Sen. Cordell Cleare

Prohibits employers from using the federal electronic employment verification system to check the employment authorization status of an existing employee or an applicant who has not been offered employment and prohibits municipalities from requiring employers to use the federal electronic employment verification system.

Amends provisions relating to public campaign financing; changes certain thresholds and procedures; permits retention of matching funds for future use; specifies when a candidate is opposed by a competitive candidate; requires a disclosure on political communications.

Provides that Medicaid and policies issued in this state that provide coverage for hospital, surgical or medical care shall provide coverage for standard fertility preservation services when a necessary cancer treatment may directly or indirectly cause iatrogenic infertility to a covered person.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases financial assistance standards for New York residents receiving public assistance. Starting July 1, 2025, the monthly need standard for eligibility and maximum benefit amounts will double (e.g., from $158 to $316 for single-person households), with annual adjustments tied to federal cost-of-living changes. Home energy grants and supplemental home energy grants also double starting July 2025 (e.g., from $14.10 to $28.20 monthly for single-person households). These changes directly affect low-income individuals and families qualifying for state public assistance programs.

Provides assistance to incarcerated individuals being released from correctional facilities for enrollment in safety net assistance, public assistance, supplemental assistance program (SNAP), special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children (WIC), the home energy assistance program (HEAP), supplemental security income, and state supplemental payments.

Establishes a state SNAP minimum benefit program to provide a minimum amount of supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits that is higher than the amount of federal SNAP benefits.

Provides that all residential leases shall contain a detailed description of tenant's statutory rights including among others, warranty of habitability, willful violation of lease, right to participate in tenants' associations, no eviction for good faith complaint, utility payment offset and sublet rights; grants tenant the right to install extra locks; sets out landlord obligations with respect to heating and oil delivery.

Relates to the tolling of statute of limitations for individuals in state custody; provides that with respect to state action brought by anyone to recover damages for physical, psychological, or other injury or condition suffered while in state custody, the time in which such action must commence shall be extended to three years after such person is released from such custody.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the price thresholds at which food and drink sold in vending machines become subject to certain taxes. It increases the current limits from $1.50 (for coin-only machines) and $2.00 (for other payment methods) to $3.00 and $3.50, respectively. Vending machine operators selling qualifying items below these new prices will remain exempt from the tax. The change applies temporarily until May 31, 2026, and directly affects businesses operating vending machines. The policy alters the tax exemption rules for small-value snacks and beverages sold through vending.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases New York's paid family leave benefits by raising the maximum leave time from 10 weeks to 26 weeks per year (52-week calendar period), effective January 1, 2020, and gradually increasing the benefit percentage from 60% to 100% of an employee's average weekly wage (capped at 80% of the state average). It directly affects New York employees who need leave for family care (e.g., newborns, sick relatives), employers providing this benefit, and insurers administering the program. Key provisions include a minimum $100 weekly benefit, the option for employees to use accrued vacation time instead of family leave (with full pay), and a superintendent's authority to delay benefit increases if market stability is at risk. The bill also clarifies that leave duration cannot exceed 26 weeks in any 52-week period and ensures reinstatement protections.