Asm. Chris Burdick

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's criminal procedure law to allow the expungement (removal from criminal records) of certain convictions related to syringe possession. It specifically covers convictions for offenses under Penal Law sections 222.10, 222.15, 222.25, 222.45, or for violations under former Penal Law section 220.45 prior to this bill's effective date. The key mechanism adds a new provision to the law making these convictions eligible for expungement. This directly affects individuals previously convicted under these specific syringe possession statutes.

Requires proof of installation, maintenance and regular use of ignition interlock devices when use of such a device is ordered by a court; extends the period of suspension and revocation of a license until such proof is provided.

Establishes a standardized rate application template for utilities; provides that utilities have to provide certain information when filling out a standardized rate application.

Imposes a moratorium on the issuance of permits for new data centers; requires the public service commission to issue an order or orders to minimize the impact of new data centers on electricity and gas rates for residential, commercial, and industrial users; clarifies that certain provisions are applicable to the Long Island power authority.

Maddy summaryBill A 2619 establishes specific rights for residents and cooperatives in ground lease residential cooperative apartment buildings. Upon the expiration of a ground lease, the cooperative must dissolve, and residents are converted to tenants, with rental leases offered under existing tenant protection laws. The bill also allows cooperatives to encumber their interest in the ground lease, requiring ground lease owners to provide reasonable cause for refusal if consent is needed. Additionally, it grants ground lease residential cooperatives a right of first refusal to purchase the ground lease real property if the owner decides to sell it.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates mandatory minimum prison sentences for certain offenses, replacing them with judicial discretion to determine appropriate sentences based on individual circumstances. It requires courts to provide written explanations for sentencing decisions and mandates that pre-sentence reports include analysis of incarceration costs to the state. Defendants gain expanded access to pre-sentence reports used in sentencing decisions, and judges must consider rehabilitation and community safety goals rather than fixed minimum terms. The law applies to felony sentencing under New York's penal and criminal procedure laws, directly affecting judges, defendants, and the state correctional system.

Directs the independent developmental disability ombudsperson program to establish a service delivery structure based in New York state that includes a toll-free telephone hotline, an interactive website, and availability of in-person, telephone and email access to ombudsperson program staff or volunteers; to provide assistance for navigating and completing processes; to assist individuals in filing and preparing appeals; to assist individuals with any problems encountered; and to educate individuals on their rights and responsibilities with respect to access to services provided by the office for people with developmental disabilities and care coordination provided by health homes serving individuals with developmental disabilities or services provided by other providers.

Directs the office for people with developmental disabilities to conduct a study on the feasibility of establishing, implementing and expanding additional housing models that support independent living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities; requires the office to submit a report on such study to the governor, the temporary president of the senate and the speaker of the assembly.

Enacts "Cecilia's act for rights in the sex trades"; decriminalizes certain prostitution offenses; amends provisions relating to prosecution of such offenses and vacating judgments.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the laws governing wrongful death lawsuits in Maryland by clarifying who can sue, what damages are recoverable, and how any awarded money is distributed. It expands the list of eligible claimants to include domestic partners and individuals who stood in a parent-like role to the deceased, while also extending the time limit for filing claims related to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The legislation specifies that compensation may cover funeral costs, medical expenses, grief, and financial losses such as lost support or inheritance, with the court determining how these funds are split among the eligible survivors based on their specific relationship to the decedent. Additionally, the bill outlines procedures for appointing administrators to pursue these claims when existing estate executors refuse to do so and details how legal fees and other costs are handled if the lawsuit is unsuccessful.