Asm. Linda Rosenthal

Provides for automatic voter registration and pre-registration for persons applying for certain department of motor vehicles documentation, and for persons applying for or re-enrolling in Medicaid; allows individuals to decline such automatic registration and pre-registration.

Relates to temporary certificates of compliance or occupancy; permits a single ninety day extension for temporary certificates of compliance or occupancy; requires a civil penalty of $20,000 for any violation regarding certificates of compliance or occupancy.

Relates to the creation of a crime database of all convictions in New York state of animal cruelty, fighting, neglect, abandonment and mistreatment; makes such crime database available to all law enforcement entities, district attorneys, duly incorporated humane societies, societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals, dog or cat protective associations and animal control officers.

Relates to protecting the communication rights of individuals with disabilities; provides that each person with a disability has the right to communicate in their preferred manner.

Authorizes cities and towns, except a city with a population of one million or more, to establish community preservation funds; authorizes such cities and towns to impose a real estate transfer tax with revenues to be deposited in such funds; makes related provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework for mental health clubhouses in New York State, directly benefiting individuals with serious mental illness by providing free, community-based support services. It requires clubhouses to be accredited, offer voluntary membership, and provide integrated support for employment, housing, healthcare, and social engagement. The Office of Mental Health must develop a statewide implementation plan within one year and oversee biennial reporting from clubhouses on membership, employment outcomes, housing, and crisis responses. Clubhouses must operate as non-clinical therapeutic communities emphasizing work, mutual support, and connection to broader healthcare services.

Permits the admissibility of testimony that a person reported acts of discrimination to another person in a civil trial under the human rights law, including the contents of such report.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require a prescription from a licensed physician for anyone over 18 to purchase, obtain, or use an e-cigarette. It would make e-cigarettes available only through licensed pharmacies and prohibit sales without a valid prescription. The law directly affects adult e-cigarette users who currently do not need a prescription, while maintaining existing age restrictions (21+) for purchasing nicotine products. It repeals previous provisions about e-cigarette sales and updates related sections of public health law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) to provide all residents in public housing with reliable, 24/7 internet service at no additional cost. It directly affects approximately 400,000 NYCHA residents across over 170,000 housing units. The law mandates NYCHA to publish online reports detailing service disruptions (including internet outages), their duration, and repair steps starting May 1, 2025. The bill also updates existing housing law to include internet service under the same reporting standards as heat, water, and electricity. It takes effect immediately for the service requirement, with the reporting provisions aligning with prior 2024 law changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 156) regulates smart access systems in apartment buildings (class A multiple dwellings) to protect tenant privacy and ensure reliable entry. It requires owners to provide physical backup entry methods (like key fobs or cards) alongside apps, prohibits reliance solely on web-based systems, and mandates free basic access devices for tenants and children. The bill strictly limits data collection to essential information (e.g., user name, unit number, access times) and bans new biometric systems for three years, while requiring clear tenant notices about the system. It directly affects apartment owners/managers and tenants/guests by defining data rights and access standards.