Asm. George Alvarez

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 18, 2026, as Dia del Locutor in New York State to honor Spanish-language broadcasters and media communicators. The resolution acknowledges the important role these professionals play in delivering news, cultural content, and public information to Spanish-speaking communities across the state. By pausing legislative proceedings on this date, the Assembly formally recognizes the dedication and cultural impact of these media figures. The measure does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic recognition of the Latino community and its media representatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Freedom of Information Act to establish specific deadlines for government agencies to respond to public records requests. It requires agencies to provide records within 5 business days, deny requests in writing, or acknowledge receipt with an estimated completion date. The law sets progressively shorter response timeframes starting in 2029, ranging from 180 days to 60 days depending on when the request is made, with exceptions for cases involving federal law conflicts, safety concerns, or extremely large volumes of records. Additionally, the bill mandates that agencies accept and respond to requests via electronic mail when possible and requires all state agencies with websites to allow online submission of records requests.

Enacts the "beauty justice act"; provides for the regulation of ingredients in personal care products and cosmetics; prohibits the sale of personal care products and cosmetic products containing certain restricted products.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York State to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at state-owned parking facilities with 50+ spaces. Facilities with 50-200 spaces must provide charging for at least 10% of spaces (or equivalent electrical capacity), while larger facilities (over 200 spaces) must provide for 20%. All stations must meet minimum electrical specs (40 amps, 208 volts) and comply with local electrical codes. The Office of General Services will handle installation, maintenance, and necessary electrical upgrades, with contracted work requiring prevailing wages. The law takes effect April 1st after enactment.

Enacts the "End the Toll Trap: Real Relief for Drivers Act" to address excess administrative costs incurred by public authorities for the collection of toll payments and to ensure repeat toll evaders pay such costs; creates the New York and New Jersey toll and fees reduction task force to examine and evaluate the efficacy of current payment processing procedures and systems, and to provide recommendations to increase efficacy and reduce tolls and administrative fees.

Maddy summaryBill A 3026 redirects fines and penalties from environmental conservation law violations (such as those under titles 19, 21, and 27 of the environmental conservation law) into a dedicated "conservation enforcement account" within the state conservation fund. It affects environmental law enforcement officers and the Department of Environmental Conservation by requiring all such fines to fund enforcement activities like staffing, scientific work, and legal support. The bill mandates that these funds must supplement - rather than replace - existing enforcement budgets and requires annual expenditure reports to legislative leaders. Courts collecting fines must remit payments directly to this account, streamlining how penalty revenue supports environmental protection efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 5006) creates a district-level program to coordinate volunteer ombudspersons serving in long-term care facilities across each assembly district. It establishes "district councils" consisting of appointed coordinators (paid stipends) and trained resident advocates who work with local programs to address facility concerns. Key provisions require standardized annual training on cultural competency, laws, and investigative techniques for all council members, and mandate that care facilities include council contact information in new resident welcome packets alongside patient rights. The program aims to improve oversight and support for residents in long-term care facilities through structured volunteer coordination.

Enacts the "New York state teleworking expansion act"; provides that each state agency shall establish a policy and program to allow employees to perform all or a portion of their duties through teleworking to the maximum extent possible without diminished employee performance.

Relates to certain crimes of interference with access to places of religious worship; expands interference to include groups of two or more people demonstrating or preparing to demonstrate one hundred feet outside of places of religious worship.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits mandatory arbitration clauses in consumer contracts for goods or services intended for personal, family, or household use. It requires that any arbitration clause included in such contracts must be printed in 16-point font or larger. The law applies to businesses selling consumer goods or services within the state. Violations carry civil penalties of up to $250 for a first offense and $500 for subsequent offenses.