Sen. Leroy Comrie

Relates to the execution of a warrant of arrest; authorizes the commissioner of the division of criminal justice services to establish a system to record and monitor the issuance and execution of search warrants; authorizes the chief administrator of the court system to establish educational programs for judicial personnel on the law of searches, arrests and seizures.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that smartphones and mobile devices are legally defined as "computers" under New York's penal code. It adds a specific definition for "smart phone or mobile device" requiring features like portability, wireless operation, local storage, and built-in power. The change ensures existing laws against unauthorized computer access or data theft automatically apply to smartphones, affecting how such cases are prosecuted. It does not create new penalties but updates legal terminology to cover modern devices.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets a standard $200 deductible for physical damage auto insurance (covering collision and comprehensive coverage) but requires insurers to offer lower deductibles starting at $50 for most policies. It allows insurers to provide reduced deductibles (including $0) or deductibles that decrease over time, with clear disclosure about how these options affect premiums, coverage, and potential changes. Insurers must explain all details - such as additional costs, reduction timelines, and circumstances for increases - before offering these options. The bill also prohibits insurers from raising both the premium and deductible after the same claim, though they may adjust either separately.

Prohibits cancellation, non-renewal or conditioning renewal of automobile insurance of a policyholder solely as a result of a dispute or a complaint pending against the insurer.

Establishes the rental assistance payment standard pilot program where the owner of a housing accommodation shall be entitled to charge and collect a rent equal to the maximum amount that the rental assistance program prescribes for like housing accommodations, subject to rent reasonableness calculations.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets requirements for rental-purchase agreements, affecting both renters and merchants who use these contracts. It mandates that key disclosures (like late fee rules) appear in 12-point bold type. For late payments, it caps fees at 10% of the overdue amount or $3 for weekly agreements, $5 for monthly agreements, and prohibits charging for payments made within 3 days (weekly) or 7 days (monthly) of the due date. Weekends and federal holidays when the postal service is closed do not count toward these deadlines.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the price thresholds at which food and drink sold in vending machines become subject to certain taxes. It increases the current limits from $1.50 (for coin-only machines) and $2.00 (for other payment methods) to $3.00 and $3.50, respectively. Vending machine operators selling qualifying items below these new prices will remain exempt from the tax. The change applies temporarily until May 31, 2026, and directly affects businesses operating vending machines. The policy alters the tax exemption rules for small-value snacks and beverages sold through vending.

Relates to establishing the housing access voucher program; provides that the commissioner of the division of housing and community renewal shall implement a program of rental assistance in the form of housing vouchers for eligible individuals and families who are homeless or who face an imminent loss of housing; provides that the commissioner shall designate housing access voucher local administrators in the state to administer the program.

Ensures that residential gas, electric and steam service customers will receive a written determination regarding rate related complaints explaining the reasoning for the decision; requires that decisions are made by the public service commission within 90 days of receiving the complaint; requires utility corporations to retain customer billing statements dating back at least eight years.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New York high schools to keep opioid overdose-reversal medication (like naloxone) on hand and designate at least one trained staff member to administer it during all school hours and after-school activities. Schools must ensure the medication is accessible and that at least one employee has completed a state-approved training course on its use. The law applies directly to high schools and their designated staff, mandating immediate availability of the medication for emergencies. It does not change existing health protocols but adds a specific requirement for opioid overdose response in school settings.