Sen. Cordell Cleare

Maddy summaryBill S 7573 requires retailers who offer digital coupons to also make available a paper coupon of identical value to consumers. This applies to store coupons, rebates, or similar instruments offered through the internet. Retailers violating this rule could face civil penalties of up to $2,500 for a first offense and up to $5,000 for subsequent offenses. The Division of Consumer Protection would be responsible for enforcing these provisions.

Requires the department of agriculture and markets to promote participation in Nourish New York, including financial and technical support, for black, indigenous and people of color site controlled farms.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's mental hygiene law to require the state commissioner to collect and publicly share data on substance abuse facilities operating in New York City (population over 1 million) by community board. It mandates that this data, updated regularly on the commissioner's website, be used when reviewing applications for new facility certifications. The bill directly affects substance use disorder service providers seeking approval in NYC and the Department of Mental Hygiene. It creates a transparent data-driven process for facility approvals without changing treatment standards or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a mandatory $1-per-semester fee for all students enrolled at State University of New York (SUNY) colleges and universities. The collected funds belong exclusively to the SUNY student assembly, with no other institution or entity allowed to access the money. The fee is collected alongside regular tuition payments and must be delivered to the student assembly within 30 days of collection. The student assembly then has full discretion to use the funds for its own purposes, as specified in the bill's provisions.

Expands felony sex offenses to include promoting prostitution in the second degree, promoting prostitution in the first degree, compelling prostitution, sex trafficking, and sex trafficking of a child.

Enacts the tobacco product waste reduction act prohibiting the sale or offering for sale of cigarettes utilizing single-use filters and single-use electronic cigarettes.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 6517) requires New York City's housing commissioner to submit an annual report on the Tenant Interim Lease (TIL) program by February 1st each year. The report must detail program funding amounts and how funds were used, list current buildings and participants, and suggest improvements to help the program achieve its goals. It affects the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) commissioner, who must submit this report to the governor, state senate president, state assembly speaker, mayor, and City Council. The bill mandates this transparency to track the program's operations and effectiveness, without changing TIL program rules or eligibility.

Maddy summaryS 4898 updates New York's civil service law to classify members of the state militia holding appointed or employed positions as "public employees." This directly affects those militia members, bringing them under standard civil service protections and procedures previously excluded from the definition. The key change amends the legal definition in the civil service law to include militia roles, removing a prior exclusion. This ensures these personnel are treated like other public employees under relevant state laws, though they remain excluded from specific provisions in sections 210 and 211 of the law.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 3144, expands the required service area for accessible paratransit transportation. It mandates that accessible buses be available within a service area measuring three miles from any bus line operated by a transportation authority or its subsidiaries. This provision applies to both existing requirements for a percentage of accessible buses and the mandate for 100% accessible fixed-route buses, aiming to ensure broader geographical access for transportation-disabled persons, including those in wheelchairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 7644, creates the "Paid-In Act" by exempting used books from state sales tax when purchased for $100 or less per item. It directly affects buyers of secondhand books, such as students or thrift store shoppers, by reducing their purchase costs on qualifying items. The key provision amends tax law to add "used books, including secondhand purchases" to the list of tax-exempt items, with the $100 limit applying per book. This change takes effect immediately upon enactment.