Asm. Jeffrey Dinowitz

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the use of grade 4 fuel oil (a specific type of heavy fuel oil classified under ASTM D396-15c) in all buildings and facilities across the state after July 1, 2030. It directly affects commercial, industrial, and residential properties that currently rely on this fuel for heating or energy. The key provision sets a clear deadline for the phaseout, while allowing municipalities to adopt stricter local regulations if desired. The bill does not require immediate replacement but mandates a transition to alternative fuels or systems by the 2030 deadline. This is a substantive environmental regulation focused on reducing emissions from a specific fuel source.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all voting systems in New York to use durable paper ballots that withstand recounts without damage and retain voter marks for the full retention period. It mandates that every polling place must offer voters either a hand-marked paper ballot or a nontabulating ballot marking device (which doesn’t record votes electronically). The bill explicitly bans voting machines with wireless capabilities, internet connectivity, or encoded marks like QR/barcodes that require special devices to read. These provisions ensure voter-verifiable paper records remain the standard for audits and recounts.

Prohibits agreements between employers that directly restrict the current or future employment of any employee; allows for a cause of action against employers who engage in such agreements.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 4999) prohibits the retail sale of tobacco products with non-tobacco flavors (like fruit, mint, chocolate, or menthol) and accessories that add such flavors. It directly affects all licensed tobacco retailers, businesses, and vendors operating under New York's tax law. Violations carry a civil fine of up to $500 per incident, and the law explicitly bans law enforcement from stopping or questioning people about purchasing or possessing these products. The policy aims to restrict flavored tobacco access while defining "characterizing flavor" broadly to cover any distinct non-tobacco taste.

Prohibits recurring campaign donations without affirmative consent; provides that a candidate accepting a recurring contribution shall provide a receipt to the contributor disclosing the terms of the recurring contribution, provide all necessary information to cancel the recurring donation, and immediately cancel the recurring donation upon request.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires debt settlement companies operating in New York to obtain a license from the Banking Department. It defines "budget planning" (a specific service distinct from debt settlement) and sets rules for handling client funds, mandating that all money from clients must be deposited into a dedicated account and paid directly to creditors. Companies must charge fair, reasonable, and clearly explained fees, and unlicensed operation is prohibited. Violations can result in fines up to $500 per contract, with a maximum civil penalty of $100,000. The law directly affects debt settlement businesses, excluding licensed attorneys and certain nonprofit organizations.

Relates to a state transportation plan; requires such plan include a minimum twenty-year forecast period at the time of adoption, assessing long-range needs spanning such period, including a forecast of highway pavement and bridge conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits health care workers, including nurses and unlicensed assistive personnel, to their regularly scheduled work hours without mandatory overtime. Exceptions allow longer shifts only during declared emergencies (like natural disasters or public health crises), federal/state emergency declarations, or when completing an ongoing medical/surgical procedure. It specifically excludes doctors, residents, and security staff from this definition. The law aims to protect patient safety by preventing excessive staff fatigue through concrete scheduling limits. Employers cannot use on-call time to bypass these restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies how "floor area" is measured for residential buildings under housing regulations. It specifies that spaces with higher ceilings (e.g., 12-24 feet tall count twice) are included multiple times in floor area calculations, while excluding cellars, low attics, outdoor balconies, parking spaces, and mechanical equipment areas (except where noted). It directly affects housing developers, building inspectors, and property owners who must comply with these measurement rules for zoning and construction. The changes apply to all residential buildings covered by the Multiple Dwelling Law, ensuring consistent application of floor area definitions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's foreclosure laws for residential mortgages (covering 1-4 family homes) involving subordinate loans. It requires lenders (plaintiffs) to prove ownership of the mortgage note by providing a detailed custodial file showing the note's chain of custody, plus complete payment history from loan origination. Borrowers (defendants) can now raise defenses based on missing documentation or lack of standing, even if not initially raised in court filings. The bill also establishes a statute of limitations for foreclosure actions related to these loans. These changes directly affect lenders initiating foreclosures and borrowers defending against them.