Rep. Doug Smith

Requires utility corporations and municipalities to ensure that bills for service to residential customers include a line item for cost impact measures taken in accordance with the climate action council's final scoping plan; requires the department of public service to establish a formula to enable utility corporations and municipalities to calculate the cost impact on each residential customer's bill attributed to measures taken in accordance with the climate action council's final scoping plan.

Directs the metropolitan transportation authority, in consultation with the Long Island Rail Road, to establish a no fare program for transportation on the Long Island Rail Road for individuals in active military service of the United States and active duty members of the New York national guard, upon showing a military or national guard identification card.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2291) requires public utility authorities (like water, gas, or electric providers operating under state law) to get approval from the state legislature before increasing existing rates or fees, or creating new ones. It directly affects these utility authorities by preventing them from unilaterally changing customer costs. The key provision mandates that any rate or fee change must be reviewed and approved by the state legislature first. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new felony offense, "endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree," which is punishable by a class D felony. It applies to individuals who knowingly act in ways that create a foreseeable risk of serious physical injury or long-term emotional harm to a child under 17, or to those with prior convictions for the existing misdemeanor-level "endangering the welfare of a child in the second degree." The current second-degree offense (a class A misdemeanor) covers less severe conduct, such as failing to prevent a child from being abused, neglected, or exposed to danger. The bill also updates related provisions, including a defense for religious treatment of illness and civil claims for sexual offenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York state agencies to stop contracting with companies investing over $20 million annually in Russia's energy sector (including oil, gas, and nuclear power). It mandates that state agencies verify contractors are not listed on a publicly posted "divestment list" of such companies, which the commissioner must create and update every 180 days. Companies on the list lose eligibility for state contracts unless they cease investments or qualify for specific exemptions (e.g., pre-existing contracts or critical needs). The law applies to all state procurement, including construction and services, and gives companies 90 days to contest inclusion on the list.

Makes the theft of a package intentionally taken from a porch, driveway, doorway or other area adjacent to the residence of another following delivery of the package to such residence by the postal service or a commercial carrier a felony.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates how New York State sets payment rates for residential health care facilities (like nursing homes). It requires the state to adjust rates using specific components - direct/indirect price changes, facility-specific costs - and mandates updates by April 1, 2026, and every five years after. Special rate provisions apply to facilities providing specialized care (e.g., for brain injury rehab, AIDS units, or pediatric services), with inflation adjustments starting in 2026. The bill also creates a workgroup of experts to advise on rate-setting and includes funding mechanisms to support facility quality improvements.

Prohibits the elimination of building systems or equipment used for the combustion of fossil fuels, including, natural gas, propane and fuel oil in new building construction.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the town attorney of Islip, a town in Suffolk County, to live outside of the town while still holding the office. Currently, local laws generally require town attorneys to be residents or voters within the town they serve, but this legislation creates a specific exception for Islip. To qualify under this new rule, the attorney must still live within Suffolk County, the same county where Islip is located. The change applies immediately and does not alter residency requirements for town attorneys in any other municipalities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public and private middle and high schools (grades 7-12) to restrict participation on teams designated exclusively for female athletes to individuals assigned female at birth. It amends education law to prohibit schools from allowing anyone not assigned female at birth to join such teams, overriding conflicting rules or regulations. The provision applies to all interscholastic and intramural athletic teams competing against other schools. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, with rules needed for implementation to be finalized before that date.