Asm. Dana Levenberg

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act to create a dedicated funding mechanism for improving groundwater and surface water quality across the county. It establishes a new water quality restoration fund financed by an additional one-eighth of one percent sales tax, which will be collected until 2060 and split evenly between upgrading individual septic systems and building wastewater treatment facilities. The legislation also authorizes the consolidation of existing sewer districts and unsewered areas into a single county-wide wastewater management district to streamline oversight and management. Furthermore, the bill adjusts how existing drinking water protection taxes are allocated, gradually transferring a larger portion of those funds to the new restoration effort over a ten-year period.

Establishes an assumption of the inadmissibility of evidence of a defendant's creative or artistic expression against such defendant in a criminal proceeding; requires the proffering party to affirmatively prove that the evidence is admissible by clear and convincing evidence.

Requires any dealer where lithium-ion batteries, bicycles with electric assist, micromobility devices and limited use motorcycles are sold at retail or repaired, and/or lithium-ion electric batteries are housed in a storage facility to maintain functional fire protection and suppression measures effective against lithium-ion battery and electrical fires, including but not limited to Class B extinguishers, battery cases, and automatic monitoring and detection; authorizes the department of state to promulgate necessary rules and regulations; imposes a fine of $250 for a knowing violation to comply with such provisions.

Relates to raising the tax abatement rate and extending certain deadlines for purposes of the green roof tax abatement for certain properties in a city of one million or more persons.

Requires the Medicaid inspector general to comply with standards relating to the audit and review of medical assistance program funds; establishes procedures, practices and standards for the adjustment or recovery of a medical assistance payment from recipients; requires notice of certain investigations.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new task force within the Department of Labor to help state agencies hire and keep people with disabilities in competitive jobs. The group will consist of 16 members appointed by the governor, including representatives from various state departments, labor unions, businesses, and individuals with disabilities. Their main job is to study unemployment issues, review existing programs, and develop strategies to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The task force must meet at least four times a year and submit a report with recommendations to state leaders within two years of starting.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires railroad employers to provide light-duty assignments to pregnant employees who are medically cleared to work but cannot perform their regular tasks, ensuring they retain their full earnings and benefits during this period. It also establishes a paid parental leave program for railroad workers with at least 26 weeks of employment, offering up to 12 weeks of benefits at 67% of their average weekly wage to bond with a newborn or newly adopted child. These protections apply to both state-owned and private railroads and are designed to support employee health and family bonding without reducing their financial compensation.

Relates to utilization review program standards; requires use of evidence-based and peer reviewed clinical review criteria; relates to prescription drug formulary changes and pre-authorization for certain health care services.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state, county, and local transportation projects to prioritize safe access for all road users, including drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit riders. It mandates that agencies using complete street design principles consider these needs during the planning, design, and construction of new or rebuilt roads, while also applying these standards to maintenance projects lasting at least ten years. Additionally, the legislation updates the criteria for determining when a road project is unnecessary, adding community support as a key factor alongside traffic volume and land use. The law will not apply to projects approved before it becomes effective and will take effect approximately 260 days after passage.

Requires certain watercraft, aircrafts, and trains to use clean energy, including ensuring such vehicles are zero-emissions; requires NYSERDA to study zero-emission commercial vehicles, the use of renewable energy in publicly funded airports, and the use of sustainable aviation fuel; requires NYSERDA to administer a grant program to flying schools and clubs that install charging infrastructure.