Asm. Jo Anne Simon

Enacts the "Home Equity Fraud Act" to control improper activities by home improvement contractors and finance companies; prohibits mortgage brokers or agents from acting as home improvement contractors; provides additional protections for mortgagors and homeowners.

Maddy summaryBill A 8164 proposes a tax credit for residential property owners who install fire sprinkler systems. The credit would cover 25% of the labor and material costs for these installations. This benefit is specifically available for properties located in municipalities that do not already require fire sprinkler systems. If the credit amount exceeds a taxpayer's owed taxes, the remaining balance will be refunded.

Relates to allowing prescriptions for controlled substances that are normally restricted to a thirty-day supply to be issued for greater than a thirty-day supply during a state of emergency.

Relates to extending the two hundred foot rule to certain treatment facilities for mental illness and chemical dependence operating under the mental hygiene law.

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.

Prohibits sellers of bicycles with electric assist, electric scooters, and motor-driven cycles from selling to persons less than sixteen years of age; requires valid proof of age at the point of purchase; establishes licensing requirements for bicycles with electric assist, electric scooters, and motor-driven cycles that can exceed twenty-eight miles per hour.

Relates to the imposition of penalties and remedies in suits brought for the vindication of civil rights or human rights; provides for reasonable attorney's fee and reasonable expert fees.

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.

Allows a judicial district convention to be conducted in whole or in part via video conference upon a minimum of seventy-two hours notice to the members of the respective committee by mail, an appropriately titled email, text or telephone call at an address or number expressly provided in writing for the purpose of receiving such notices.