Sen. Kevin Parker

Authorizes the department of public service to develop, implement, administer and operate a temporary middle income home energy assistance program; makes an appropriation therefor.

Provides that members of a retirement system who retire from such system and later rejoin the retirement system are reinstated with the same rights, benefits and privileges they had prior to retirement.

Relates to providing net revenues from utility-owned large-scale renewable generation projects to low-income customers; authorizes utility companies to own such projects; provides that the commission shall require labor agreements and labor peace agreements.

Establishes the office of financial resilience to develop and implement new programs and initiatives for the purpose of supporting local economies and promoting resilient financial models.

Enacts the "Home Equity Fraud Act" to control improper activities by home improvement contractors and finance companies; prohibits mortgage brokers or agents from acting as home improvement contractors; provides additional protections for mortgagors and homeowners.

Maddy summaryThis New York State bill (S 6111) revises legal standards for when police and peace officers may use force during arrests or to prevent escapes. It clarifies that officers may only use force (including deadly force) when reasonably necessary, requiring consideration of less-lethal alternatives and de-escalation tactics before resorting to physical force. The bill also adds new offenses for "excessive use of force" (Sections 120.75-120.77) and specifies that force is unjustified if applied to someone incapable of resisting or if the officer created unnecessary risk. The law directly affects all law enforcement officers in New York and individuals interacting with them during law enforcement encounters.

Establishes a temporary commission to examine and review the degree and effect of segregation in primary and secondary schools and any correlation with school funding and the long-term impact of inadequate education on segregated students.

Requires employers to provide an employee, attorney for the employee or a representative of a recognized or certified employee organization, the opportunity to review and copy the employee's personnel file; provides the employee must submit a written request for this right to be exercised and former employees have to make the request within three years of leaving employment.

Enacts the "food service packaging recycling funding act" in order to provide sustainable funding to increase the state's infrastructure investment for the diversion of food service packaging materials from disposal, assist in establishing domestic end-use markets for recovered food service packaging materials and reduce litter and marine debris attributable to food service packaging materials.

Directs the department of health to contract with community-based organizations and not-for-profit corporations for the provision of outreach, information and educational services to immigrants on the availability of health care services, medical assistance, emergency medical assistance, the family health plus program and the child health insurance plan.