Sen. Jamaal Bailey

Relates to prohibiting the exclusion of coverage for losses or damages caused by exposure to lead-based paint; provides that no insurer licensed or permitted by the superintendent to provide liability coverage to rental property owners shall exclude coverage for losses or damages caused by exposure to lead-based paint.

Relates to parole eligibility for certain incarcerated persons age fifty-five or older if they have served at least fifteen years of their sentence or sentences.

Maddy summaryThis New York state bill (S 141) establishes a right to free legal help for eligible immigrants facing removal proceedings in New York. It directly affects income-eligible non-citizens detained in New York, those with strong New York ties (like being a state resident or having a case heard there), or those transferred from New York to federal immigration detention. The law requires the state to provide ongoing legal representation starting when a case begins (e.g., upon receiving a "Notice to Appear") and covers all immigration court stages, including appeals. Legal services must be provided by state-designated providers to individuals earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level.

Lowers the voting age to 16 years; requires that students receive education in civics and be given the opportunity to register to vote in the classroom.

Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding; authorizes the department to compile and make publicly available guidance and reference material related to consideration of complete street design.

Relates to the establishment of a single computerized state DNA identification index; requires municipalities to expunge any DNA record stored in a municipal DNA identification index.

Provides that no state or local agency, or any agent thereof, may use any funds, facilities, property, equipment or personnel of such agency to investigate, enforce or provide assistance in the investigation or enforcement of any federal program requiring registration of individuals, or maintaining a database of individuals, on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, religion or national or ethnic origin.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 859 (the "robocall prevention act"), limits unsolicited robocalls to New York residents and requires phone companies to provide free call-blocking technology. It bans most robocalls unless made with a resident's prior consent, for emergencies, by labor organizations to members, or as permitted by regulations. Telephone service providers must offer free call mitigation technology that blocks unwanted robocalls while allowing emergency calls to go through. The law directly affects New York residents receiving calls and all telephone service providers operating in the state.

Removes the lifetime ban on jury duty for convicted felons; provides that if convicted of a felony, such person has completed all sentencing requirements to such conviction, including any required term of imprisonment, probation, or community supervision.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the state Council on the Arts to create specific criteria and guidelines for establishing designated arts and cultural districts in cities, towns, or villages. These districts are defined as geographic areas with a high concentration of arts and cultural facilities, and the bill allows multiple local governments to apply jointly if a district spans their shared boundaries. The Council must develop standards that evaluate whether a district attracts artists and businesses, encourages job growth, draws tourism, boosts property values, and supports local cultural education and preservation. Additionally, the Department of Economic Development is tasked with providing state-supported assistance, such as technical help for grant applications and marketing expertise, to certified districts.