Asm. Ken Zebrowski

Prohibits broad indemnification by a design professional of a state or local agency or political subdivision involving public work for contracts except to the extent that damages were caused by or the result of the negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct of the design professional.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for the New York State Urban Development Corporation by clarifying how to fill leadership vacancies and modernizing the text to use gender-neutral language. It establishes that the governor must appoint a new president or chairperson with Senate approval when a position becomes empty due to death, resignation, or other reasons. Additionally, the law allows the governor to designate an acting leader for up to six months while a permanent successor is confirmed. The legislation also removes outdated terms like "chairman" and replaces them with "chairperson" throughout the governing statute.

Requires principals to make a good faith effort to identify and notify co-trustees and co-beneficiaries of the signing of a power of attorney including the identity of the agent where the agent is not a co-trustee or co-beneficiary.

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 requires Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road to give up their legal ability to claim immunity from lawsuits, making them subject to the same federal railroad laws that apply to other rail companies. It also extends these rules to any other commuter railroads owned by New York municipalities, covering areas like worker safety, retirement benefits, and discrimination. The changes apply immediately and cover any current lawsuits against these railroads.

Relates to the content of rules and regulations to be promulgated by the Secretary of State with respect to minimum staffing levels for agencies enforcing the minimum standards under the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code Act.

Requires that any penalties for violations of housing standards or building and fire codes be assessed and imposed within fourteen days; increases certain fine amounts for violations of housing standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a phased ban on the sale of products containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals, which are a class of fluorinated organic substances. Starting in 2026, manufacturers must notify the state department about products containing these chemicals, and by 2027, specific items like cookware, cosmetics, and fabric treatments cannot be sold unless the department deems their use essential and without alternatives. The prohibition expands to cover all products with intentionally added PFAS by 2032, while allowing for exemptions for items where federal law preempts state authority or where the chemicals are considered unavoidable for health and safety. The law also outlines penalties for selling prohibited products and clarifies that the restrictions do not apply to the resale of used items.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a specific voting rule within the Public Authorities Law that governed how members of the New York State Authorities Control Board cast their votes. By removing this provision, the legislation alters the procedural framework for decision-making within the board without changing who holds the positions or the board's overall purpose. The change takes effect immediately upon passage, streamlining the internal voting processes for state authorities under the board's supervision.

Provides that a provisional employee at a school district or board of cooperative educational services who exhausted the nine month provisional appointment limitation shall be granted permanent status if such employee has exceeded the probationary term or, if such employee has not exceeded the probationary term, such provisional service shall count as service towards the probationary term.