Sen. James Sanders

Maddy summaryThis bill increases residential solar tax credits by raising the credit rate to 26% of qualified solar equipment costs. It sets new annual credit limits: $3,750 for systems installed before 2026, $5,000 for 2026-2025, and $10,000 for systems installed on or after January 1, 2026. The credit applies to homeowners who install qualifying solar systems (including equipment for heating, cooling, hot water, or electricity) at their primary residence, covering equipment purchases, installation, and certain lease agreements. Low-income taxpayers and those in disadvantaged communities may receive refunds for excess credits starting in 2026, rather than carrying them forward. The policy directly affects residential property owners installing solar energy systems in the state.

Requires motor vehicle dealers to disclose price markups to the purchasers of motor vehicles; provides failure to so disclose shall be grounds for revocation of the dealer's registration and imposes civil liability to purchasers for damages; authorizes the financial frauds and consumer protection unit of the department of financial services to study problematic practices in the price markups of motor vehicle dealers.

Relates to certain discriminatory practices; relates to the qualification of professionals in education; provides for the tolling of certain statutes of limitations; provides a private cause of action for a person who is qualified for a public contract who has been deprived of equal opportunity to such public contract.

Adds the definition of consent to the terms of general use; defines it as a freely given, knowledgeable and informed agreement by a person with the capacity to reason.

Maddy summaryS 6609 requires New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) to conduct annual testing for lead paint, water contamination (lead/copper), and indoor air quality in all its buildings. NYCHA must report results to the health commissioner, notify tenants if lead is found or air quality exceeds standards, and becomes liable for health damages caused by failures in these areas. The bill also criminalizes employee falsification of test records, with penalties including criminal charges and law enforcement referrals. This directly affects NYCHA operations and the health safety of its approximately 400,000 tenants across 170,000 units.

Creates a temporary state commission relating to local correctional facilities in upstate New York; provides commission study shall place emphasis on medical and mental health care, overcrowding, incarcerated individual deaths, use of force, restraints, and all segregation and confinement practices and solitary confinement.

Maddy summaryBill S 7617, known as the "Safer Consumption Services Act," allows the Department of Health to approve entities to establish overdose prevention center programs. These programs provide hygienic spaces for individuals to consume preobtained drugs, staffed by healthcare professionals or trained personnel. They offer sterile supplies, overdose prevention education, administer first aid, and provide referrals to substance use disorder treatment and other services. The bill grants immunity from criminal, civil, or administrative penalties to participants, program staff, and property owners solely for their good faith involvement in an approved program.

Maddy summaryS 1406 creates a special prosecutor appointed by the governor to investigate and prosecute cases where an unarmed civilian dies due to a police officer's actions. This special prosecutor takes over investigations and prosecutions from local district attorneys in these specific cases, working full-time on them without other duties. The prosecutor must report to the governor and legislature whenever they decline to pursue charges or a grand jury refuses to indict, including explanations and reform recommendations. The position serves a 3-year term with specific removal grounds like misconduct or inefficiency.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 6614) increases penalties for drivers who fail to yield to authorized emergency vehicles, such as ambulances or fire trucks. It establishes tiered fines and jail time: a first offense carries up to $300 or 30 days in jail, a second offense within 10 years up to $600 or 90 days, and third or subsequent offenses up to $900 or 180 days. The law directly affects drivers who violate this traffic requirement, with penalties escalating for repeat violations within a decade. It amends New York's vehicle and traffic law to strengthen enforcement of emergency vehicle yield rules.

Maddy summaryThis proposed bill (S 6608) would require banks in New York to obtain specific written consent from consumers before charging overdraft fees for checking account transactions. It mandates clear disclosures about fee amounts, coverage for ATM/electronic transactions, repayment terms, and circumstances where overdrafts won’t be covered. The bill caps annual overdraft fees at $100 per account and requires banks to automatically reject transactions if fees exceed this limit. It directly affects New York consumers with checking accounts and aims to prevent surprise fees by ensuring informed consent and transparency.