Sen. James Sanders

Maddy summaryThis bill increases financial assistance standards for New York residents receiving public assistance. Starting July 1, 2025, the monthly need standard for eligibility and maximum benefit amounts will double (e.g., from $158 to $316 for single-person households), with annual adjustments tied to federal cost-of-living changes. Home energy grants and supplemental home energy grants also double starting July 2025 (e.g., from $14.10 to $28.20 monthly for single-person households). These changes directly affect low-income individuals and families qualifying for state public assistance programs.

Relates to the execution of a warrant of arrest; authorizes the commissioner of the division of criminal justice services to establish a system to record and monitor the issuance and execution of search warrants; authorizes the chief administrator of the court system to establish educational programs for judicial personnel on the law of searches, arrests and seizures.

Relates to providing minimum standards governing maternity policy for institutions employing police officers and correctional officers including uniform and/or equipment modifications, exemption from firearm qualification requirements, and ensuring there is no discrimination or poor treatment of pregnant individuals.

Enacts the Infant Vision Information, Education and Wellness Act; creates the newborn vision screening advisory committee; provides for newborn and infant vision screening; requires reporting.

Maddy summaryS 4731, the "Small Contractors Relief Act," creates a pilot program to help small contractors who were denied liability insurance coverage. It establishes the New York Small Contractor Safety Group, Inc. - a nonprofit organization that will provide insurance coverage to eligible contractors who have been rejected by traditional insurers. The program targets contractors meeting specific criteria, including those with under $1 million in annual revenue (or higher revenue with proof of insurance denial) and certified minority/women-owned businesses. The bill appropriates funds to support this pilot program and outlines its governance structure, including a nine-member board appointed by state leaders.

Establishes discrimination where insurers exclude, limit, restrict or reduce coverage of a publicly-assisted housing accommodation due to lawful source of income.

Relates to establishing the housing access voucher program; provides that the commissioner of the division of housing and community renewal shall implement a program of rental assistance in the form of housing vouchers for eligible individuals and families who are homeless or who face an imminent loss of housing; provides that the commissioner shall designate housing access voucher local administrators in the state to administer the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits cities from charging late fees for parking violations before a person is officially found liable. It requires cities to send two notices to vehicle owners: the first for the violation, and a second with a 20-day response window before penalties apply. If a person fails to respond, cities may pursue license suspension or a default judgment - but cannot impose late fees until liability is determined. The bill repeals outdated penalty provisions and adds a new law (Section 238-a) ensuring late fees only apply after a fine is imposed for a confirmed violation. It directly affects vehicle owners receiving parking violation notices in New York.

Relates to the availability of information regarding day care services; requires disclosure of serious injury or death of child upon application for renewal of license.

Establishes a statewide person-centered mental health services work group to improve statewide mental health planning and outcomes to achieve a person-centered, prevention-first integrated and tiered system of care for holistic health and wellness.