Asm. Linda Rosenthal

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state criminal procedure law to require appellate courts to review whether a criminal sentence is illegal or unduly harsh, even if the defendant previously waived their right to appeal. If a court finds a sentence to be illegal or unduly harsh, it must modify the sentence by reversing the sentencing portion while upholding the conviction. This directly affects criminal defendants seeking to challenge the severity of their sentences without being barred by prior waiver agreements. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Establishes the New York Health program, a comprehensive system of access to health insurance for New York state residents; provides for administrative structure of the plan; provides for powers and duties of the board of trustees, the scope of benefits, payment methodologies and care coordination; establishes the New York Health Trust Fund which would hold monies from a variety of sources to be used solely to finance the plan; enacts provisions relating to financing of New York Health, including a payroll assessment, similar to the Medicare tax; establishes a temporary commission on implementation of the plan; provides for collective negotiations by health care providers with New York Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill significantly expands eligibility for judicial diversion programs, allowing individuals charged with a broader range of offenses to participate if they have a "qualifying diagnosis." This diagnosis includes serious mental disorders, other mental health disorders causing severe functional impairment, or substance use disorders. While most Class A felonies and Class B sexual offenses are generally excluded, the bill establishes a new "diversion part" in each county. It also redefines "treatment" within these programs to include evidence-based interventions outside of carceral settings.

Prohibits the operation of horse drawn cabs in the city of New York; defines the circumstances under which sale or disposal of a horse shall be deemed humane.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that medical marijuana, when dispensed under New York's medical marijuana program, must be treated as a "prescription drug" for coverage purposes under specific state programs, including Medicaid (title eleven of social services law), workers' compensation, and elder care programs. It requires these state-run programs to cover medical marijuana but explicitly states it does not mandate coverage by private insurers or health plans. The bill also adds a certification process for dispensaries to be recognized as medical assistance providers under state law. It applies to state programs only, not private insurance, and does not create new coverage requirements beyond the specified state-run systems.

Prohibits certain solid waste polluters from procuring public contracts for certain periods of time after violations and until all debts to the state are satisfied; prohibits individuals found guilty of solid waste pollution from serving as members of any board of any entity engaged in solid waste removal and disposal.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1249) amends New York City's rent stabilization law to regulate when landlords can demolish buildings for redevelopment. It directly affects tenants in rent-stabilized housing who face potential displacement due to building demolition. Key provisions require landlords to prove a building is substandard, obtain building permits, and file demolition applications 90 days before lease expiration. Landlords must then offer tenants one of three options: relocation to comparable housing nearby with same/low rent plus a $5,000 stipend, relocation with a rent-difference stipend, or a calculated stipend based on a city chart.

Maddy summaryBill A 186 prohibits the tail docking of cattle by making it a misdemeanor to cut or alter a cow's tail for docking purposes. It directly affects cattle owners, farmers, and ranchers who may have practiced tail docking for management or aesthetic reasons. The law imposes penalties of up to one year in jail or a $500 fine for violations, and unhealed tail wounds on cattle are considered prima facie evidence of a violation. The bill amends New York's Agriculture and Markets Law to ban this practice immediately upon enactment.

Provides that a tenant who has left a residential dwelling unit between the dates of March 12, 2020 and January 1, 2022 due to the health impacts of COVID-19 in the city of New York, who is a senior citizen or disabled person, and who asserts an intent to return to the housing accommodation shall be deemed to be occupying the unit as such tenant's residence.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all non-police, non-fire, and non-medical emergency vehicles in New York City to use alternating high-and-low, two-toned sound signals (instead of single-tone sirens) and limits maximum sound levels to 90 decibels at 50 feet. It mandates annual testing and certification of these devices to ensure compliance, with possible two-year extensions for owners facing undue hardship. The law applies to most emergency vehicles but excludes police, fire department, and medical emergency response vehicles. The rule takes effect 180 days after enactment, with immediate rulemaking authority for implementation.