Sen. Toby Stavisky

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4160) requires state correctional facilities to provide free voice communication services (like phone calls) to incarcerated individuals, with no cost to the person initiating or receiving the call. It prohibits state agencies from charging fees or generating revenue from these communication services and mandates that in-person visit programs remain available - digital services cannot replace them. The law repeals an existing correction law section and takes effect April 1, 2026, applying to new or renewed communication contracts after that date. It directly affects incarcerated people in state prisons and youth detention centers by guaranteeing free access to basic voice communication.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new pathway for foreign-trained dentists to become licensed in New York. It allows dentists licensed outside the U.S. (who don't qualify for standard endorsement) to work under a limited permit in underserved community health centers after meeting requirements: five years of dental practice experience, passing a competency exam, and completing a supervised preceptorship program. After five years of practice under this permit in qualifying facilities, they may apply for full state licensure. The bill directly affects international dental graduates seeking to practice in New York, particularly in areas with dental health shortages.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York's Department of Motor Vehicles to create a public star rating system (1-5 stars) for every vehicle model sold in the state, based on pedestrian/bicyclist collision data, safety features (like pedestrian detection), and other relevant safety factors. The ratings must be posted on the DMV website and displayed prominently by dealers on all vehicles for sale. It directly affects vehicle dealers, manufacturers, and consumers by making safety performance data transparent during vehicle purchases. The system must be finalized within six months of the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 7282 ("No Slavery in New York Act"), prohibits involuntary servitude and forced labor for all incarcerated individuals in New York State correctional facilities, including those convicted of crimes. It amends the Civil Rights Law to explicitly ban slavery, involuntary servitude, and forced labor in the state, and adds a new provision to the Correction Law banning any labor compelled by force, adverse actions, or threats. The law takes effect immediately and directly affects all people incarcerated in state and local correctional facilities across New York.

Maddy summaryS 1621 exempts emergency ambulance service vehicles from standard window tinting restrictions in New York's vehicle and traffic law. The bill amends Section 375 to specifically exclude ambulances (as defined in Section 115-c) from the prohibition on tinted windows. This change directly affects ambulance operators and manufacturers by allowing tinted windows on these vehicles without violating existing traffic regulations. The exemption applies immediately upon the bill's enactment, with no additional requirements for ambulance operators.

Establishes the "New York public banking act"; authorizes municipal and other local governments to form and control public banks through the ownership of capital stock or other ownership interests, and to loan or grant public funds or lend public credit to such public banks for the public purposes of achieving cost savings, strengthening local economies, supporting community economic development, and addressing infrastructure and housing needs for localities.

Establishes the New York State social housing development authority as a public benefit corporation to increase the supply of permanently affordable housing in the state through the acquisition of land and renovation or rehabilitation of existing real property, and through the construction of new, permanently affordable housing.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 8430) amends New York's lemon law for new vehicles, extending the warranty coverage period from 2 years/18,000 miles to 3 years/36,000 miles. It updates the mileage deduction formula for refunds (from 12,000 to 20,000 miles) and clarifies "service fees" to include lease interest calculations. The changes directly affect consumers who purchase new vehicles in New York and experience warranty defects, requiring manufacturers to repair issues within specified timeframes or offer replacement/refund options. The bill is currently pending referral to the Rules committee (2025-06-10).

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a New York State 1332 innovation program under a federal waiver, providing health insurance coverage for New Yorkers under age 65 with household incomes between 133% and 250% of the federal poverty level who don't qualify for Medicaid or employer-sponsored insurance. It requires coverage for essential health services, including access to cancer centers (at Medicaid reimbursement rates), dental, vision, and support for chronic illnesses. Eligibility excludes those eligible for Medicaid, the Child Health Insurance Program, or affordable employer coverage. The program is subject to federal approval and aims to fill coverage gaps for this specific income group.

Imposes an excise tax on the sale of ammunition to be deposited into the firearm violence intervention fund to help victims of and witnesses to violence.