Asm. Steve Otis

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New York's "harmful algal bloom monitoring and prevention act" to address toxic algae outbreaks in state waterways. It requires the environmental agency to create a public database collecting water quality data (like nutrient levels and bloom locations) and develop a report of region-specific prevention strategies within three years. The program will also launch a website portal for local governments and nonprofits to access HAB research, expert resources, and best practices. This aims to coordinate statewide efforts to protect public health, recreation, and ecosystems affected by harmful algal blooms.

Establishes new targets for offshore wind electricity generation; includes the requirements that there is at least 15 gigawatts of offshore wind electricity generation by 2040, at least 18 gigawatts of offshore wind electricity generation by 2045 and at least 20 gigawatts of offshore wind electricity generation by 2050.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires gasoline stations in New York to display a visible sign at each fuel pump with a toll-free number for consumers to report price or product complaints to the Department of State. It directly affects gas station retailers, who must post the sign starting April 1, 2026, and consumers who encounter issues with fuel pricing or quality. The key provision mandates a standardized sign size (determined by the commissioner) including the toll-free number, which the Department of State must establish by January 2026. The policy aims to streamline consumer complaints without changing existing pricing or fuel quality regulations.

Establishes a civil cause of action for employees who are subjected to an abusive work environment; provides employers shall be vicariously liable for such work environment.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals Section 2307 of New York's Public Health Law, which previously addressed individuals knowingly infected with venereal disease. The repeal removes legal provisions that could have led to prosecution of people with certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) who were aware of their status. The law takes immediate effect, preventing any future prosecutions or legal actions under the repealed section. This change directly affects individuals previously covered by this specific public health law provision, though it does not alter other STI-related laws or public health practices.

Relates to the provision of financial assistance to museums, zoos, botanical gardens, aquariums and other cultural institutions located in low-income urban, suburban or rural communities, or that provide educational services to students from such communities.

Makes the release of any claim by an employee, or independent contractor who is a natural person, against an employer, unenforceable if, as a condition of such resolution, the employee or independent contractor is prohibited from applying for, accepting, or engaging in future employment with such employer, or any entity or entities related to such employer.

Relates to project applications and advisory opinions of the public authorities control board; requires that any application made concerning a proposed project involving a loan, to the extent practicable, shall include the terms, conditions and dates of the repayment of state appropriations; makes related provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases civil penalties for gas and electric utility companies that fail to comply with New York's public service regulations. It raises fines for violations from $100,000 to $2 million per offense (or up to 4% of annual revenue for combination utilities) and changes how ongoing violations are penalized. The key provision sets penalties based on either a fixed dollar amount or a percentage of the company's annual intrastate gross operating revenue (excluding government taxes/revenues), whichever is greater. It directly affects combination gas and electric corporations found non-compliant by the Public Service Commission. The changes apply to violations of the Public Service Law, with penalties assessed for each distinct violation or the full duration of ongoing non-compliance.

Maddy summaryBill A 4015 seeks to increase the financial penalties for certain speeding violations, directly affecting drivers convicted of these offenses. It raises the maximum fine for exceeding the speed limit by up to ten miles per hour, from $150 to $175. For drivers caught speeding more than thirty miles per hour over the limit, the maximum fine increases from $600 to $700. These revised penalties will apply to violations occurring on or after January 1, 2026.