Sen. Leroy Comrie

Maddy summaryBill S 7969 limits the fines public authorities can impose for late payment or evasion of tolls. It directly affects drivers who use toll roads and the authorities that manage them. The bill caps any fine, fee, or administrative charge for a late toll payment at twenty-five percent of the original toll amount owed. For toll evasion violations, it establishes a maximum penalty of twenty-five percent of the evaded toll, replacing previous escalating penalties. Additionally, it outlines requirements for toll bills sent via the "tolls by mail" program and maintains existing prohibitions on periodic administrative charges for electronic payment methods like E-ZPass.

Relates to enacting the "adjacent neighbors' bill of rights"; requires the department of buildings to develop a bulletin known as the "adjacent neighbors' bill of rights" advising homeowners who are adjacent to a property under development or construction of their rights and available resources and post such bulletin on the department's website.

Provides additional protections for sensitive health information; requires all health information networks, electronic health record systems, and health care providers to provide patients with a right to restrict the disclosures of such patient's health information; defines terms; provides for exceptions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 329) changes criminal procedure rules to allow defendants to appeal a judge's decision denying a motion to suppress evidence - even if they later enter a guilty plea. It directly affects criminal defendants who want to challenge evidence rulings that may involve issues of public concern. The key provision amends the law to make such denial orders "reviewable upon appeal" from the final conviction, removing a previous barrier that prevented appeals after a guilty plea. This provides a clearer path for defendants to seek appellate review of critical evidence rulings without being barred by their own plea. The change applies to all criminal cases where evidence suppression is contested.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Jonathan Grossman, a former New York City teacher who retired in 2010, to apply for a recalculation of his retirement benefits. It corrects an error where his benefits were initially calculated without including a lump sum vacation payment he earned, plus accrued interest from his retirement date. Grossman must apply within one year of the bill's effective date to the state comptroller. The city of New York will cover all costs related to implementing this change.

Prohibits broad indemnification by a design professional of a state or local agency or political subdivision involving public work for contracts except to the extent that damages were caused by or are the proximate result of the negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct of the design professional.

Provides that certain utilization review determinations shall be made consistent with medical and scientific evidence; includes services for mental health and substance use disorders as part of emergency services.

Authorizes certain persons confined in institutions operated by the department of corrections and community supervision to apply for a sentence reduction.

Relates to increased participation in state contracts and subcontracts by certified minority and women-owned business enterprises; requires quarterly reports from contracting agencies; addresses consequences if contracting agency fails to comply with reporting requirements; relates to certain performance and payment bond requirements.

Establishes the "jobs and housing act"; directs the private housing finance agency to develop and administer a jobs and housing pilot program to construct and preserve housing, including workforce housing, that is affordable to low and moderate income persons, and creates jobs for those who build and work in such housing.