Sen. Luis Sepúlveda

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New York State law to allow payments from the Interest on Lawyer Account (IOLA) fund to be made without requiring a separate appropriation by law. The IOLA fund is a state-managed account that holds interest earned on client funds deposited in interest-bearing accounts, which is then used for legal aid services. Under the new provision, the State Comptroller can release money from this fund based on certification and authorization from the fund's board of trustees, streamlining the payment process for legal aid recipients. This change affects how legal aid organizations receive funding, allowing for more flexible disbursement of IOLA monies without waiting for annual budget approval.

Prevents an increase in vehicular lane capacity of highways within two hundred feet of certain public housing facilities, in areas with high rates of asthma, and in environmental justice communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state premium assistance program in New York to provide health insurance coverage to individuals who lose coverage due to changes in federal immigration policies. It directly affects lawfully present immigrants who currently qualify for federal subsidies but may become ineligible due to their immigration status. The program would offer financial assistance equivalent to federal premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions based on household income, starting no later than January 1, 2027. Additionally, the bill expands eligibility for existing coverage to include certain low-income residents regardless of federal funding availability, with special provisions for pregnant individuals and their children.

Makes the release of any claim by an employee, or independent contractor who is a natural person, against an employer, unenforceable if, as a condition of such resolution, the employee or independent contractor is prohibited from applying for, accepting, or engaging in future employment with such employer, or any entity or entities related to such employer.

Establishes open enrollment schools; provides that nonresidents of a district, if otherwise eligible to enroll into a public school of this state are entitled to enroll into the school or schools of another district or city if the nonresident district's board of education has adopted an open enrollment policy and enrolling the nonresident pupil is consistent with such policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor of New York to officially designate May 5, 2026, as Queens Day to recognize the borough's cultural diversity and contributions to the state. The resolution directs the Governor to issue a proclamation for this date, which will coincide with a Queens Day celebration event in Albany featuring food, beverages, and displays of local businesses. The bill is sponsored by Senator Stavisky and was adopted by the Senate on March 24, 2026, after being referred to the Finance Committee. Copies of the resolution will be sent to the Governor, the Queens Borough President's office, and the Queens Chamber of Commerce.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Resolution that formally honors Nassau County Police Officer Patricia Espinosa, who died in a car accident on January 31, 2026. The resolution expresses the legislative body's condolences to her family and acknowledges her service, community involvement, and dedication to public safety. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as an official tribute to recognize her life and contributions.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally commemorates the 115th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire on March 25, 2026. It recognizes the 146 garment workers who died in the 1911 tragedy and honors their legacy by acknowledging the continued efforts of labor unions in protecting workers' rights. The resolution also highlights the historical impact of the fire, which led to significant labor law reforms and the advancement of immigrant rights in New York State.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 8960 ("Extreme Weather Tenant Protection Act"), prohibits residential evictions during extreme weather events in New York State. It stops courts from issuing eviction warrants and halts enforcement during official heat warnings (90°F+ heat index) or declared state emergencies, plus the following 72 hours. Tenants retain rights to pay rent at the prior rate while maintaining housing protections, and landlords may continue eviction proceedings but cannot remove tenants during the moratorium. The law applies statewide to residential tenants (excluding short-term hotel stays) and requires public notices about the eviction suspension.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires motor vehicle rental companies to disclose all fees and costs to consumers before they rent a vehicle. It defines mandatory fees as charges required to obtain a rental and extra costs as fees for optional services like child seats or additional drivers. Rental companies must provide a complete list of all charges including airport surcharges, toll fees, and young driver fees when advertising rates or at the time of rental. The law takes effect 30 days after becoming law and applies to all rental vehicle companies operating in the state.