Sen. Leroy Comrie

Relates to requiring agencies to provide unsuccessful bidders that are certified minority- and women-owned business enterprises with a written statement of the completion of the procurement selection process and that such enterprise was not selected.

Directs the metropolitan transportation authority to develop and implement a lower cost, intra-city combination ticket valid for transfers between the Long Island Rail Road and the Metro-North Commuter Railroad Company both peak and off-peak trains.

Provides for the use of telematics or usage-based insurance for private passenger or commercial automobile insurance or policies in certain circumstances.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to notify subway, train, and bus customers within 24 hours if bed bugs are found on its vehicles or in stations. It mandates the MTA to establish a system for these notifications, which could include updates on its website, via email, or through text messages. The law directly affects MTA riders who may be exposed to bed bug infestations during transit. The key provision is the 24-hour notification timeline, replacing any current informal or delayed communication practices. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 7405) requires public utilities and municipalities to handle customer complaints about billing or service more promptly. It mandates that utilities respond to complaints within 15 business days (and provide written reports with documentation) while municipalities have 30 days, with penalties of $100/day for utilities or $25/day for municipalities for delays. The bill also prohibits terminating service or marking bills as late during a complaint, as long as customers pay undisputed portions of their bills. These changes directly affect utility customers with billing disputes and the companies/municipalities that serve them.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 5182 ("Disaster Voting Relief Act"), creates temporary voting procedures during declared emergencies. It allows the governor to suspend or delay elections in affected areas and lets voters in disaster zones vote absentee without meeting standard requirements. The law also simplifies affidavit voting for registered voters in declared emergency areas and adjusts ballot handling rules for emergency ballots. These changes apply only during active state or federal disaster declarations and aim to ensure voting access when normal procedures are disrupted.

Requires free internet service in households with students who live at or below the poverty level; directs broadband companies to install and/or upgrade broadband services in educational facilities.

Provides the amount of compensation an attorney shall receive from representing a client which was assigned to the attorney through the bar association; makes related provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows school districts to create policies enabling homeschooled students to try out for and join their district's interscholastic sports teams. It requires these students to meet the same academic, health, and behavioral standards as enrolled public school students - including annual academic checks, health exams, and age requirements - and limits participation to their district of residence. Parents must provide transportation, and districts may set additional academic eligibility rules. The policy is optional for school boards, not mandatory.

Establishes safety requirements for operators who use bicycles with electric assist for commercial purposes and the businesses that employ such operators.