Sen. Leroy Comrie

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4502) repeals a 2011 law that imposed an annual spending cap on state Medicaid funding and related administrative processes. It specifically removes Sections 91 and 92 of Chapter 59, which limited how much the state could spend on Medicaid each year. By eliminating this cap, the bill allows Medicaid funding to increase without the previous annual spending restriction. This change directly affects the state’s Medicaid program, which provides health coverage to low-income residents, by removing a barrier to funding growth. The repeal would take effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new program within New York State's Urban Development Corporation to fund housing for people with developmental and mental disabilities. It allocates up to $25 million from the existing Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) fund to finance supportive and supervised living facilities through CDFIs. The program requires collaboration with state mental health and disability services offices to develop rules and prioritize housing development. This creates a dedicated funding mechanism for housing providers, directly affecting individuals seeking specialized housing options in New York.

Establishes the teachers' fossil fuel divestment act; requires the New York state teachers' retirement system to divest the retirement system of any stocks, securities, equities, assets, or other obligations of corporations or companies included on an exclusion list of coal producers and oil and gas producers.

Provides that an insurer doing business in this state shall be liable to a policy holder for such insurer's refusal to pay or unreasonable delay of payment to the policy holder if such refusal or delay was not substantially justified; enumerates instances whereby an insurer's refusal or delay of payment is not substantially justified including intentional negligence, failure to act in good faith, failure to provide written denial of claim, failure to make final determination of claim within six months, and failure to promptly proceed with the appraisal process.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 5466) allows retired federal law enforcement officers who hold a local pistol or revolver license to carry firearms, rifles, or shotguns in restricted and sensitive locations across New York. It amends the penal law to add a new exemption (paragraph p in section 265.01-e) specifically for these retired officers, aligning with federal law enforcement officer safety provisions. The key change permits this group to possess firearms in areas where others are typically restricted, provided they have a valid local license. The bill does not affect active officers (covered under separate provisions) or change general firearm laws for the public.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York real estate brokers and salespersons to complete two hours of sexual harassment prevention training every two years as part of their license renewal process. Specifically, licensees must complete one hour during each of the two consecutive 12-month periods before renewal, with training content meeting standards set in New York Labor Law. The requirement applies to all licensed professionals renewing their licenses and is separate from existing continuing education mandates. It directly affects licensed real estate professionals in New York who must affirm compliance when renewing their licenses. The training must be completed in two separate sessions within the two-year renewal cycle.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) companies to waive sovereign immunity for any legal claims against them in New York courts. It mandates that these railroads comply with key federal railroad laws, including the Railway Labor Act, Federal Employers Liability Act, and safety regulations. The waiver applies retroactively to all ongoing lawsuits involving these railroads. The bill directly affects employees who could pursue legal claims against Metro-North or LIRR under these federal protections.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 25% tax credit for homeowners who install fire sprinkler systems in their residences. It directly affects residential property owners in municipalities that do not already require sprinkler systems. The credit covers 25% of labor and material costs, with a maximum annual credit of $5,000. The credit can be carried forward if it exceeds current tax liability but cannot reduce tax below the minimum amount required. The program begins for taxable years starting January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York teachers to complete mandatory continuing education focused on mental health. Specifically, it mandates that during each five-year teacher registration period, educators must complete at least two sessions (out of a total 100 required hours) covering mental health topics like identifying early signs of mental illness, behavioral health disorders, eating disorders, crisis de-escalation, and evidence-based programs such as Mental Health First Aid. The training must be developed by the education and health departments and integrated into existing teacher certification requirements. It directly affects all K-12 teachers seeking or renewing their teaching licenses in New York State.

Maddy summaryS 4236 creates an independent office to handle tenant complaints about Mitchell-Lama housing issues, including harassment, unfair rent increases, poor maintenance, and lack of transparency in building conversions. It requires owners to provide verified financial records for building refinancing or conversions and mandates state comptroller approval for all rent increases based on documented financial reviews. The bill also guarantees legal support for tenants in housing court and directs courts to assign judges experienced with Mitchell-Lama regulations. These changes directly protect current and converted Mitchell-Lama residents from financial and operational abuses by landlords or management.