Sen. Cordell Cleare

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.

Authorizes use of closed-circuit television for the testimony of domestic violence victim witnesses in a criminal proceeding subject to the same restrictions as are applicable to child witnesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits credit service charges on car loans by capping them at $16 per $100 borrowed annually. It directly affects car buyers in retail installment contracts by restricting how much sellers can charge for credit services beyond the loan amount. The cap applies to the difference between the car's cash price and down payment, plus official fees, and includes insurance costs as defined in related law. The bill was recently referred to the Consumer Protection committee for further review.

Establishes and funds the close the waitlist fund by utilizing a tax surcharge to pay for providing senior services to individuals who have been waitlisted to receive such senior services.

Requires the development of guidelines and procedures by the office of mental health to help avert retraumatization of victims of sexual offenses in a behavioral health outpatient setting.

Maddy summaryS 3755 authorizes New York's Empire State Development Corporation to create compensation funds for communities harmed by land use plans, such as when development causes small businesses to close, rents to rise, or residents to be displaced. The bill allows the corporation to establish these funds without needing new state approvals or legislative action. It specifically defines "harm" to include economic and housing disruptions from development projects. The measure takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Enacts the "elderly abuse protective act" to protect residents 62 years of age or older who suffer abuse or deprivation; requires reports to the commissioner of the office of children and family services of the possible necessity for protective services; specifies action by such commissioner upon receiving such report including evaluation, right of entry, and furnishing of protective services; specifies the authority of the office of children and family services with respect thereto and requires assistance of other agencies in the implementation thereof; provides for judicial and review action against caretakers who abuse elderly; creates statewide central register of elderly abuse; appropriates $600,000 to the office of children and family services.

Eliminates judicial immunity or quasi-judicial immunity for certain third parties, such as special masters, minor's counsel, investigators, therapists, evaluators, receivers, bankruptcy trustees, experts, and factfinders, who provide a report or finding to the family court.

Authorizes and directs the metropolitan transportation authority to implement a free fare program on the Long Island Rail Road for firefighters employed by the city of New York.

Maddy summaryS 3779 increases the maximum number of academic years students can receive tuition assistance under New York's program from four to six years. It directly affects undergraduate students enrolled in eligible two- or four-year colleges who rely on this state-funded aid. The key change extends eligibility periods, with specific provisions for students in remedial programs (counted as five-year programs) and those transferring due to college closures (allowing up to two additional semesters). This update aligns the program with longer degree completion timelines common in higher education.