Sen. Nathalia Fernández

Provides that any small property owner that owns twenty units or less shall be entitled to free legal services if such small property owner can prove a loss of at least twenty percent of rent payments in a calendar year; defines "small property owner" as any lessor in a residential real property transaction, and includes an owner of twenty units or less who lists residential real property for lease with an agent, whether or not a lease results, or who receives an offer to lease twenty units of residential real property or less.

Maddy summaryS 6634 prohibits New York employers from discriminating against employees or job applicants based on their status as a caregiver. It explicitly adds "caregiver" to the list of protected characteristics under state anti-discrimination law, alongside race, gender, disability, and other categories. The law defines a caregiver as someone providing daily care for a minor child, elderly person, or disabled family member (excluding domestic workers performing caregiving as part of their job). This protects individuals from employment discrimination related to caregiving responsibilities in hiring, pay, promotions, and other terms of employment.

Relates to certain prostitution offenses and fines relating thereto; relates to motions to vacate judgment and motions for new sentencing; relates to investigation into acts alleged to be the unauthorized practice of massage therapy by potential victims of human trafficking; prohibits the possession of reproductive or sexual health devices from being permitted in specified criminal or civil proceedings as evidence of prostitution; relates to services for exploited individuals, services for victims of human trafficking and the interagency task force on human trafficking; establishes the victims of sexual exploitation fund; makes conforming changes; repeals provisions relating to prostitution, prostitution in a school zone, defense against patronizing a person for prostitution and a motion to dismiss information, simplified information, prosecutor's information or misdemeanor complaint.

Relates to the determination of damages in a civil action arising from personal injury or wrongful death; provides that damages shall not be reduced because of age, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status, or status as a victim of domestic violence; provides that damages shall not be based on statistical tables unless agreed to by all parties.

Maddy summaryS 1650 creates new state-funded support services for unaccompanied minors in New York - defined as children under 18 without lawful immigration status who entered the U.S. without a parent/guardian or were separated from them. The bill requires New York to provide legal representation in immigration court and appeals, along with health services, counseling, language assistance, school enrollment help, and employment support - all delivered in a culturally competent, trauma-informed way. It mandates informational materials in multiple languages for agencies and explicitly states these services won’t count as "public benefits" that could harm immigration status under federal law. The law applies directly to unaccompanied minors in New York’s care, including those under federal custody before being released to sponsors.

Requires that all terrain vehicles only be filled with gas when on a tow or trailer; requires gas stations to post signs indicating to customers that an ATV needs to be on a tow or trailer before filling it with gas.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 8 as "Co-Occurring Disorders Awareness Day" in New York State, adding it to the official calendar of commemorative days under the executive law. It does not create new programs or funding but formally recognizes this date for raising awareness about co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. The designation applies to state observances only, with no direct impact on individuals or services. The bill is purely ceremonial, aligning with other established commemorative days like Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 6155) modifies New York's Excelsior Scholarship program to help current recipients maintain eligibility as their income grows. It allows the maximum allowable adjusted gross income threshold to increase by up to 3% annually after the first semester of receiving the scholarship, rather than requiring students to stay below a fixed income limit. The state education corporation (the "corporation") will review and determine if this annual 3% increase (or further increases at its discretion) prevents disqualification due to rising household income. This directly affects undergraduate students at New York state public colleges who currently receive the Excelsior Scholarship and experience typical annual income growth.

Relates to establishing discount programs for low-income senior citizens and individuals with a disability; provides that utilities, waterworks corporations, telephone corporations and cable television companies shall create discount programs that provide a 10 percent discount to low-income senior citizens and individuals with a disability; defines terms.

Provides that an eligible employee may take two weeks of paid leave through the paid family leave program and an additional two weeks of unpaid leave during any 52 week calendar period as a result of being a victim of domestic or sexual abuse.