Sen. Rachel May

Maddy summaryS 1181 creates a temporary 11-member task force to examine why New York City disability retirees are excluded from the Variable Supplements Fund (VSF) program, which provides retirement benefit supplements to police and fire retirees. The task force will investigate this eligibility issue, hold public hearings, and issue recommendations within one year. It includes appointments from the governor, legislature leaders, city officials, and representatives of affected retirees. The bill does not change the VSF program directly but mandates a formal review to address longstanding concerns about fairness for disability retirees.

Maddy summaryBill S 660 aims to regulate the detention of individuals by police officers and enhance transparency regarding their custody. It defines "without unnecessary delay" for detention as less than twenty-four hours from the time a person is taken into custody, requiring immediate release if this limit is not met. The bill also mandates that cities with a population of one million or more establish a searchable online registry of detained persons, showing their names, ages, and locations, with access limited to contracted defender organizations. Additionally, it establishes an evidentiary presumption in habeas corpus cases that pre-arraignment detention exceeding twenty-four hours is unlawful unless proven otherwise by clear and convincing evidence.

Establishes the home improvement fraud prevention act relating to the responsibilities of home improvement contractors and requiring home improvement contractors to register with the secretary of state.

Establishes a right of first refusal in the state for federal public land to be transferred to private parties; prohibits the recording of any deeds for lands that have been transferred out of federal ownership to private ownership without giving the state the right of first refusal.

Requires entities that access a consumer's consumer credit report to notify such consumer of their right to obtain a security freeze, in addition to other information necessary to place, temporarily lift or permanently lift such security freeze; prohibits notices to consumers of their right to obtain a security freeze from containing advertising for paid services.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets maximum fees for towing and storing vehicles outside New York City. It caps towing charges at $100 plus tolls for passenger cars (under 4,500 lbs) and establishes tiered rates for larger vehicles based on weight, ranging from $125 to $300 for the first mile. Storage fees are limited to $25 per day for the first three days and $27 daily thereafter for passenger vehicles, with higher rates for large vehicles up to $75 per day. The law prohibits unlicensed operators from charging fees and excludes existing contracts or vehicles involved in accidents from certain rate rules. It applies statewide except to New York City (population over 1 million).

Authorizes the use of closed-circuit television for vulnerable sexual assault witnesses; establishes a procedure for determining who qualifies as a vulnerable sexual assault witness.

Provides that the submission of claims for services provided by home care agencies shall be done on forms approved by the centers for Medicare and Medicaid services.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all 16- and 17-year-olds to wear a properly fitted, certified helmet when riding class 1 or class 2 electric assist bicycles (e-bikes). It directly affects teenagers using these specific e-bike types, mandating helmet use to improve safety. Violations carry a $50 civil fine, but courts may waive the fine if the rider provides proof of purchasing or renting a helmet, or demonstrates economic hardship preventing helmet access. The law takes effect April 1, 2025, after implementation of necessary rules.

Establishes a 10 day waiting period for the purchase of any firearm; establishes violations of such provisions shall constitute a class A misdemeanor.