Sen. Pete Harckham

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's climate law to increase the statewide target for energy storage capacity from three to six gigawatts by 2030. It directly affects utilities and energy providers (load-serving entities) by requiring them to support this higher storage target alongside existing renewable energy goals. The bill updates specific sections of the public service law and environmental conservation law to reflect the new six-gigawatt storage requirement, aligning with the state's broader climate commitments. This change is part of New York's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) framework, which sets renewable energy and emissions reduction targets. The policy change is a concrete adjustment to existing targets, not a new program.

Maddy summaryS 6393 requires electronics manufacturers in New York to expand their e-waste recycling programs by establishing convenient collection methods. It mandates that manufacturers ensure 90% of residents have a collection site within 15 miles, with specific site requirements based on county population (e.g., three permanent sites in counties over 65,000 people). Manufacturers must also provide public education via websites, toll-free numbers, and product manuals - including data destruction instructions for devices with memory - and cover all costs for collection, transportation, and recycling. This directly affects electronics manufacturers, who must implement these programs at no cost to consumers or municipalities.

Enacts the "sustainable affordable housing and sprawl prevention act"; exempts or limits environmental review under SEQR for the construction of certain new residential units to avoid creating unnecessary housing sprawl; limits certain rights to action under SEQR; makes related provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale of most consumer cleaning products containing triclosan, triclocarban, or their related antibacterial chemicals in New York State. It directly affects manufacturers and retailers selling products like dish soap, hand sanitizer, laundry detergent, and body wash (excluding those used in medical facilities). Key provisions ban these specific chemicals in defined cleaning products, authorize the state to create implementation rules, and impose civil penalties of up to $2,500 per day for violations. The ban takes effect 18 months after enactment.

Enacts the "New York fundamental artificial intelligence requirements in (FAIR) news act"; provides transparency requirements for news media content composed, authored, or otherwise created through generative AI.

Excludes the amount of state and local taxes and fees from the amount on which an interchange fee is charged for that electronic payment transaction by a credit or debit card network; prohibits a payment card network from altering or manipulating the computation and imposition of interchange fees.

Requires the court to consider a child's health and safety when making a decision regarding child custody and visitation; directs the court to review certain information as it relates to allegations of child abuse, domestic violence and child safety.

Places a one year moratorium on the issuance of data center permits; requires utilities to establish an independent classification of service for large data centers; sets energy efficiency goals for data centers; provides for benefits for host communities; sets labor standards for the construction of data centers.

Maddy summaryThis bill legally validates the creation of the Birch Hill-Highview Water District in Southeast, Putnam County, which serves 24 residences. It addresses past procedural errors where the town used general funds for water system improvements without proper bonding or state approval, as well as issues arising from a need to expand the district to include homes affected by water contamination. The legislation confirms the district's existing operations and authorizes special assessments on residents to cover costs, while also permitting the town to finance future repairs and PFOA remediation through bonds or loans.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Larry Mendel, a retired volunteer firefighter from the Patterson Volunteer Fire Department, to receive the length of service award he was previously denied due to record-keeping errors. The legislation ensures that Mendel's service certificates will be accepted as proof of his over 30 years of work and grants him the benefits he would have earned had the records been kept correctly. Additionally, the bill mandates that Glatfelter Specialty Benefits, which has a contract with the fire department, must cover all costs associated with implementing these provisions. The law takes effect immediately to resolve this specific administrative issue without affecting other individuals or changing broader program rules.