Sen. Joe Addabbo

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits food stores and retail establishments from refusing cash payments for in-person purchases. It requires businesses to accept all U.S. coins and currency (excluding foreign money or checks), bans charging more for cash payments than card payments, and allows exceptions for bills over $20 or remote transactions. Violations carry civil penalties of up to $1,500 per offense, with specific requirements for cash-to-prepaid card devices (free, no minimum deposit, no expiration). The law directly affects retailers selling consumer goods or food on-site, ensuring cash remains a valid payment method without surcharges.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3236) allows registered pharmacy technicians to work in any licensed pharmacy under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist. It permits technicians to assist with tasks like preparing, labeling, and dispensing prescriptions or medications - provided these tasks require no professional judgment (which remains the pharmacist's responsibility). The law requires pharmacists to be physically present during these tasks, authorize all work, and approve it before any medication is dispensed. The pharmacy must also ensure technicians receive proper training before they begin assisting. The bill is now law (signed November 21, 2025).

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a mandatory online system requiring auto insurers in New York to electronically share real-time policy information with the state. Insurers must provide details on policy cancellations, terminations, and vehicle-specific data (including VINs, registration numbers, and policyholder addresses) to help identify uninsured vehicles. The system directly affects all insurers writing private passenger or commercial auto insurance in New York, replacing paper-based reporting with digital access for state officials. It aims to improve enforcement by enabling quicker verification of insurance coverage during traffic stops or vehicle registration checks.

Prohibits discrimination against and harassment or bullying of students by other students on school property or at a school function; requires schools to investigate reports of bullying; requires schools to adopt a written, plain-language anti-bullying and harassment policy; requires school employees to report incidents of bullying or harassment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires most health insurance plans to cover contraceptive services provided by pharmacists without cost-sharing. It mandates coverage for all FDA-approved contraceptives (including over-the-counter options), emergency contraception, patient counseling, and follow-up care like device insertion/removal. Plans must allow dispensing up to 12 months of contraceptives at once and reimburse pharmacists the same rate as other healthcare providers. The law applies to group/blanket health insurance policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025, directly affecting insured individuals and pharmacists providing these services.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the required supervised experience period for new real estate brokers from two to five years. It directly affects individuals applying for a real estate broker's license, mandating they have actively worked as a licensed salesperson under a broker for five consecutive years (or equivalent experience). Key provisions include requiring cultural competency training, proof of English language proficiency, knowledge of fair housing laws, and completion of a 152-hour approved course. The bill also specifies that certain course components must be taught in person, not online.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4554) modifies New York City's pension rules to streamline benefits for police officers and firefighters who participated in World Trade Center rescue efforts. It creates a presumption that members with qualifying health conditions (like respiratory illnesses linked to WTC exposure) developed their disability during service, provided they filed a timely notice of participation. The presumption means the pension board must reclassify their retirement as "accidental disability" without changing their retirement option, unless the employer proves otherwise. This directly affects NYC police pension fund members who worked at the WTC site and later developed health conditions recognized under the law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires harness racetracks that have been granted a gaming facility license to continue holding live racing events. It directly affects licensed harness racetracks by mandating they maintain scheduled live races under existing state racing laws. The key provision amends state law to specifically state that these tracks must preserve "live racing activity and race dates," adding clarity beyond previous requirements. The bill does not create new gaming licenses but ensures existing license holders uphold live racing as a condition of their license. It takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Prohibits the operation of NYC transit authority subways or trains without at least one conductor on board; requires a conductor on any subway or train operated by such authority whenever the subway or train has more than two cars attached to the engine.

Creates the state office of the utility consumer advocate to represent interests of residential utility customers including a proposed change of rates, charges, terms and conditions of service, the adoption of rules, regulations, guidelines, orders, standards or final policy decisions.