Sen. Brian Kavanagh

Maddy summaryThis bill requires local social services districts to set shelter allowances for recipients at up to 100% of the fair market rent for their specific unit size. It achieves this by mandating that the allowance match the actual rent obligation, using the current federal fair market rent figures as the maximum limit. The change applies to individuals receiving assistance and ensures their housing support covers the full cost of rent within their local area. The law would take effect 30 days after being signed into legislation.

Enacts the "beauty justice act"; provides for the regulation of ingredients in personal care products and cosmetics; prohibits the sale of personal care products and cosmetic products containing certain restricted products.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New York State's social services law to place stricter limits on when the government can demand repayment from people who received too much assistance. It directly affects individuals who have been overpaid benefits and the state agencies responsible for collecting those funds. Key provisions include prohibiting recovery actions when the error was caused by the agency itself, setting a two-year time limit to start recovery cases, and capping interest rates on recovered debts. The legislation also introduces protections for minors, people in supplemental needs trusts, and those facing financial hardship, while requiring officials to provide detailed documentation before pursuing any claims.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the legal requirement for individuals to repay assistance provided to cover unpaid rent, effectively canceling any outstanding repayment agreements for such debts. It directly affects people who receive emergency aid from local social services districts to pay rent arrears, particularly those who are not eligible for standard welfare programs but have no other income. Under the new rules, local agencies will no longer be able to enforce repayment through legal methods or require recipients to pay back the funds they received for rent. The legislation also directs the state department to create regulations ensuring this aid is only given in genuine emergency situations.

Requires chain restaurants to display an added sugars warning next to or directly under the name of each food item with high added sugars content wherever such food item is listed on a menu, menu board, or food tag, and by any self-serve dispensing point at which such food item is dispensed.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes two specific sections of New York City's administrative code that previously allowed the city to set maximum base rents using a formula based on total gross building rental income. By repealing these provisions, the legislation eliminates the legal authority for the city to calculate rent caps in this specific manner, directly affecting the process by which rent regulations are established. The changes take effect immediately upon passage, altering the existing framework for how maximum base rents are determined under the city's administrative rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates how the state calculates payment rates for federally qualified health centers to better match their actual operating costs. It requires the health department to analyze five years of cost data, including expenses for staffing, physical facilities, and technology, and to remove existing caps on these payments starting in April 2025. The law establishes a new method for adjusting these rates annually based on federal market basket figures and changes in the scope of services provided. This change directly affects federally qualified health centers by ensuring their reimbursement reflects the true cost of delivering care.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the time tenants have to respond to a notice about a major capital improvement rent increase from sixty to ninety days. It applies to tenants in New York City who receive notices regarding rent hikes approved for significant building upgrades under existing rent control laws. By lengthening the response window, the legislation aims to give renters more time to review the details of the proposed increase and submit their answers or objections. The change does not alter the amount of the rent increase or the conditions under which landlords can request it, but it modifies the procedural timeline for the review process.

Prohibits surcharges on self-installed dishwashers in housing accommodations subject to rent control when the tenant pays for electric utility service.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the limit on administrative fees that eligible applicants can pay when using the Access to Home program. Currently, applicants can spend up to seven and a half percent of their contract amount on program administration costs, but this bill raises that cap to ten percent. The change directly affects individuals or families purchasing homes through this specific housing assistance initiative by allowing them to allocate more funds toward necessary administrative expenses. The legislation takes effect immediately upon passage, streamlining the financial structure for program participants without altering the core eligibility requirements.