Asm. Ken Zebrowski

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the legal definition of "cremation" within the not-for-profit corporation law to explicitly include the technical process of reducing human remains to ashes or other residue using heat and flame. It also grants the cemetery board the authority to authorize additional processes that reduce remains to cremains if they determine such methods serve the public interest. The legislation further clarifies that the term covers the processing and potential pulverization of these ashes and residue. By amending the existing statute, the bill provides a more detailed framework for how cremation is legally understood and regulated.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies the deadlines for the Public Service Commission to respond to complaints from utility customers regarding service failures, rates, or safety issues. It mandates that the commission generally complete investigations within 90 days, or within 30 days if an emergency threatens health or safety, and requires written explanations if these timelines cannot be met. The legislation also establishes a new annual reporting requirement for the commission to the legislature and governor, detailing the number of petitions filed and the percentage resolved on time. Additionally, it allows customers who are denied a hearing or face delays to sue the commission for their legal fees if the agency fails to meet its statutory deadlines.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Isol Cotto Act, requires that individuals arrested for domestic violence or violating protection orders must appear before a judge before being released on bail. Under the new rules, a judge must review the circumstances of the arrest, any history of violent offenses, and the risk the accused poses to the victim within twelve hours of the arrest. The law limits how long a person can be held without this judicial review to a maximum of twelve hours. This change directly affects law enforcement and court procedures regarding the release of defendants accused of family-related offenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands hepatitis C screening requirements for specific groups of people receiving healthcare services. It mandates that individuals born between 1945 and 1965 or between 1980 and 2020 must be offered a hepatitis C test if they are treated as inpatients in general hospitals, receive primary care in outpatient departments, or see a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. The law allows a test to be skipped only if a doctor believes the patient is in a life-threatening emergency, has already been tested, or cannot give consent. The bill also includes a provision that causes the changes to the public health law to expire immediately upon enactment.

Establishes the Supply Chain Transparency Assistance Program to encourage the shifting of the state's economy toward more ethical and sustainable supply chains.

Maddy summaryThis bill introduces a legal defense for minors under 18 charged with specific sexting offenses, provided certain conditions are met. To qualify for this defense, the accused must be under 18, the age gap between the parties must be less than four years, the recipient must be at least 13, and both parties must have agreed to the exchange without coercion. Additionally, the image or description cannot have been obtained illegally, and the accused must not have intended to profit from the act. If these criteria are satisfied, the defendant can argue they should not be held criminally liable for the conduct.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for when the state Public Service Commission can approve changes to cable television franchises. It requires the commission to ensure that any new owner of a cable system meets specific regulatory standards and serves the public interest before granting approval. The law also clarifies that even if a potential buyer does not fully meet these standards, the commission can still approve the transfer if it determines the change benefits the public. These rules apply immediately to any pending applications for franchise transfers or control changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows bed and breakfasts in New York to sell alcoholic beverages such as cider, liquor, beer, and wine directly to customers on their licensed premises. The legislation amends existing alcohol control laws to enable producers like breweries, wineries, and distilleries to operate a bed and breakfast at or near their production site and sell their own products for on-site consumption. Additionally, the bill permits these establishments to apply for licenses to sell other types of alcoholic beverages beyond what they manufacture. This change expands the types of businesses that can legally operate as both a lodging facility and a retail alcohol seller within the same location.

Establishes the New York state public health care option program to provide a comprehensive and affordable health care insurance option for all residents of this state; establishes the New York state public health care option program fund.

Relates to responsibility for cable bills after a disconnection or downgrade in service; provides that customers requesting a disconnection or downgrade in service shall only be liable for services incurred up to the date the disconnection or downgrade is effective.