Asm. Jo Anne Simon

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.

Relates to creating a separate tax on inheritance income, creating a separate tax on gift income, the computation of the estate tax, and creating a gift tax.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes a lifetime ban preventing people convicted of felonies from serving on juries. It amends state law to no longer disqualify individuals based on past felony convictions, meaning former felons could be summoned for jury duty. However, it maintains that people currently incarcerated for felonies remain excused from service while in prison. The law would take effect 180 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a permit system for facilities that respectfully handle cremated remains and natural organic reduction (like composting). Operators must be New York not-for-profit corporations that file detailed plans with the cemetery board, including evidence of conservation easements, a pledge against building crematories, and consumer contracts. The permit requires compliance with existing zoning laws and cemetery board regulations governing land access and remains disposal. It directly affects facility operators and consumers using these specific memorial services, ensuring standardized management of such lands.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit allowing New York homeowners and businesses to deduct up to 50% of construction costs (capped at $5,000) for installing permeable surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, or parking lots. Homeowners must reside in New York for 24 months and own residential property, while businesses must be based in New York for 36 months. The credit applies to projects completed during the taxable year, with "permeable surfaces" defined as paving that allows water and air movement. It takes effect immediately for qualifying projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires self-help practitioners (non-licensed professionals offering financial, spiritual, or educational guidance for payment) to disclose specific risks to clients and develop risk management plans. At the start of each service, practitioners must provide a clear, large-print risk disclosure covering activities like sweat lodge ceremonies, trust exercises, or physical challenges, along with financial/legal disclaimers and cancellation terms. They must also share their credentials and create a detailed risk management plan outlining emergency resources, medical availability, and evacuation procedures for high-risk activities. Violations carry civil penalties of up to $500 for repeat offenses.

Authorizes a supreme court judge hearing a petition for an "extreme risk protection order" to also hear a petition for a regular order of protection pursuant to the criminal procedure law, the domestic relations law and/or the family court act.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates environmental conservation law regarding amphibians and reptiles. It redefines "small game" to exclude most native frogs (except bullfrogs), native salamanders, native lizards, and native snakes (except common snapping turtles). These species are instead added to the definition of "protected wildlife," subjecting them to different conservation measures. The bill also clarifies that only bullfrogs and common snapping turtles remain under specific regulations for taking, with the department determining the methods for bullfrogs.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1711) creates a legal right for individuals to sue their sexual partner if they intentionally removed or tampered with a condom or other protective device (like a diaphragm or dental dam) during consensual sex, or misled them about using one, without their consent. It directly affects people in consensual sexual relationships where protection was mutually agreed upon. The law allows victims to seek compensatory damages and consider emotional harm from risks like STIs or unintended pregnancy. It specifies that past consent to sex without protection doesn't imply future consent, and clarifies that this doesn't affect existing rights like child support claims.