Sen. Leroy Comrie

Maddy summaryThis bill requires businesses selling consumer goods or services in New York to display any arbitration clauses in contracts using large print (16-point font or larger). It prohibits mandatory arbitration clauses that bind consumers to submit disputes to arbitration before court, making such clauses void. Businesses must provide contracts with arbitration clauses in large print for initial consumer agreements, with civil penalties of up to $250 for first violations and $500 for repeat offenses. The law directly affects New York businesses and consumers purchasing goods or services for personal, family, or household use.

Provides that no suspension of a registration shall occur for a violation regarding cashless tolls absent clear evidence of an owner's intent to repeatedly evade paying such tolls.

Relates to reporting requirements for full-time jobs where an individual is employed by a qualified participant for at least thirty-five hours a week and project hires; provides such report shall include the number of permanent full-time jobs, the number of permanent part-time jobs, the number of full-time equivalents, and the number of project hires.

Establishes the professional practice of community midwifery; defines as the management in the home, birth center, or community setting, of normal pregnancies, child birth, and postpartum care, including newborn evaluation, resuscitation and referral for infants; sets requirements for license and practice.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires cable television companies to provide new written information to subscribers at the time of initial sign-up. Specifically, companies must describe the required equipment, explain where subscribers can buy that equipment retail, and list compatible retail options that work with their system. The requirement applies directly to cable subscribers who are signing up for service, ensuring they understand equipment choices before committing. The law defines "equipment" broadly to include devices like modems used for data transmission. This policy change aims to increase transparency about equipment options without restricting consumer choices.

Maddy summaryBill S 7965 proposes to prohibit the manufacture, distribution, sale, and use of wire grill brushes within the state. This legislation defines a "wire grill brush" as any wire-bristled brush used for cleaning grills. If enacted, the prohibition would take effect on January 1, 2026, directly affecting manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and users of these products. The bill also establishes that jurisdiction over these matters will be exclusively vested in the state and authorizes the relevant department to create implementing rules and regulations.

Requires written request, including environmental impact statement, and review by community boards, borough presidents and the council of proposed reductions in the level of fire services, including closure of firehouses or removal or relocation of fire fighting units.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 6173) clarifies when police officers may use deadly force in a homicide. It states officers may only use deadly force if they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent imminent death or serious injury to themselves or others, or to arrest someone fleeing a felony involving death or serious injury. The bill requires officers to consider all circumstances at the time, including avoiding force if safer alternatives exist, and specifically notes that people with disabilities are more likely to experience excessive force during police interactions. It also prohibits using deadly force solely to prevent self-harm unless an imminent threat exists. The law directly affects police officers’ use of force decisions and the safety of people interacting with law enforcement.

Allows a municipality to pass a local resolution to extend the taxable status exemption filing date to match such municipality's grievance date for persons sixty-five years of age or older.

Directs the New York city transit authority and metropolitan transportation authority to ensure the proper operation of security cameras at subway stations and report thereon.