Asm. Harvey Epstein

Enacts the tropical rainforest economic & environmental sustainability act requiring that companies contracting with the state do not contribute to tropical forest degradation or deforestation directly or through their supply chains; establishes the supply chain transparency assistance program to assist small and medium-sized businesses and minority and women-owned businesses in achieving compliant supply chains.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates East Harlem, also known as "El Barrio," as a cultural district by amending the state's arts and cultural affairs law. The legislation defines the district's boundaries as the area between East 96th and 125th Streets, bounded by Fifth Avenue and the East River. Once designated, the Council on the Arts is authorized to provide grants, technical assistance, and other support to cultural institutions within this specific region to promote its cultural significance. The law also allows the council to designate additional cultural districts in the future, provided they are compact, contiguous areas with a shared cultural heritage.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new rules for automobile brokers, requiring them to maintain a permanent physical location for their business and update their registration within thirty days if that address changes. It mandates that written contracts between brokers and consumers must include specific details such as the vehicle description, total price, estimated delivery date, and a clear statement that the broker cannot charge fees from both the buyer and the dealer. Additionally, the law requires these contracts to be easily cancellable with a full refund processed within ten business days if the final price exceeds the estimate by more than five percent or if the car is not delivered within thirty days of the estimated date. The legislation also enforces stricter advertising standards and requires that all mandatory contract terms be printed in bold, twelve-point type to ensure they are clearly visible to consumers.

Requires electric vehicle charging stations and electric vehicle capable parking spaces to have handicap accessible spaces that are large enough to accommodate such wheelchair accessible electric vehicles, including but not limited to, vans and minivans.

Permits the court to withhold the names and addresses of jurors in certain proceedings; sets factors for determining good cause to issue protective orders for juries.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Staff Sergeant Alex R. Jimenez New York State Military Immigrant Family Legacy Program to help military members and their families with immigration issues. The program establishes liaisons within the Department of Veterans' Services and the Office for New Americans to connect eligible individuals with legal resources and guidance on obtaining citizenship or other immigration relief. These liaisons will coordinate with federal agencies, local organizations, and attorneys to assist service members, veterans, and reserve component members who have served honorably. The legislation also requires annual reports to track the program's activities and the number of people assisted.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the state from issuing permits for drilling, deepening, or converting wells that use carbon dioxide to enhance natural gas or oil production. It specifically targets operations involving carbon dioxide injection for completing or recompleting resources, alongside wells that use high-volume hydraulic fracturing defined as injecting 300,000 gallons or more of water. The law applies to any applicant seeking authorization for these specific well activities and takes effect immediately upon signing.

Directs the superintendent of financial services to create a private education debt registry which shall contain information and documentation relating to loans issued by creditors including interest rates and copies of the notes and instruments used by such creditors for education loans.

Prevents the displacement of call center workers who provide call center services for the government in certain circumstances; provides protections for call center workers when contracts with call center contractors are terminated; requires new call center contractors to hire existing call center workers; protects collective bargaining agreements.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new program to boost the production and availability of native plant seeds within New York State. It directs state agencies to work with private nurseries and potentially manage their own growing operations to ensure these seeds are affordable and plentiful for public projects. The legislation specifically defines native plants as those indigenous to New York and mandates their use in state landscaping, reforestation, and habitat restoration efforts. Once established, the program will set rules for eligible plants and utilize state funds to support seed supply development.