Sen. Jamaal Bailey

Maddy summaryS 1528 establishes a tax on carbon-based fuels like coal, natural gas, and petroleum, imposed on fuel distributors and utilities based on carbon dioxide emissions. The tax starts at $35 per ton of carbon dioxide equivalent and increases by $15 annually to a maximum of $185 per ton. Revenue from the tax funds a dedicated "Carbon Dioxide Emissions Fund," with 60% returned as tax credits to low-to-moderate income residents (below 115% of area median income) and 40% allocated to clean energy transition, mass transit, and climate adaptation projects. The bill requires annual reporting by distributors and utilities and mandates public reporting on tax adjustments to address inflation and climate goals.

Relates to authorizing non-insurance benefits or services to be offered as part of group life or group or blanket accident or health insurance policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 5051) requires insurance providers offering service contracts to file proposed fee amounts with the superintendent at least 30 days before implementation, making these filings publicly accessible. It directly affects insurance companies and service contract providers, mandating transparency in fee changes while exempting certain contracts (like those under specific subsections) and agreements with authorized insurers. The key provision ensures fees cannot exceed the filed amount and applies to most service contracts, excluding paintless dent repair contracts as specified in the law. The bill does not change existing insurance rules but adds a filing requirement for service contract fees.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new rules for state and local agencies regarding immigration-related matters. It prohibits government agencies from asking about a person's immigration status when providing public benefits or services, and bans law enforcement from stopping or detaining people based on immigration status or federal immigration detainers. The law requires confidentiality for any immigration information collected and mandates free interpreter services for non-English speakers during related inquiries. These provisions directly affect immigrants seeking public assistance, law enforcement agencies, and government offices handling benefits or services.

Provides for a deduction against personal gross income in an amount equal to fees, costs and expenses paid or incurred including legal fees and agency costs in connection with the adoption of a child.

Maddy summaryS 176 creates a new civil legal remedy allowing individuals to sue when their constitutional or legal rights are violated by government officials or public entities acting under government authority. It directly affects anyone whose rights are deprived by such actors, including victims of police misconduct, discriminatory policies, or other state-sponsored violations. Key provisions include allowing lawsuits for damages and attorney fees (even if the case settles without a court judgment), removing common defenses like "good faith" or "unclear law," and requiring public entities to cover their employees' legal costs. The law sets a three-year deadline for filing claims and applies to both state and federal rights violations.

Relates to the definition of "direct relationship" for the purposes of article 23-A of the correction law regarding licensures and employment of persons previously convicted of one or more criminal offenses.

Requires police agencies to report offenses to the division of criminal justice services which appear to such agency to be motivated by the race, national origin, religion or sexual orientation of the victim or of the owner, resident, lessee or occupant where the offense is committed against property.

Enacts the "construction laborer insurance protection act (CLIPA)"; requires every policy or contract of insurance issued to an owner, contractor or subcontractor performing the work of erection, demolition, repairing, altering, painting, or cleaning of a building, structure or edifice to provide coverage for bodily injury and death of workers.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New York's Office of Mental Health, in collaboration with Corrections and Community Supervision, to study how abuse experienced during incarceration affects the mental, behavioral, and physical health of formerly incarcerated individuals. The study must identify both short-term and long-term impacts, associated costs, and recommend effective treatment practices. The Office of Mental Health must submit a final report to state leaders within one year of the bill's effective date.