Asm. Harvey Epstein

Implements a one year phase-in period for a local law, ordinance or resolution imposing a paper carryout bag reduction fee where forty percent of such fees are returned to such county or city for the purpose of purchasing and distributing reusable bags, with priority given to low- and fixed-income communities, and after the first year, such forty percent of fees shall be remitted to the person who collected the fees.

Includes additional community districts in which pilot programs to address the legalization or conversion of certain basement and cellar dwellings can be established by local law.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a "Gate Money Program" providing eligible individuals released from New York State correctional facilities with monthly cash payments. Specifically, those who served at least six months in state prison and haven't received prior payments get $425 per month for up to six months (capped at $2,550 total), adjusted annually for inflation. Payments are made immediately upon release (cash/check) and then monthly by community supervision agencies, with funds not counting toward public assistance eligibility. The program is funded by a $25 million appropriation into a dedicated "gate money fund" and excludes individuals released to other states or federal custody.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 6192) establishes a 5-year moratorium on the land application, sale, and distribution of biosolids and products containing them for agricultural or landscaping use (like fertilizer or soil amendment). It directly affects wastewater treatment facilities, farmers, and businesses using biosolids-derived products, banning their use on crops, parks, golf courses, and similar non-crop lands. The moratorium excludes landfill disposal of biosolids and certain composts made from food waste, manure, or crop residues (not biosolids). Violations carry fines up to $2,500 per offense plus daily penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale of most cannabinoid hemp products where the ratio of CBD to THC is below 15:1. It excludes flower and topical products from this requirement. If CBD is not the primary cannabinoid, the combined ratio of other cannabinoids (excluding THC) to THC must still meet or exceed 15:1. The law applies to sellers of these products and takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 7456) requires lobbyists to register and disclose details about efforts to influence the nomination or confirmation of individuals for state offices that require Senate approval. It expands existing lobbying disclosure rules to specifically include "offices and nominees or potential nominees" as a required disclosure point for lobbyists. The key mechanism adds this requirement to multiple sections of the legislative law, mandating that lobbyists report the specific offices and nominees they are lobbying for. This affects lobbyists working on appointments to state positions subject to Senate confirmation, such as judges or agency heads.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2111) amends New York's mental hygiene law to require suicide prevention hotline centers to provide culturally competent care specifically for individuals in the perinatal period (the time surrounding pregnancy and childbirth). It adds "individuals currently in the perinatal period" to a list of protected populations that hotlines must serve, alongside groups like veterans, people of color, and those experiencing homelessness. The key mechanism is expanding existing requirements for training and policies to ensure hotlines meet the needs of perinatal individuals. This policy change directly affects New York's designated suicide prevention hotline centers by mandating specific service standards for this population.

Relates to the tolling of statute of limitations for individuals in state custody; provides that with respect to state action brought by anyone to recover damages for physical, psychological, or other injury or condition suffered while in state custody, the time in which such action must commence shall be extended to three years after such person is released from such custody.

Requires the use of a fire-resistant blanket, bag or container when charging a bicycle with electric assist or an electric scooter; requires sellers of such vehicles to include a fire-resistant blanket, bag, or container with the sale of each e-bike or e-scooter; establishes fines.

Relates to establishing and funding the universal basic income pilot program; requires the comptroller to establish a universal basic income pilot program to provide 10,000 participants with income of $7,200 for individuals or $14,400 for couples per year for two years; establishes participant criteria; requires a study on the program one year after its conclusion; makes an appropriation therefor.