Sen. Jose Serrano

Maddy summaryThis bill limits home care aides to 12-hour shifts without their explicit consent. It prohibits employers from requiring overtime beyond this limit, and any agreement for longer shifts must be voluntarily provided in writing for each specific instance. The law protects aides from retaliation, including dismissal or penalties, for refusing excessive hours or reporting violations. Exceptions only apply during true emergencies after exhausting all staffing options, and even then, overtime cannot exceed four hours without consent.

Establishes the universal child care act to provide for the establishment and funding of universal child care in the state of New York; establishes a universal child care taskforce to help implement universal child care in the state and repeals certain provisions of the social services law relating thereto; establishes the permanent child care workforce pay equity fund; establishes a universal child care public option pilot program to provide universal child care in at least twenty locations throughout the state; makes an appropriation therefor.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 107) grants tenant associations in "assisted rental housing" (buildings with federal/state rent controls or subsidies) the right to purchase their building before it converts to market-rate housing. Tenant associations representing at least 60% of occupied units can submit a written offer to buy at the property's appraised value within 120 days of a potential sale, before the owner accepts a third-party offer. The bill defines "affordable" as rents not exceeding 30% of household income or prior rent restrictions, and requires the purchase to maintain long-term affordability. It applies specifically to properties participating in programs like Section 8 or HUD-subsidized housing, giving tenants priority to prevent displacement.

Maddy summaryS 1528 establishes a tax on carbon-based fuels like coal, natural gas, and petroleum, imposed on fuel distributors and utilities based on carbon dioxide emissions. The tax starts at $35 per ton of carbon dioxide equivalent and increases by $15 annually to a maximum of $185 per ton. Revenue from the tax funds a dedicated "Carbon Dioxide Emissions Fund," with 60% returned as tax credits to low-to-moderate income residents (below 115% of area median income) and 40% allocated to clean energy transition, mass transit, and climate adaptation projects. The bill requires annual reporting by distributors and utilities and mandates public reporting on tax adjustments to address inflation and climate goals.

Requires the commissioner of parks, recreation and historic preservation to acquire the mineral interests under all land acquired or received by the state for the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation, unless the commissioner of parks, recreation and historic preservation finds that the land is of great significance and importance to the state.

Maddy summaryS 1068 requires New York municipalities to obtain state legislative approval before selling, leasing, or changing the use of publicly owned parkland. It mandates that any alienation must include acquiring replacement parkland of equal or greater size, value, and recreational utility, with exceptions for utility easements (requiring funding for new parkland) or park-related facilities (requiring ongoing public benefit). The bill establishes a review process where municipalities must first get certification from the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation confirming compliance with replacement requirements before the legislature can approve alienation. This directly affects all New York cities, towns, counties, and school districts owning parkland, ensuring parkland loss is offset by equivalent public space. The law codifies existing "public trust doctrine" requirements while adding specific procedural safeguards.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new rules for state and local agencies regarding immigration-related matters. It prohibits government agencies from asking about a person's immigration status when providing public benefits or services, and bans law enforcement from stopping or detaining people based on immigration status or federal immigration detainers. The law requires confidentiality for any immigration information collected and mandates free interpreter services for non-English speakers during related inquiries. These provisions directly affect immigrants seeking public assistance, law enforcement agencies, and government offices handling benefits or services.

Maddy summaryS 176 creates a new civil legal remedy allowing individuals to sue when their constitutional or legal rights are violated by government officials or public entities acting under government authority. It directly affects anyone whose rights are deprived by such actors, including victims of police misconduct, discriminatory policies, or other state-sponsored violations. Key provisions include allowing lawsuits for damages and attorney fees (even if the case settles without a court judgment), removing common defenses like "good faith" or "unclear law," and requiring public entities to cover their employees' legal costs. The law sets a three-year deadline for filing claims and applies to both state and federal rights violations.

Waives Unemployment Pandemic Benefits repayments in whole or in part if the payment of such pandemic unemployment assistance was without fault on the part of the claimant and such repayment would be contrary to equity and good conscience.

Enacts the "fair college admissions act"; prohibits legacy admissions policies at colleges and universities in New York; declares such policies and practices to be discriminatory and inequitable.