Sen. Rachel May

Maddy summaryThis bill requires colleges and universities to include clear, standardized information about student loan repayment in financial aid award letters sent to undergraduate students. Specifically, institutions must detail estimated monthly payments, total payoff amounts (including interest), and standard 10-year repayment terms for any loans in the aid package. The requirement applies to all schools offering approved programs, directly affecting students receiving financial aid by making loan costs more transparent upfront. The Department of Financial Services must create and publish this standardized letter format, including a glossary of terms, by December 2015 (with implementation for the 2016-17 academic year). This change aims to help students understand long-term debt obligations before accepting financial aid.

Maddy summaryS 99 requires the state budget division to create and maintain an online public database listing all projects funded in the state budget. The database must include each project's dollar amount, the last name of the legislator(s) who requested the funding, and any funds allocated to private organizations (even if those groups normally don't disclose funding sources). The database must be updated annually after each budget is passed and published on the budget division's website. This bill directly affects state budget officials and legislators by making budget allocation details publicly accessible.

Directs the division of the budget to consult tribal nations, relevant state agencies, and other stakeholders regarding budget proposals that would impact such tribal nations.

Relates to transparency and other requirements for applications submitted to ORES for siting of major renewable energy and major electric transmission facilities.

Requires the filing of additional transferor and contributor identification information in campaign receipt and expenditure statements for the receipt of amounts over one hundred dollars, including the full name, full residential address including any suite, floor, or apartment, occupation, employer and employer's full business address in the case of an individual, and the full name and address of any partnership, committee, association, corporation, labor organization or group of persons.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1260) requires that exempt bags - such as those used for food, pharmacy items, or bulk produce - cannot be tinted green or brown unless they are made of compostable plastic. It amends existing exemptions in environmental law to add this color restriction, ensuring only truly compostable bags can use these colors. The rule applies directly to businesses selling or using these specific bag types under current waste reduction exemptions.

Authorizes and directs the commissioner of environmental conservation to conduct a study on food waste initiatives and to provide recommendations based on the study's findings.

Provides for a working families tax credit; directs quarterly prepayment of the credit; provides for a sliding reduction in the credit for incomes which exceed a certain threshold.

Establishes the civil right to counsel in eviction proceedings in New York state; creates the New York state office of civil representation; requires that covered individuals be given notice of such right to counsel.

Prohibits ticket sales that exceed the capacity of a place of entertainment or not-for-profit venue; provides that a violation of such provisions constitutes a misdemeanor punishable by a fine and imprisonment for a period not to exceed one year.