Asm. Rebecca Seawright

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 7714) gives New York utility consumers the right to choose between analog and digital meters at no cost. It directly affects all electricity, water, and gas consumers (including tenants and building owners) by requiring utilities to: - Provide 90 days' written notice before installing digital meters; - Allow consumers to decline digital meters or request analog replacements without fees or penalties; - Replace digital meters with analog ones within 10 days if a consumer has health concerns related to radiofrequency radiation (or 30 days otherwise). Utilities must also track consumer choices for three years and comply with group decisions in multi-unit buildings where 50%+ of residents opt out.

Requires the commissioner of health to promulgate regulations requiring that the addition of, decertification of, or changes in the method of delivery of perinatal services by a general hospital be subject to an application under article 28 of the public health law that requires review and approval by the council.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits involuntary servitude and forced labor in all New York state and local correctional facilities, directly affecting incarcerated individuals. It amends the Civil Rights Law to explicitly ban slavery, involuntary servitude, and forced labor for all people in New York - including those convicted of crimes - and adds a new Correction Law section prohibiting any labor compelled through force, threats, or adverse actions (like disciplinary measures). The law makes it illegal for facilities to require labor against an individual's will using coercion or fear of punishment. This represents a concrete legal change to end forced labor practices within New York's prison system.

Maddy summaryThis bill codifies existing animal cruelty laws from the Agriculture and Markets Law into a new "Title Q" within the Penal Law, repealing 23 previous sections. It creates specific criminal offenses including animal fighting facilitation (with felony penalties), overdriving or torturing animals, failure to provide shelter for dogs in inclement weather, electrocution of fur-bearing animals, confinement in vehicles during extreme temperatures, and prohibited grooming practices. The law directly affects pet owners, farmers, animal handlers, and anyone involved in animal care or activities like dog fighting or grooming. Key provisions define terms like "companion animal," "animal fighting," and "fur-bearing animal," establishing clear criminal penalties for violations under the Penal Law.

Establishes the office of organized retail theft within the department of law to receive and investigate complaints from any source, or upon its own initiative, of allegations involving the use and role of organized retail theft.

Relates to the purchase of zero-emission buses and the procurement of electric-powered buses, vehicles or other related equipment and infrastructure; requires public utilities to have infrastructure, capacity, facilities, and transmission and distribution systems needed to supply power for the charging of zero-emission buses and provides a tariff for charging of electric buses.

Enacts the manufacturer disclosure and transparency act requiring prescription drug manufacturers to notify the attorney general of arrangements between pharmaceutical manufacturers resulting in the delay of the introduction of generic medications.

Suspends all unnecessary travel to states that have discriminatory laws for access to women's reproductive health services, including but not limited to, limitations on access to abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires consumer debt collectors operating in New York to obtain a license from the superintendent, with key provisions including minimum industry standards, a financial guarantee (surety bond), and strict rules against deceptive practices. It directly affects businesses that regularly collect debts owed by individuals for personal, family, or household expenses (like credit card or medical debt), excluding banks, attorneys, and certain non-profits. The law establishes penalties for violations and prohibits unlicensed activity, while exempting entities like creditors collecting their own debts and licensed financial institutions. It aims to protect consumers from abusive collection tactics by creating a regulated framework for debt collection businesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1341) creates a New York state mobile application for Medicaid-eligible individuals who are pregnant, postpartum, or seeking prenatal care. The app must provide New York-specific health resources, program links, and multilingual support, developed through a competitive state contract. Developers must share anonymized usage data (like user numbers and engagement) with lawmakers but cannot sell or share personal user information. The app must meet state health standards and be accessible across all mobile platforms.