Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal

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.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2459) repeals a specific voting rule for members of New York's State Authorities Control Board. It removes Section 51, Subdivision 6 of the Public Authorities Law, which previously governed how board members cast votes. The change directly affects the board's internal voting procedures but does not alter the board's authority or responsibilities. The bill is procedural, focusing solely on eliminating an existing voting provision.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires building owners in New York City to submit biannual certification (in January and July) proving cooling towers were inspected, tested, cleaned, and disinfected according to health rules. It mandates weekly microbial testing during use and requires immediate cleaning if unsafe levels are found. Owners face increased penalties: $2,500 for a first violation, $7,000 for repeat offenses, and up to $12,500 if violations cause serious injury or death. The law directly affects all commercial and residential building operators with cooling towers, focusing on preventing health risks from contaminated water systems.

Prohibits drug, cannabis or alcohol testing of pregnant or postpartum individuals and newborns unless the individual consents and it is within the scope of medical care, or the testing is necessary for a medical emergency.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal framework for anti-stalking orders to protect victims from repeated, severe harassment. It directly affects stalking victims (petitioners) and alleged stalkers (respondents) by establishing specific court procedures for obtaining protective orders. Key provisions require courts to issue orders prohibiting contact (including digital communication), surveillance, remote control of connected devices (like smart home systems), and proximity to victims' homes or workplaces. The law defines "stalking" broadly to include numerous offenses under existing penal codes, such as harassment, assault, and unauthorized sharing of intimate images. These orders can be issued quickly without notice for immediate threats, with final orders requiring a court hearing.

Relates to establishing minimum standards for payment plans for eligible customers; requires the public service commission to set standards for payment plans for certain customers including reasonableness of agreements and timelines for payment; establishes eligibility.

Establishes an "operation SNUG" program within the division of criminal justice services which provides grant awards to reduce, prevent or respond to gun violence.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases short-term disability and family leave benefits for eligible New York workers. It phases in higher weekly benefit rates (from 50% to 67% of average weekly wage) and extends maximum benefit periods (from 8-10 weeks to 12 weeks) over time, starting in 2018. These changes apply to employees taking leave for disability or qualifying family care needs under New York's workers' compensation law. The bill requires employers to maintain health benefits during leave and prohibits retaliation for taking leave. The superintendent of financial services may delay benefit increases if needed to maintain program stability.

Establishes a program for specific individuals to become complex care assistants and provide private duty nursing services to certain Medicaid enrollees.