Sen. Andrew Gounardes

Maddy summaryS 5546 defines "consumer debt" as any obligation for personal, family, or household expenses (including medical debt), replacing the older term "consumer credit transaction" in New York law. It clarifies that consumer debt excludes real property-secured debts or cases seeking property possession. Key provisions require Spanish/English notices in court documents for these cases, set a strict 3-year deadline to file lawsuits, and update venue rules for consumer debt cases. The bill directly affects consumers, debt collectors, and courts handling personal financial disputes in New York. It makes no new financial obligations but standardizes terminology and procedures for these legal actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends New York City's school speed zone photo enforcement program until 2030 (previously set to expire in 2025) and makes minor technical corrections to related traffic laws. It directly affects drivers in NYC school zones who may receive citations from photo enforcement cameras. The key change is the extension of the demonstration program allowing photo devices to monitor speed violations near schools, while repealing outdated provisions from earlier legislation. The bill does not change enforcement rules but ensures the current system continues operating through 2030.

Enacts the "City of Dunkirk Revenue Anticipation Note Refinancing Act" to authorize a loan to be made from the state to the city of Dunkirk (Part A); makes an appropriation therefor (Part B).

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the calculation method for special accidental death benefits paid to families of state and local government retirees who died. It adjusts the percentage of the deceased member's salary used to determine benefits, based on the year of death (e.g., higher percentages for deaths before 2024, decreasing to 0% for deaths in 2025 and later). The change affects widows/widowers, minor children (or students under 23), or parents if no dependents exist. The revised formula, effective July 1, 2025, ensures benefits align with current salary scales rather than outdated historical percentages. The bill amends sections of the General Municipal Law and Retirement and Social Security Law.

Enacts "Francesco's law" which establishes violations for the failure to safely store rifles, shotguns, and firearms in the presence of a minor or a prohibited person; requires the office of gun violence prevention to collect and analyze statistical and other information and data with respect to injuries or deaths of minors resulting from failure to safely store a firearm, rifle, or shotgun.

Provides parity to durable medical equipment providers by requiring Medicaid managed care organizations to reimburse such providers at no less than one hundred percent of the medical assistance durable medical equipment and complex rehabilitation technology fee schedule for the same service or item.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 1252 is a ceremonial resolution memorializing Governor Hochul to formally recognize June 2025 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in New York State. It does not create new laws or policies; instead, it requests the Governor issue a symbolic proclamation to honor the community's history and ongoing advocacy. The resolution cites key LGBTQIA+ milestones, including the Stonewall uprising and New York's marriage equality law, to frame the recognition. This is a procedural resolution with no direct effect on residents or policy implementation.

Codifies the disparate impact standard in the human rights law; provides that in cases of alleged housing discrimination, an unlawful discriminatory practice may be established by a practice's discriminatory effect.

Requires every food establishment to label all prepackaged food with a written notification on the package or on a label attached to the package identifying any ingredient with which a product is made that constitutes a major food allergen.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit program for businesses relocating to cities with over one million residents (like New York City). It requires eligible businesses - those operating outside New York state for 24 months prior and relocating operations - to maintain a minimum number of "eligible employment shares" (calculated based on full- and part-time work weeks) and obtain annual city certifications from the mayor or designated agency. Businesses must meet specific thresholds, such as having at least 25% of their New York City employment base or 250 employment shares, to qualify for the credit. Certifications cannot be issued after July 1, 2028, and the program applies to local laws enacted under this article.