove physical or mental incapacity, undue hardship, or extreme inconvenience. To qualify, individuals must submit proof of age (via mail, fax, email, or in person) to the commissioner of jurors. The exemption applies to the entire jury service period, replacing previous requirements that applicants justify their request. It directly affects seniors receiving jury summonses and takes effect September 1 following enactment.

Requires the disclosure of fees on internet websites and mobile applications which allow consumers to acquire loans with terms of less than one month.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 6832) increases penalties for businesses that sell alcohol to minors in New York. It establishes escalating fines and jail terms for repeat offenses: $125/$30 days for a first conviction, rising to $1,000/1 year for subsequent offenses. The law directly affects licensed establishments (like bars and stores) that violate underage alcohol sales laws. Penalties increase with each conviction, with minimums rising from $125 to $1,000 and jail time from 30 days to 1 year.

Creates the health insurance guaranty fund to protect covered individuals against the failure or inability of a health insurer to perform its contractual obligations due to financial impairment or insolvency.