Asm. Linda Rosenthal

Maddy summaryThis bill allows tenants in rental agreements for one year or longer to pay security deposits in up to six equal monthly installments, rather than as a single upfront payment. Landlords cannot charge extra fees or interest for this installment option, and rental agreements must clearly state the total deposit amount and each installment amount. The law applies to security deposits, advances, or non-refundable fees used as down payments for rental properties. Violations by landlords could result in civil fines up to 15% of the annual rent.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3108) mandates a study to examine the financial effects of shifting New York's education funding from property taxes to income taxes. The New York State Department of Education and Taxation and Finance must analyze fiscal impacts across different regions, identify current inequities in education funding, and develop transition recommendations. The study's results, including policy suggestions, must be published within one year of the bill's effective date.

Provides an exemption for the sale of the first $35,000 for a battery, electric, or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle from state sales and compensating use taxes; authorizes local governments to elect such incentives; repeals the hybrid exemption after ten years.

Regulates the use of artificial intelligence in aiding decisions on rental housing and loans; requires a study on the impact of artificial intelligence and machine learning on housing discrimination and redlining.

Relates to aggravated cruelty to animals in the presence of a child; increases the potential term of imprisonment from two to four years when such crime is committed in the presence of a child; defines presence of a child.

Requires that climate change and sustainability education be taught in elementary and high schools to educate pupils about how human activities cause climate change, the effects of climate change, the dangers associated with climate change and preventative measures that can be taken to alleviate the impacts of climate change.

Provides that restaurants may provide single-use plastic straws to customers when explicitly requested by the customer; prohibits single-use plastic stirrers.

Provides for certain presumptions for reckless driving and the implementation of a reckless driving and vehicular violence awareness component of the pre-licensing course for driver's licenses.

Defines the term "construction projects" to mean the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation or improvement of any school building where a district receives any apportionment for debt service or building aid and the school building is sited within the Long Island region; provides that each contract involving the award of a construction project shall require the use of a project labor agreement for all contractors and subcontractors on such project.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit for New York residents who pay for veterinary care for their companion animals. It allows a 50% credit on eligible veterinary costs, capped at $2,000 per year for services like checkups, vaccinations, and treatments for illness or injury. To claim the credit, taxpayers must provide a receipt from a licensed veterinarian and can carry forward any unused credit to future tax years. The credit applies to tax years starting January 1, 2025, and expires on January 1, 2031.