Asm. Rebecca Seawright

Establishes an essential workers' bill of rights; provides that all employers shall provide essential workers with personal protective equipment, inform such workers of exposure to any disease related to a state disaster emergency, and not retaliate for any report of an unsafe work environment; provides certain employers shall make hazard payments and cover the costs of any child care or health care needed by such essential workers for the duration of the state disaster emergency.

Maddy summaryBill A 8164 proposes a tax credit for residential property owners who install fire sprinkler systems. The credit would cover 25% of the labor and material costs for these installations. This benefit is specifically available for properties located in municipalities that do not already require fire sprinkler systems. If the credit amount exceeds a taxpayer's owed taxes, the remaining balance will be refunded.

Requires general hospitals and nursing homes to offer free notarial services to patients; requires an employee of such general hospital or nursing home who is a notary public to be present from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on business days.

Requires that a business allow a consumer to cancel a contract between the two parties using the same method that was used to enter into the contract.

Relates to allowing prescriptions for controlled substances that are normally restricted to a thirty-day supply to be issued for greater than a thirty-day supply during a state of emergency.

Relates to the imposition of penalties and remedies in suits brought for the vindication of civil rights or human rights; provides for reasonable attorney's fee and reasonable expert fees.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes a $100 per seat ticket or $400 per flight tax (whichever is greater) on non-essential helicopter and seaplane flights in New York City starting January 1, 2026. It directly affects operators of such flights that aren't for heavy-lift construction, public safety, emergency services, or public benefit purposes. Operators must file quarterly tax returns and pay the tax, but flights using "quiet aircraft" (electric models meeting specific noise standards) are exempt. The tax aims to reduce noise pollution from non-essential air travel in densely populated areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits state-operated hospitals, university health care facilities, and cancer institutes from suing patients to collect unpaid medical bills. It directly affects patients who owe money for care at these state-run facilities, preventing hospitals from using court action to recover debts. The bill defines "medical debt" as any obligation for health care services, products, or devices provided by licensed hospitals, health professionals, or ambulance services. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Requires solicitations and agreements to locate and retrieve abandoned property to provide certain disclosures in large type on the first page of any notice or agreement.

Authorizes the reissuance of emergency assistance to needy families with children, safety net assistance, SNAP benefits, or emergency assistance for aged, blind and disabled persons in instances of fraud or theft of benefits.