Sen. Leroy Comrie

Relates to the liability of payroll processing companies; provides that payroll processing companies that intentionally and wrongfully prevent the distribution of payroll shall be liable to employees that failed to receive an expected payment for an amount up to three times the expected amount; provides an action to recover damages may be maintained as a class action.

Provides protection to cellular telephone subscribers who purchase cellular telephone applications; allows for transfer of such applications upon an upgrade or defect in such cellular telephone.

Establishes an Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) leadership institute within the state university of New York as an initiative for Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) leaders in higher education with a mission to retain and grow from within SUNY a greater proportion of Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) professionals at SUNY campuses; creates an eight member advisory council.

Requires a court to evaluate whether the prosecution has established that the certificate of compliance or supplemental certificate of compliance was filed in good faith after exercising due diligence and making reasonable inquiries to learn of the discovery.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires police departments to create written policies banning the use of sustained auditory dispersal tools, such as long-range acoustic devices or sonic weapons that emit loud, sustained sounds (over 90 decibels) likely to cause hearing damage. It defines these prohibited tools as devices emitting sustained tones or non-verbal sounds at dangerous decibel levels, while excluding standard verbal communication devices used properly under 90 decibels. Violations allow affected individuals to sue for $1,000 per incident or actual damages, plus punitive damages based on factors like decibel levels and medical harm. The policy applies directly to all police agencies and their officers in the state.

Increases the small purchase threshold for purchase contracts for supplies, materials or equipment involving an estimated expenditure in excess of the New York city school construction authority from ten thousand dollars to one hundred thousand dollars.

Provides a judicial remedy to resolve complaints related to utility bills that have an alleged amount of damages exceeding twenty-five thousand dollars.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for prison work release programs by adjusting who qualifies. It allows incarcerated individuals eligible for parole within two years (or 18 months for certain drug offenders) to participate, while maintaining exclusions for those convicted of escape, specific violent offenses (like aggravated harassment), or sex crimes. Key provisions include requiring 18 months served for second felony drug offenders and barring participation for individuals convicted of murder, rape, or persistent sexual abuse. The bill also mandates department reviews if parole is denied during participation and requires commissioner approval for certain high-risk cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new rules for state and local agencies regarding immigration-related matters. It prohibits government agencies from asking about a person's immigration status when providing public benefits or services, and bans law enforcement from stopping or detaining people based on immigration status or federal immigration detainers. The law requires confidentiality for any immigration information collected and mandates free interpreter services for non-English speakers during related inquiries. These provisions directly affect immigrants seeking public assistance, law enforcement agencies, and government offices handling benefits or services.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's workers' compensation law to shorten the deadline for employers or insurers to pay compensation from 25 to 14 days after the due date. If payments are late, a 20% penalty on the overdue amount and a $300 fee must be paid directly to the injured worker or their dependents. The penalty and fee apply unless the employer proves the delay was due to uncontrollable circumstances. The change applies immediately to all workers' compensation claims.