Sen. Brian Kavanagh

Enacts the tropical rainforest economic & environmental sustainability act requiring that companies contracting with the state do not contribute to tropical forest degradation or deforestation directly or through their supply chains; establishes the supply chain transparency assistance program to assist small and medium-sized businesses and minority and women-owned businesses in achieving compliant supply chains.

Requires high-sugar beverages to be labeled with a safety warning stating that the beverage contains 100% or more of the FDA recommended daily intake of added sugar.

Provides the amount of compensation an attorney shall receive from representing a client which was assigned to the attorney through the bar association; makes related provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 7282 ("No Slavery in New York Act"), prohibits involuntary servitude and forced labor for all incarcerated individuals in New York State correctional facilities, including those convicted of crimes. It amends the Civil Rights Law to explicitly ban slavery, involuntary servitude, and forced labor in the state, and adds a new provision to the Correction Law banning any labor compelled by force, adverse actions, or threats. The law takes effect immediately and directly affects all people incarcerated in state and local correctional facilities across New York.

Maddy summaryS 8108 establishes the New York Ireland Trade Commission within the Department of State to strengthen economic ties between New York and Ireland. The commission, composed of 15 appointed members (including legislative representatives and community stakeholders), will focus on advancing trade, investment, and business/academic exchanges between the two regions. It must submit annual reports to the governor and legislature detailing its activities and recommendations. The bill creates a formal structure for collaboration but does not allocate new funding or impose direct requirements on businesses or residents. The commission's work will be guided by specific goals outlined in the bill, such as promoting mutual economic support and infrastructure investment.

Enacts the "sustainable building materials act"; enacts into law components of legislation relating to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in construction; provides a sales tax exemption for certain low-carbon building materials (Part A); establishes a grant program for manufacturers of concrete for environmental product declarations (Part B).

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state-funded program to preserve existing affordable multifamily housing in New York. It provides forgivable loans (zero interest, no payments for 10 years) of up to $50,000 per income-restricted unit to property owners with regulatory agreements ensuring 100% affordability. The loans help cover costs like deferred maintenance, emergency repairs, or debt restructuring to prevent properties from becoming unaffordable or vacant. Property owners must maintain affordability terms, and repayment may be required if the property is sold within 10 years or if affordability rules are violated. The program targets properties in financial distress that cannot access other preservation funding.

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.

Relates to establishing extended producer responsibility for electric and hybrid vehicle batteries; provides that no later than June 30, 2026 a producer shall submit a plan for the establishment of a collection program for electric or hybrid vehicle batteries; establishes the electric and hybrid vehicle batteries extended producer responsibility fund.

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.