Sen. Kevin Parker

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 6108) amends New York's labor law to explicitly include public employers - such as counties, towns, school districts, and municipal corporations - within the legal definition of "employer" for wage payment rules. Currently, these public entities are excluded from the definition, meaning public employees (like teachers or city workers) were not covered under standard wage protections. The change requires public employers to follow the same wage payment provisions as private businesses, ensuring public employees receive guaranteed pay and overtime under state law. It directly affects public sector workers and their employers across local government and school systems. The bill was referred to the Labor Committee on March 5, 2025.

Establishes the "New York public banking act"; authorizes municipal and other local governments to form and control public banks through the ownership of capital stock or other ownership interests, and to loan or grant public funds or lend public credit to such public banks for the public purposes of achieving cost savings, strengthening local economies, supporting community economic development, and addressing infrastructure and housing needs for localities.

Directs the superintendent of financial services to promulgate rules and regulations limiting the use of credit scores to determine automobile insurance premiums.

Makes provisions regarding environmental benefit projects in lieu of civil penalties including establishing conditions for their acceptance and criteria for such projects; authorizes the attorney general to review and approve the settlement or administrative order.

Permits regulatory agencies to adjust any authorized fares to account for credit card processing fees for meters used in for-hire vehicles and requires credit card processing fees to be separately stated on receipts to passengers of such vehicles.

Relates to maintaining the continued viability of the state's existing large-scale, renewable energy resources; directs the public service commission, in consultation with NYSERDA to modify the competitive tier 2 program adopted by the order modifying the clean energy standard.

Maddy summaryBill S 2240 removes the lifetime ban that prevents individuals with felony convictions from serving on a jury. It amends existing judiciary law to eliminate the automatic disqualification for past felony convictions. However, the bill clarifies that anyone currently serving a term of incarceration for a felony would still be excused from jury service while incarcerated. This change allows eligible citizens who have completed their sentences to participate in jury duty.

Prohibits the investment of certain public funds with the Trump organization; directs the comptroller to take appropriate action to sell, redeem, divest or withdraw any investment held in such organization.

Expands volunteerism by making use of the databases of statewide aging organizations; institutes volunteer certificate programs which train volunteers and individuals in programs to use the volunteers.

Relates to enacting the "New York deforestation protection act"; provides that the department of environmental conservation shall adopt rules to protect forest resources related to timber, pests and invasive species and water and land management.