Sen. James Sanders

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as "the prison wage act," mandates compensation for incarcerated individuals performing labor in state and local correctional facilities. It requires that these individuals be paid at least one-half of the state's minimum wage for any work performed or for which a wage would typically be due. This compensation applies to various types of labor, including general facility work, tasks for nonprofit organizations, and participation in work release programs. Additionally, hourly incentive allowances for educational and training programs must also meet this minimum wage standard.

Maddy summaryBill S 1189 establishes new licensure requirements for entities providing fiscal intermediary services for personal assistance programs. Beginning April 1, 2027, these fiscal intermediaries must obtain a license from the commissioner, a process that includes an application fee and an assessment of their character, competence, and compliance. The bill also broadens the definition of fiscal intermediaries, modifies their annual reporting obligations, and creates a confidential state registry for personal assistants that these intermediaries must maintain. This legislation directly affects fiscal intermediaries, personal assistants, and consumers utilizing these services.

Establishes the New York state commission on economic inequality, equal opportunity, and competitiveness; provides such commission shall investigate, evaluate and make recommendations concerning how to work toward reducing economic inequality, eliminating poverty, achieving equal opportunity and full employment, and boosting economic competitiveness and growth.

Alters tax exemption programs for the development of new and affordable housing; defines "initial construction period" and "extended construction period"; makes related changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new progressive income tax structure for high earners in New York, replacing current tax brackets. It directly affects New York residents with significant taxable income, particularly those earning above $17,000 annually for single filers (with higher thresholds for married couples). The key mechanism uses tiered tax rates that increase as income rises - starting at 4% for lower incomes and reaching up to 24% for earnings over $20 million. The bill amends existing tax law to implement these rates, which apply to taxable years beginning in 2023 through 2027 and will be adjusted for 2028 onward.

Establishes new targets for offshore wind electricity generation; includes the requirements that there is at least 15 gigawatts of offshore wind electricity generation by 2040, at least 18 gigawatts of offshore wind electricity generation by 2045 and at least 20 gigawatts of offshore wind electricity generation by 2050.

Maddy summaryBill S 8134 amends the retirement and social security law to change how certain public employees contribute to their retirement system. It directly affects public employees who have ten or more years of membership in a state retirement system. For these employees, the bill sets their annual retirement contribution rate at a flat three percent (3%) of their annual wages. This replaces the current system where contribution rates can vary based on the employee's income level for members who joined after April 1, 2012.

Creates minority and women-owned business enterprise regional advocates; provides that the advocates will help ensure that municipal agencies comply with the provisions of law relating to minority and women-owned business enterprises.

Relates to school climate and codes of conduct on school property and disciplinary action following violation of such codes of conduct; makes conforming amendments.

Authorizes political subdivisions to award public contracts to participants of a minority and women owned business enterprise program at a cost premium not to exceed ten percent of the lowest bid.