Asm. Linda Rosenthal

Maddy summaryThis bill changes New York's parole process by requiring the state board of parole to consider specific factors before granting release. It mandates evaluation of rehabilitation efforts (like programs, therapy, and work assignments), release plans (including housing, jobs, and support services), and deportation status, while prohibiting decisions based mainly on victim statements or prior criminal records. Parole denials must include detailed written explanations, and the board must report quarterly to lawmakers with demographic data on denied cases (excluding individual identities). These changes aim to standardize parole decisions and increase transparency.

Requires disclosure in human rights claims of government funding by the respondent; requires disclosure to government agencies of settlements notwithstanding nondisclosure agreements.

Maddy summaryBill A 1645 requires higher education research facilities that offer dogs or cats for adoption to make specific information available on their websites. These facilities must post an adoption policy detailing their steps for placing suitable animals. Starting January 1, 2026, they must also publish an annual report. This report will include the total number of dogs and cats released for adoption through private placement and to animal welfare organizations, along with a list of those organizations. Additionally, the bill specifies that animal rescue organizations partnering with these facilities must be tax-exempt.

Requires 10% of the penalties imposed by the superintendent of financial services to be deposited in the community development financial institution fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 722) standardizes ballot ordering for special elections. It requires that candidate names on special election ballots be arranged in the same way as for general and primary elections, based on each party's vote totals in the last gubernatorial election. Specifically, the party with the highest vote for governor in the previous election gets the top position on the ballot, followed by other parties in descending order of their vote totals. This affects voters and candidates in all special elections for state offices, ensuring consistent ballot presentation across all election types.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires NYCHA to create and maintain a public database tracking residential units vacant for 180+ days. The database must include each unit's last vacancy date, estimated repair completion date, and projected availability date. NYCHA must update this information quarterly and make it accessible on its website for public viewing. The law directly affects NYCHA and residents seeking housing by increasing transparency around vacant units.

Requires the department of health to review claims for expenditures for early and periodic screening, diagnosis and treatment and other health services, care and supplies which are furnished to eligible children and pre-school children regardless of whether such children have handicapping conditions, are suspected of having handicapping conditions or have an individualized education plan; requires the department of health to apply for all necessary federal approvals regarding such expenditures.

Relates to requirements for a building owner to refuse to renew a lease under the real estate industry stabilization code; requires the owner of a building to be demolished to prove that such owner has the financial ability to complete demolition of the building.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New York's animal cruelty laws by clarifying key definitions (like "cruelty," "companion animal," and "farm animal") and repealing outdated sections of the Agriculture and Markets Law. It adds a new requirement that courts can order owners to post security for animal care costs when an animal is seized for cruelty charges. The law directly affects animal cruelty enforcement (including police, humane societies, and shelters), animal owners (especially regarding ear clipping), and courts handling animal-related cases. Key changes include strengthening officer authority to intervene in cruelty cases and specifying how costs for seized animals should be covered.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new role for court-appointed advocates to represent animals' interests in legal cases involving animal welfare, such as cruelty or neglect proceedings. Courts may appoint these advocates from a list maintained by the chief judge, who would monitor cases, access relevant records (like veterinary or animal control reports), and provide the court with recommendations based on the animal's well-being. The advocate cannot subpoena evidence or conduct discovery but may attend hearings and share information with attorneys. This directly affects animals in legal cases and requires courts to implement this process when requested or initiated.