Sen. Jessica Ramos

Establishes the electric landscaping equipment rebate program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and reduce noise pollution by promoting the adoption of quieter, zero-emission landscaping equipment; provides for rebates at the point of sale for applicants purchasing or leasing certain equipment; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof.

Maddy summaryS 3276 changes New York State's highway law to make the state liable for damages caused by potholes or other defects on state highways, but only if the state received actual or constructive notice of the problem. It removes a previous seasonal exception (previously limiting liability between May 1 and November 15) and clarifies that the state remains liable for defects in maintained highway sections where notice was given. The bill does not apply to defects in bridges the state doesn't control or to damages occurring outside the state's maintained highway sections. This directly affects drivers or property owners injured by unaddressed potholes on state roads after the state was notified of the hazard.

Establishes the "earned time act" providing for time allowances against the term or maximum term of sentences imposed by the court to be credited on an annual pro rata basis.

Establishes a duty to inform certain patients about the risks associated with cesarean section for patients undergoing a planned or unplanned primary cesarean section.

Eliminates provisions exempting employees with disabilities from the minimum wage law; provides that laws or minimum wage orders that authorize an employer to pay a wage that is less than the minimum wage are valid provided that under such laws or orders an employee with a disability is paid the same wage as an employee in a comparable position that does not have a disability.

Relates to modular construction work; provides that modular construction shall comply with any existing municipal licensing requirements for all electrical, plumbing, and fire suppression work.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially designate April 2026 as Arab American Heritage Month in New York State. The resolution highlights the historical contributions and cultural significance of Arab Americans within the state, noting that New York is home to over 300,000 individuals from diverse Arab backgrounds. By directing copies of the resolution to the governor and several advocacy organizations, the measure seeks to raise public awareness and promote recognition of this community's heritage.

Prohibits public employers from diminishing health insurance benefits provided to Medicare-eligible retirees and their Medicare-eligible dependents or the contributions such employer makes for such health insurance coverage below the level of such benefits or contributions made on behalf of such retirees and dependents by the public employer as of December 31, 2021.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state medical assistance programs to cover medically tailored meals and medical nutrition therapy for people with chronic conditions. It directly affects individuals with limited daily living abilities who need specialized nutrition to manage illnesses like diabetes or heart disease, as ordered by healthcare providers. The law mandates coverage for nutritional assessments, counseling, and prescribed meals provided by certified dietitians or nutritionists. Implementation requires the health commissioner to adopt regulations within 180 days of the bill's enactment, with federal funding participation required for these services.

Maddy summaryBill S 8133 revises how certain public employees contribute to their retirement systems, specifically those who joined a state public retirement system on or after April 1, 2012. Effective April 1, 2025, it establishes new tiered contribution rates for these members, ranging from 3% to 5% of their annual base wages, depending on their income level. This replaces a previous system that featured more wage brackets and higher maximum contribution rates, up to 6%. The bill also specifies what components are included in "base wages" for these calculations.