Asm. Steve Otis

Maddy summaryThis bill allows local land banks to create a specific priority list for how they use vacant properties, placing community gardens at the top of that list alongside public spaces. It gives local governments the authority to rank potential uses for these properties, such as affordable housing or commercial activities, in a specific order. By amending existing state law, the measure ensures that community gardening is formally recognized as a primary option when managing foreclosed land. The change applies immediately to any land bank established under the new rules.

Establishes the retail worker safety act requiring retail worker employers to develop and implement programs to prevent workplace violence; directs the department of labor to produce a model workplace violence prevention training program; requires employers to provide training on such programs; requires the installation of panic buttons at certain workplaces or wearable or mobile phone-based panic buttons to be provided.

Provides for a working families tax credit; directs quarterly prepayment of the credit; provides for a sliding reduction in the credit for incomes which exceed a certain threshold.

Authorizes the commissioner of environmental conservation to enter into contracts for the lease or use of state lands for the purpose of maple tree tapping and sap production for a term of up to, but not to exceed, ten years.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the occupancy tax in the city of Rye until September 1, 2027. It directly affects short-term rental hosts and guests in Rye by keeping the current tax in place for an additional period. The law takes effect immediately upon signing and replaces the previous expiration date of September 1, 2024.

Prohibits public employers from diminishing health insurance benefits provided to retirees and their dependents or the contributions such employer makes for such health insurance coverage below the level of such benefits or contributions made on behalf of such retirees and dependents by the public employer as of December 31, 2021.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the maximum amount of money justice courts can handle in small claims cases from $3,000 to $5,000, excluding interest and costs. It also updates the fees required to file these claims, increasing the cost for smaller claims from $10 to $15 and for larger claims from $15 to $20. The changes apply to individuals and businesses filing suits in justice courts for monetary recovery or property disputes within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires law enforcement agencies to forward sex offender change-of-address notifications to the Division of Criminal Justice Services within five business days. It applies to any sex offender who updates their address or other status information, such as employment or school enrollment, with a local police department. The law mandates that the agency provide a copy of the submission to the offender while keeping a copy for its own records. Additionally, the bill maintains a ten-dollar fee for each registration update, though the fee is not required for the state to accept the information.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits landlords and public housing authorities from denying occupancy or evicting tenants solely because they own a dog of a specific breed, size, or weight. It applies to both private apartment buildings and public housing projects, ensuring that lease restrictions cannot be based on the dog's breed alone. However, the law allows property owners to continue enforcing reasonable rules regarding dangerous dogs or general pet policies that apply to all animals regardless of breed. The legislation took effect immediately upon enactment.

Establishes a reproductive health services training and education grant program to ensure health care providers receive adequate training in abortion care.