Sen. James Sanders

Maddy summaryS 1439 (New York) imposes a new tax on investment income from long-term capital gains, dividends, and other low-taxed federal income types. It directly affects high-income New York residents with significant investment earnings, targeting individuals and estates with taxable income above specific thresholds. The bill adds a 7.5% tax on long-term capital gains above $400,000-$500,000 (depending on filing status), gradually increasing to 15% above $800,000-$1 million. This tax phases in over defined income ranges and is administered like existing state income tax. The bill is currently referred to the Budget and Revenue committee.

Aligns utility regulation with state climate justice and emission reduction targets; provides for a statewide affordable gas transition plan and utility home energy affordable transition programs; repeals provisions relating to continuation of gas service; repeals provisions relating to the sale of indigenous natural gas for generation of electricity.

Establishes the college of renewable energy and sustainability in the city university of New York which shall offer majors relating to the field of renewable energy and sustainability.

Maddy summaryS 6612 allows individuals convicted of simple marijuana possession (under Penal Law §222.25) with no prior or subsequent offenses to petition courts for expungement of their records. To qualify, applicants must wait two years after their conviction, complete all probation/parole/fines, and file a verified petition with required court documents. The court must grant expungement within 90 days if no objections are raised by prosecutors or law enforcement. This removes all court records related to the conviction, including arrest details and sentencing, for eligible individuals. The law applies to convictions both before and after its effective date.

Relates to certain prohibitions in contracts or agreements by health maintenance organizations; prohibits clauses which entitle reimbursement at the lowest price or rate; prohibits contracts which restrict referral of patients based solely upon a health care provider's status with a managed care product; prohibits contracts which allow for the substitution of a pharmaceutical drug or agent by any person other than the prescribing health care professional.

Maddy summaryS 6616 removes the previous cap on damages for trademark counterfeiting, allowing courts to award more than triple the profits or damages when counterfeiters act knowingly or in bad faith. It directly affects trademark owners (who gain stronger enforcement tools) and counterfeiters (who face higher financial liability). The key change eliminates the fixed "three times" limit in the law, giving courts broader discretion to impose higher penalties based on the severity of the violation. The bill also maintains existing rights to prosecute counterfeiters under criminal law. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Provides for the return of fines, restitution and reparation payments and any interest thereon where a defendant is subsequently pardoned upon the ground of innocence or the conviction is reversed or vacated.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in New York to cover epi-pens (epinephrine auto-injectors) for individuals under 18 years old when medically necessary. It applies to all individual, group, and certain health corporation insurance policies delivered in the state. Insurers must provide this coverage upon request by the insured or covered person. The requirement takes effect 90 days after the bill becomes law and applies to new contracts or renewals after that date. This directly affects insurers and children/teens with severe allergies requiring emergency epinephrine treatment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state-funded incentive program managed by NYSERDA to encourage development of qualified fuel cell generating systems. It requires the Public Service Commission to establish program modifications by January 1, 2026, mandating $50 million annually in planned expenditures from 2026 through 2036 for diverse projects across New York. The program must prioritize cost-effectiveness, avoid long-term grid costs, minimize peak load in constrained areas, and include annual performance reports. It directly affects electric distribution companies and developers of fuel cell systems meeting specific technical standards (solid oxide, molten carbonate, PEM, or phosphoric acid). The program design must consider economic benefits to New York while ensuring geographic and project-size diversity.

Enacts the New York state money transmission disclosure act; requires each licensee providing a transmission transaction which involves currency of one country into the currency of another country to provide the customer with a written disclosure; authorizes the superintendent of financial services to implement any necessary rules and regulations.