Sen. Jessica Ramos

Provides that certain communications between a claimant's attorney or representative and an injured employee's treating provider or a claimant's medical consultant are not improper influence or an attempt to improperly influence.

Designates certain employees of public utilities, municipal utilities, electric corporations, gas corporations, water corporations, steam corporations, telecommunications corporations, and cable television companies as first responders during a declared state disaster emergency.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets new standards for how dark automobile window tint can be. It requires front windshields to allow at least 70% light transmittance (except for the top six inches), and side windows near the driver and all rear windows to allow at least 50% light transmittance. The law also adds window tint checks to vehicle safety inspections and allows a ±7% tolerance when testing compliance. These rules directly affect drivers who use window tint film on their vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York State's personal income tax rates for high earners, specifically increasing rates for taxpayers with taxable income over $5 million. It modifies tax brackets for three filing categories (single, head of household, and married filing jointly), raising the top marginal rate from 10.30% to 10.80% for incomes exceeding $5 million starting in 2028. The changes apply to tax years beginning after 2027, with temporary adjustments for 2023-2027. The policy directly affects New York residents with very high incomes, increasing their tax liability under the revised brackets.

Allows new buildings where new parking is provided to have an optional, charger-agnostic, power-based allocation method alternative to certain electric vehicle charging infrastructure requirements; requires the department of state division of building standards and codes to promulgate rules and regulations relating to such alternative.

Relates to the determination of a verifiable shortage of licensed mechanics by the commissioner of labor for purposes of the issuance of a temporary elevator mechanic license, continuing education requirements for elevator mechanic's and accessibility lift technician's licensees, and authorizing the commissioner of labor to impose civil penalties for the employment or use of unlicensed mechanics; repeals certain provisions of the labor law related to the inspection of elevators and conveyances; amends the effectiveness of such related provisions.

Permits the admissibility of testimony that a person reported acts of discrimination to another person in a civil trial under the human rights law, including the contents of such report.

Requires anti-bias training for every medical student, medical resident and physician assistant student in the state; requires the department of health to make an annual report on the implementation and effectiveness of such training.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors Investigator Michael Theetge of the Chemung County Sheriff's Office for receiving the Order of the Blue Heart Award from Wounded Blue, a national organization supporting law enforcement officers injured on duty. The resolution formally commends his 14-year service, leadership as SWAT commander, and recovery from a severe March 2024 on-duty injury, directing that a copy be sent to him as a token of legislative respect.

Establishes performance-based service standards and oversight mechanisms for gas and electric utility customer assistance centers to ensure high-quality customer care, emergency response capacity, and consumer protection.