Sen. Michelle Hinchey

Requires the New York state energy research and development authority to establish a do-not-solicit solar development statewide registry prohibiting solar solicitors from contacting persons who are included on such registry; establishes requirements for solar solicitors who make solar marketing sales calls, electronic messaging, and on-premises sales appeals to customers in New York state; establishes penalties for violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's labor law to clarify which private construction projects must follow prevailing wage rules when using public funds. It defines "covered projects" as those where public funds make up at least 20% of total costs (over $5 million) or $3 million+ in public funds. The law excludes single-family homes, small nonprofits, and certain affordable housing projects (like those with 25%+ affordable units under 15-year agreements) from these requirements. It also specifies that tax benefits, loan savings, and some public subsidies do not count as "public funds" for this purpose.

Establishes a civil cause of action for employees who are subjected to an abusive work environment; provides employers shall be vicariously liable for such work environment.

Requires a study on the national electric safety code line height standard for overhead utility lines and communication lines as such relate to the height of agricultural equipment and other heavy duty equipment.

Excludes certain actions or omissions from qualifying as unlawful dissemination or publication of an intimate image when such actions or omissions are in connection with the reporting of or investigation into potentially unlawful conduct.

Requires highway projects that receive state funding to include the installation of broadband conduits suitable for fiber optic cables or wireless facilities that support broadband services; provides for access to such conduits on a competitively neutral and nondiscriminatory basis, for a charge not to exceed a cost-based rate.

Establishes the professional practice of community midwifery; defines as the management in the home, birth center, or community setting, of normal pregnancies, child birth, and postpartum care, including newborn evaluation, resuscitation and referral for infants; sets requirements for license and practice.

Maddy summaryBill S 7329 proposes to designate March 8th as a public holiday in New York State, to be known as Women's Day. It amends Section 24 of the General Construction Law to add this date to the list of existing public holidays. This change would affect individuals and organizations across New York State, as public holidays typically impact work schedules, school calendars, and government operations.

Maddy summaryS 1439 (New York) imposes a new tax on investment income from long-term capital gains, dividends, and other low-taxed federal income types. It directly affects high-income New York residents with significant investment earnings, targeting individuals and estates with taxable income above specific thresholds. The bill adds a 7.5% tax on long-term capital gains above $400,000-$500,000 (depending on filing status), gradually increasing to 15% above $800,000-$1 million. This tax phases in over defined income ranges and is administered like existing state income tax. The bill is currently referred to the Budget and Revenue committee.

Aligns utility regulation with state climate justice and emission reduction targets; provides for a statewide affordable gas transition plan and utility home energy affordable transition programs; repeals provisions relating to continuation of gas service; repeals provisions relating to the sale of indigenous natural gas for generation of electricity.