Asm. George Alvarez

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's executive law to explicitly include veterans in the legal definition of "military status." It expands the existing definition to cover individuals who have been released from military service, ensuring veterans receive the same anti-discrimination protections as active military personnel. The change directly affects veterans in New York who may face discrimination in employment, housing, or other areas governed by laws prohibiting military status discrimination. The key mechanism is a textual update to the definition, adding "a person's participation in the military service... if such person has been released from such service." This creates a clear, concrete policy change without altering existing enforcement mechanisms.

Provides notice of the death of an incarcerated individual occurring in the custody of the department of corrections and community supervision; requires the department to promptly notify the next kin and any other person designated as the representative of any incarcerated individual whose death takes place during custody.

Relates to the conversion to condominium ownership for the preservation of expiring affordable housing in the city of New York; provides expanded homeownership opportunities from the conversion of certain residential rental buildings to condominium status by property owners that commit to preserve the inventory of expiring affordable housing in the city of New York.

Authorizes localities to provide for an additional real property tax exemption for senior citizens who meet the income eligibility limits and other criteria to the extent of sixty-five percent of the assessed valuation of such real property.

Requires the commissioner of health to produce a report on the utilization and activity of the elderly pharmaceutical insurance coverage program, including future enrollment and program cost projections, and to publish such report and deliver the report to the governor, the temporary president of the senate, and the speaker of the assembly.

Directs the commissioner of motor vehicles to conduct a study to examine and update the requirements of safety inspections conducted to ensure the operational safety of all motor vehicles; requires a report; makes related provisions.

Creates the state office of the utility consumer advocate to represent interests of residential utility customers including a proposed change of rates, charges, terms and conditions of service, the adoption of rules, regulations, guidelines, orders, standards or final policy decisions.

Requires the state office for the aging to publish a "Guide to Actions When Someone Close Dies"; establishes a temporary special advisory committee to create and publish such guide.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits online pet sellers or lenders from including contract terms that allow them to repossess a dog or cat if a buyer misses payments. It directly affects online pet buyers and sellers, preventing sellers from treating pets as collateral in financing agreements. The law specifically applies to online website transactions and does not ban unsecured personal loans for pet purchases or affect other existing laws. The bill became law on November 21, 2025 (Chapter 507).

Maddy summaryThis New York bill bans real estate appraisers from discriminating based on race, gender identity, disability, or other protected traits (like immigration status or marital status) when determining property values. It applies to all appraisers - including unlicensed individuals who market themselves as such - and prohibits using these factors in appraisals, estimates, or written communications. Violations can result in license suspension, fines (with 50% of fines directed to a fair housing fund), and disciplinary actions. The fund supports fair housing programs like testing for discrimination, education, complaint investigations, and outreach to prevent housing bias.