Sen. Luis Sepúlveda

Maddy summaryS 864 caps annual rent increases for major building improvements at 6% of the legal regulated rent for all tenants in regulated housing. Landlords can still raise rents for essential upgrades like roof repairs, energy efficiency work, or structural fixes, but yearly increases cannot exceed 6% of the current rent. This replaces a previous 2% annual limit for certain older improvement approvals (approved between 2012-2019). The bill directly affects landlords seeking rent hikes for building improvements and their tenants in regulated housing units.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds New York City to the state's existing aid and incentives program for municipalities, effective for fiscal years starting April 1, 2025. It directly affects New York City by requiring the state to provide it with $301.66 million annually (starting in 2029) for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2029, and each subsequent year. The bill amends the state finance law to include NYC in the funding formula, specifying the exact payment amount for cities with over one million residents. This is a procedural change to expand eligibility, not a new policy.

Establishes the "New York public banking act"; authorizes municipal and other local governments to form and control public banks through the ownership of capital stock or other ownership interests, and to loan or grant public funds or lend public credit to such public banks for the public purposes of achieving cost savings, strengthening local economies, supporting community economic development, and addressing infrastructure and housing needs for localities.

Strengthens protections against discrimination, harassment, and bullying based on actual or perceived immigration status, and to improve implementation and oversight under the Dignity for All Students Act.

Maddy summaryBill S 8214, the "Public Official Virtual Currency Regulation Act," aims to restrict virtual currency business activities for certain public officials and their families in New York. The bill defines "covered individuals" as the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Comptroller, Attorney General of New York, the U.S. President, and their immediate family members. It prohibits any person from engaging in defined "virtual currency business activities" in New York if the virtual currency is linked to a "covered interest" (like ownership of 5% or more, or compensation for promotion) of these officials or their families, or is otherwise related to them. Prohibited activities include transferring, storing, buying, selling, or converting virtual currency for others. Violations can lead to civil penalties ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 per day.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 5797) requires New York City school districts to provide charter schools with space in public buildings or cover rental costs if they cannot secure such space. It directly affects NYC charter schools, particularly new schools or those expanding grade levels, by mandating city-funded rental assistance if they win co-location appeals. Key provisions include phased payments: existing schools receive 20% of eligible costs in 2025-26, increasing to 100% by 2029-30, while new schools receive up to 30% of tuition-based costs for rental space. The bill ensures charter schools can access affordable facilities without bearing relocation costs, with payments tied to enrollment and expansion timelines.

Prohibits employers from asking job applicants about salary expectations; allows job applicants to request the included benefits for the position they are applying for.

Establishes the New York State social housing development authority as a public benefit corporation to increase the supply of permanently affordable housing in the state through the acquisition of land and renovation or rehabilitation of existing real property, and through the construction of new, permanently affordable housing.

Maddy summaryBill S 2240 removes the lifetime ban that prevents individuals with felony convictions from serving on a jury. It amends existing judiciary law to eliminate the automatic disqualification for past felony convictions. However, the bill clarifies that anyone currently serving a term of incarceration for a felony would still be excused from jury service while incarcerated. This change allows eligible citizens who have completed their sentences to participate in jury duty.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific segment of Interstate 87 (from Yonkers to Guilderland) as the "General Colin Powell Thruway" for ceremonial purposes only. It requires new signage but explicitly states the official highway name will remain unchanged, avoiding disruption to commerce or navigation. The bill does not alter transportation policies or affect any specific people or groups beyond commemorating General Colin Powell. The designation is purely symbolic and takes effect immediately upon passage.