Sen. Michelle Hinchey

Maddy summarySenate Bill S 1665 updates the rules for vehicle operators when overtaking bicyclists and pedestrians in New York State. Outside of New York City, drivers passing a bicycle must now use "due care," which includes moving to an adjacent lane if safe, or passing at least three feet away. Similar "due care" requirements are also established for drivers passing pedestrians in these areas. For New York City, the bill retains the existing rule for drivers to pass bicycles at a safe distance and does not introduce specific new provisions for passing pedestrians.

Maddy summaryS 1209, the "Marvin Mayfield Act," eliminates mandatory minimum sentences for felony convictions by amending sentencing laws. It requires courts to issue written sentencing decisions explaining individualized findings, rather than applying fixed minimum terms. The bill also expands pre-sentence reports to include analysis of incarceration costs and increases access to these reports for defendants and their attorneys before sentencing. This directly affects individuals convicted of felonies in New York State, shifting sentencing focus toward rehabilitation and community safety over rigid minimum terms.

Relates to fair pricing for low-complexity, routine medical care to more closely align payment rates across ambulatory settings for selected services that are safe and appropriate to provide in all settings.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New York's State Board of Real Property Tax Services to study how high levels of tax-exempt property (like parks, nonprofits, or government buildings) affect local communities. The study will examine the percentage of tax-exempt land in each county, its impact on housing, small businesses, jobs, population, and parkland in counties with the highest exemption rates over five years, and explore policy changes to reduce tax burdens on taxable properties. The board must report findings and recommendations to state leaders within one year. The bill expires after two years or when the report is delivered, whichever comes first.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4464) revises rules for New York's industrial development agencies (IDAs), which are local entities that support economic growth through tax incentives and development projects. It mandates that IDAs include at least one representative from a local labor organization (defined as groups focused on collective bargaining or workplace issues) and one representative from a school district or local government, alongside business and municipal representatives. Agencies must have 3-7 members appointed by local governing bodies, with no paid roles but reimbursement for necessary expenses. The bill directly affects IDAs operating across New York municipalities, requiring structural changes to their governance to include labor and education representation.

Relates to the use of artificial intelligence by insurers and clinical peer reviewers for utilization review; establishes additional notice requirements for adverse determinations.

Authorizes Jonathan Myers to take the competitive civil service examination for the position of police officer and be placed on the eligible list for employment as a civil service police officer for the village of Chatham, notwithstanding certain age restrictions under law.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits government incentives for commercial renewable energy projects like solar farms in sensitive environmental areas and on active farmland, with specific exceptions for agrivoltaic systems that combine solar power with agriculture. It removes eligibility for financial assistance, zero emission credits, and tax exemptions for such projects located in critical environmental areas, bird conservation zones, grassland bird centers, and wildlife management areas. The legislation also formally defines agrivoltaics as solar systems that simultaneously produce energy and agricultural products without displacing farming activities, while excluding certain practices like sole reliance on pollinator habitats or sheep grazing. These changes directly affect developers proposing renewable energy projects and government agencies administering agricultural and environmental programs.

Provides access to menstrual products in toilet facilities in public buildings owned by the state that are determined to be opened to the public; requires reporting.

Enacts the "accessory dwelling unit incentive act" to establish the accessory dwelling unit forgivable loan program by the division of homes and community renewal; defines terms; makes related provisions.