Sen. James Sanders

Maddy summaryS 8323 expands New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) small business mentoring program to include construction and related service contracts. It directly affects small businesses in the construction trades that meet specific criteria: independently owned, with annual revenues under $10 million, and meeting MTA-defined industry standards. The bill adds construction services to the program's scope, allowing qualifying small businesses to compete for MTA contracts (up to $1.5 million in the first phase) with mentorship support. This creates a structured pathway for these businesses to gain experience and access to MTA contracts through a two-phase program.

Establishes the state financial literacy fund which provides funding for project grants to organizations in order to establish financial capability and financial literacy programs, products content and/or services for at-risk populations in New York.

Requires the department of health to collect and report certain data concerning COVID-19 including racial, ethnic, and other demographic disparities throughout the state which are contributing to the amount of positive cases and the care provided for such.

Relates to establishing the state of New York public bank to use the state's depository assets to generate additional benefit for the people and the economy of the state.

Establishes the civil right to counsel in eviction proceedings in New York state; creates the New York state office of civil representation; requires that covered individuals be given notice of such right to counsel.

Establishes the bank of Rochester, including provisions related to definitions; sponsors and corporate structure; powers and restrictions; governance; charter requirements; financial and operations frameworks; transparency and financial reporting; insurance; deposits; policy mandates; ethics and financial disclosure; inconsistency with other laws; and owners not to be considered bank holding companies.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits credit agencies and lenders from using late payments on cashless toll systems (like E-ZPass) when determining a person's credit score. It amends New York's General Business Law and Banking Law to explicitly ban this practice, requiring lenders to stop collecting or reporting such toll payment history. The law directly affects consumers who have experienced late toll payments but are not penalized for them in credit decisions. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits any fee for admission to exams that award a high school equivalency diploma in New York State. It directly affects students seeking these diplomas, including those in correctional facilities or preparing through state-approved programs. The key provision (Section 317-a) explicitly bans fees for these exams, ensuring cost barriers are removed for test-takers. The bill amends multiple education and correction laws to align with this fee prohibition but does not change eligibility requirements for the diploma itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill would impose a new tax on New York State residents with $1 billion or more in net assets (total wealth minus debts), calculated as if they sold all assets at market value on December 31, 2024. Taxpayers would pay the resulting tax over 10 years with an annual interest-like fee, or in full for the 2025 tax year. It includes credits for taxes paid to other states on assets accumulated before New York residency, and excludes certain assets like gifts made within five years. The tax applies only to New York residents meeting the $1 billion threshold, with the first payment due for the 2025 tax year. The bill is currently pending in the Budget and Revenue committee.

Relates to establishing the municipal severe storm relief fund for Rockaway, Queens to be administered by the division of homeland security and emergency services for damages that occurred as a result of Hurricane Sandy which caused damage from October twenty-ninth through November third, two thousand twelve.