Asm. Deborah Glick

Maddy summaryNew York's bill A 9504 requires retailers to accept used rechargeable batteries of similar type for free at any time during business hours. Retailers must display clear signs stating it's illegal to dispose of these batteries in trash and that they'll recycle them, with limits of up to 10 batteries per person (5 for e-scooter/bike batteries). Battery manufacturers must cover recycling costs through approved plans, and retailers cannot sell batteries unless the manufacturer has such an approved plan. The law specifically excludes vehicle batteries (like car batteries) and storage batteries (such as solar backup systems) from these requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires most outdoor lighting fixtures (like those on buildings, streets, and parking lots) to be shielded by January 1, 2028, to reduce light pollution. It directly affects property owners, businesses, municipalities, and recreational facilities, which must turn off non-essential lighting between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Exemptions include airport navigation lights, emergency lighting, and certain historical or cultural sites. The law aims to protect dark skies for wildlife and stargazing, conserve energy, and reduce carbon emissions, with implementation beginning in 2028.

Establishes the climate corporate data accountability act requiring certain business entities within the state to annually disclose scope 1, scope 2 and scope 3 emissions; establishes the climate accountability and emissions disclosure fund.

Maddy summaryBill A 4944 prohibits individuals from operating uncrewed aircraft, such as drones, over school grounds or specific critical infrastructure facilities in New York. It bans drones from hovering or remaining above these areas at altitudes below 250 feet, or from making contact with anything within their boundaries. Critical infrastructure includes fenced or clearly marked facilities like power plants, refineries, and water treatment plants. Exceptions apply to government agencies, law enforcement, or those with prior written consent, as well as drones continuously flying through at 250 feet or higher. Violations can result in misdemeanor charges.

Allows for justices to reside in any town, village or city contained in whole or in part within the same assembly district, county or adjoining county as the court such justice serves or in an assembly district contiguous to such municipality where the court is located, provided such assembly district is contained entirely within a single county; sets forth residence requirements where an assembly district encompasses two or more counties; authorizes towns and villages to require that any person who serves as a town or village justice be admitted to practice law in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New York's "Medical Aid in Dying Act," allowing terminally ill adults (18+) with decision-making capacity to request and self-administer medication to end their life. To qualify, a patient must have a terminal illness confirmed by two physicians (the attending physician and a consulting physician) and make an informed decision after being fully informed of alternatives, risks, and outcomes. The process requires an oral request, a written request signed by the patient and witnessed by two non-conflicted adults (not relatives or beneficiaries), and includes the right to rescind the request at any time. The bill also mandates documentation, safe disposal of unused medication, and state reporting.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows pharmacists and certified nurse practitioners in New York to administer the mpox vaccine (and other specified vaccines like flu, COVID-19, and measles) to adults 18 and older under certain conditions. It requires the health commissioner to confirm the vaccine is safe for pharmacists to administer, needed to prevent a prevalent disease in the state, or recommended for patients lacking documentation or with specific risk factors. The law expands existing authority for pharmacists to give certain vaccines but maintains age limits (e.g., flu vaccine for ages 2+). It does not authorize unlicensed individuals to administer vaccines.

Increases tax credits for donations to food pantries made by farmers by increasing the allowable percentage of the fair market value of such donations and increasing the maximum amount of such credit.

Enacts the climate and community investment act; prioritizes the allocation of public investments in disadvantaged communities; addresses climate change challenges through the expansion and growth of clean and renewable energy sources; adopts best value requirements for the solicitation, evaluation and award of renewable energy projects; establishes a community just transition program; establishes a climate pollution fee and a household and small business energy rebate; creates the climate and community investment authority.

Amends the constitution to delete the requirement that registration for purposes of voting be completed at least ten days before election day; provides that laws be made to adequately safeguard against deception in the exercise of the right of suffrage.