Sen. Steve Rhoads

Maddy summarySenate Bill S 980 requires the Public Service Commission to hold public hearings before implementing any increases in utility rates, fees, or charges. These hearings must occur at least 90 days before a decision is made and within the area where the increase is proposed. The bill ensures that utility customers can provide public comments and ask questions of both the commission and the utility regarding the proposed changes. This aims to increase transparency and public engagement in decisions affecting utility costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1278) prohibits individuals convicted of animal cruelty from working at animal shelters, pounds, or humane societies. It directly affects people with prior animal cruelty convictions who seek positions as employees, paid volunteers, or animal control officers at these facilities. The law bans such individuals from accepting or keeping these roles after the bill's effective date, with violations classified as a class A misdemeanor. It specifically excludes court-ordered community service volunteers from the "volunteer" definition. The bill amends existing sections of New York’s Agriculture and Markets Law to implement this employment restriction.

Relates to creating a school resource officer program to permit the employment of retired law enforcement officers and provide grants to school districts and non-public schools for such purpose.

Maddy summaryS 4681 would repeal Section 581-d of New York's Labor Law, which required an interest assessment surcharge. This surcharge was a fee added to interest payments under labor law enforcement, likely affecting employers or workers involved in cases involving unpaid wages or penalties. The bill eliminates this specific fee from the law, removing a financial obligation previously applied to certain interest assessments. The repeal would directly impact entities subject to labor law interest assessments where this surcharge was enforced.

Creates the blue light emergency phones grant program for the purpose of public safety; directs a study be conducted to report upon the impact of such program.

Establishes the school mental health services program coordinator to provide qualifying public and nonpublic schools with mental health services professionals.

Prohibits the diminution of health insurance benefits of public employee retirees and their dependents or reducing the employer's contributions for such insurance; defines employers to include the state, municipalities, school districts, and public authorities and commissions.

Enacts the "Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for all act"; requires a setting which allows a social media user to turn off algorithmic recommendations and other notifications; prohibits the use of dark patterns to subvert choice or inhibit users from accessing certain mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits anyone under 21 from purchasing or possessing kratom products. Businesses selling kratom must verify customers' ages using government-issued ID (like driver's licenses or passports), display a clear sign stating the age ban, and use an ID scanning system to confirm identity - without sharing scanned data with third parties. The health commissioner is also required to study kratom's health risks and benefits, reporting findings within one year. These rules directly affect underage buyers, kratom retailers, and enforcement agencies.

Maddy summaryBill S 1189 establishes new licensure requirements for entities providing fiscal intermediary services for personal assistance programs. Beginning April 1, 2027, these fiscal intermediaries must obtain a license from the commissioner, a process that includes an application fee and an assessment of their character, competence, and compliance. The bill also broadens the definition of fiscal intermediaries, modifies their annual reporting obligations, and creates a confidential state registry for personal assistants that these intermediaries must maintain. This legislation directly affects fiscal intermediaries, personal assistants, and consumers utilizing these services.