Sen. Kevin Parker

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4175) changes how attorney fees are awarded in human rights law cases in New York. It allows courts or the Human Rights Division to award reasonable attorney fees to a winning plaintiff or complainant in cases under the Human Rights Law. Defendants can only recover fees if they prove the case was "frivolous" (filed without reasonable basis or to harass), and must request fees in writing. The bill also clarifies that expert witness fees follow the same rules and prevents the Human Rights Division from being liable for fees except when acting as an employer.

Maddy summaryThis bill suspends the sales tax on heating fuels for eligible seniors during winter months. It directly affects low-income residents aged 65+ who do not qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) but have household income up to $500 above LIHEAP's income limit. The exemption applies to heating fuel purchases for home use in December, January, and February. The policy removes the tax burden on these specific seniors during the coldest months without altering existing LIHEAP eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all facilities operated by the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities - including group homes, residential homes, and inpatient facilities - to install video cameras at every entrance and exit. The commissioner must develop a system for maintaining the recorded footage, in consultation with the state police. The policy directly affects facilities providing care for people with developmental disabilities across New York. It creates a concrete requirement for security monitoring at facility access points, with implementation required 180 days after enactment. The bill does not change eligibility for services or funding levels, only establishing a new security standard.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit for small businesses in the state with 500 or fewer employees who buy personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks, gloves, or face shields for their workers. Employers can claim a credit of up to $5,000 per year toward the cost of qualifying PPE purchases. Unused credit amounts can be carried forward to future tax years. The credit applies to the taxable year the bill takes effect and all subsequent years.

Requires the development of guidelines and procedures by the office of mental health to help avert retraumatization of victims of sexual offenses in a behavioral health outpatient setting.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the New York Autism Spectrum Disorders Treatment, Training and Research Council to address gaps identified in a 2010 state report. The council, composed of 28 members including agency heads, experts, and family representatives, will develop a coordinated state policy and plan for ASD services within one year. Key duties include holding community forums statewide, coordinating existing state services, improving early screening access, and providing annual updates to the governor and legislature. The council directly affects New Yorkers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and their families by aiming to streamline care, research, and information access.

Requires the health equity council to issue mandates related to the treatment of sickle cell disease; requires the commissioner of health to adhere to and act upon the recommendations and mandates of the health equity council.

Relates to clarifying the definition of a commission salesperson; adds additional factors to the definition of a commission salesperson including not being free to work at such employee's own convenience or discretion, being constrained to a fixed schedule, not being free to engage in other employment and being on the employer's payroll and receiving fringe benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends New York City's on-demand E-hail paratransit pilot program until March 2027, expanding it to include 1,200 additional Access-A-Ride paratransit users. It requires the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to add these new users by March 2026, selecting them to represent diverse demographics (age, disability, location, and usage patterns). The pilot allows enrolled users to book immediate rides via smartphone app or phone, with fares matching standard bus/subway rates and no limits on ride duration or frequency. The MTA must also report on ridership, usage, and costs by April 2027.

Requires a landlord to return to a tenant the full security deposit within thirty days of the surrender of the premises by such tenant unless the landlord provides such tenant with a written statement listing the reasons for the retention of any portion of the deposit; sets forth particular situations for which the landlord may retain such security deposit; renders the landlord liable for treble damages for any violation.