Asm. Tommy John Schiavoni

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the New York Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Treatment, Training and Research Council within the executive department. The council will coordinate state services for individuals with ASDs (affecting approximately 1 in 110 children), their families, and healthcare providers by developing a statewide policy plan and reviewing agency initiatives. Key mechanisms include holding annual community forums across New York State, submitting annual policy updates to the governor and legislature, and requiring agencies to align with the council's coordinated approach. The council will include state agency leaders, appointed experts in ASDs, and family representatives to address gaps in early intervention, post-education services, and research coordination identified by prior state reports.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all operators of e-bikes, electric scooters, and motor-driven cycles to wear helmets meeting commissioner standards, regardless of age. It amends vehicle laws to mandate helmets for these vehicles during operation, specifying helmets must fit securely with straps fastened. The law applies universally - no age exemptions exist - and defines "wearing a helmet" as having a properly secured helmet. It covers all users of these devices, including adults and minors, without exceptions.

Establishes the "garden protection act", protecting the rights of individuals to cultivate home vegetable gardens, native plant gardens, and/or pollinator gardens.

Increases the penalties for operating a snowmobile while intoxicated, doubles penalties for operators having .18 of one per centum or more by weight of alcohol in their blood, breath, urine, or saliva, and includes other operating while intoxicated convictions in sentencing considerations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York Town Law to allow fire districts to appoint fire chiefs and assistant chiefs who are already employees of the district. It requires nominees to be current fire department members, prohibits those convicted of arson from holding these positions, and permits districts to change annual nomination meetings from April to December or September (with specific date options for certain districts like Davis Park or Cherry Grove). The board of fire commissioners may also require these officers to be residents of the fire district. These changes streamline appointments while maintaining safety and residency standards.

Authorizes the New York state energy research and development authority to administer a program to provide grants or loans for the costs related to enabling switching residences with propane or fuel-oil heating systems to efficient electric heat pumps.

Prohibits the public service commission from approving a rate increase that entails a return on equity for capital projects that is above the prevailing ten-year treasury rate plus one percent.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary task force to review why New York City disability retirees are excluded from the Variable Supplements Fund (VSF) program, which provides supplemental retirement payments to police and fire department members. The task force, appointed by the governor, legislative leaders, the mayor, and other officials, will investigate the issue through public hearings, gather evidence, and recommend changes within one year. It must report its findings to the governor, state comptroller, and legislative committees but does not directly alter the VSF program. The goal is to address longstanding eligibility concerns for disability retirees who have been largely excluded from receiving these supplements.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the New York State Cold War Commemorative Medal to honor veterans who served during the Cold War era. It authorizes the governor to award the medal to New York residents (or former residents while serving) who served in the U.S. military (army, air force, navy, marine corps, or coast guard) on active duty, national guard, or reserves between March 12, 1947, and December 26, 1991, under honorable conditions. The medal is commemorative only, with no financial benefit, and may be presented to a designated representative if the veteran dies before receiving it. The bill clarifies that eligibility does not require being a New York resident upon entering military service.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires political committees to clearly disclose the source of paid political communications, including social media posts. Specifically, all paid digital ads - such as social media content - must prominently display "Paid for by:" followed by the committee name, with no exemption for social media posts (unlike some smaller digital ads). It applies directly to campaigns and political committees purchasing digital advertisements for elections. The law mandates this disclosure for any paid communication reaching 500+ people via electronic means, ensuring transparency about who funds political messaging.