Asm. Steve Stern

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new tax credit for New York State residents who pay for qualified caregiving services for eligible family members. It directly affects caregivers (including spouses on joint returns) with household incomes under $75,000 ($150,000 for couples) who provide uncompensated care to family members meeting specific criteria (e.g., over 18, NY resident, needing daily living assistance certified by a healthcare provider). The credit covers 50% of eligible expenses - such as home health services, respite care, or home modifications - up to $3,500 annually, with a total annual cap of $35 million allocated on a first-come basis. Unused credit amounts cannot be refunded or carried forward, and applications require documentation including income and family member details.

Prohibits the retail sale of spices that exceed lead level limits; defines spices and types of spices; establishes acceptable lead limits for various types of spices.

Maddy summaryThis bill preserves healthcare providers' access to independent dispute resolution for payment disagreements with insurers. It updates fee determination rules to require resolution entities to consider factors like provider training, usual charges for similar services, regional rates, and case complexity when setting fair reimbursement. The changes directly affect doctors, hospitals, and insurers by clarifying how payment disputes over services will be resolved. The law ensures providers can challenge underpayment claims using these specific, transparent criteria. It does not create new payment standards but maintains existing dispute resolution access.

Maddy summaryBill A 8221 aims to enhance protections for employees of public water authorities. It elevates the charge for assault to a felony when committed against these employees. This applies if the assault occurs while the employee is performing their lawful duties of supplying water to state residents. The bill amends the penal law to include such water authority employees in a category of professionals whose assault, under specified conditions, carries increased penalties.

Prohibits the establishment of new charter schools, or the revision of any charter in, or within a five mile radius of, the Hempstead union free school district, the Uniondale union free school district, or the Roosevelt union free school district.

Authorizes the commissioner of motor vehicles to establish and administer a program authorizing eligible vehicles to operate in designated high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, notwithstanding vehicle occupancy.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New York Ireland Trade Commission within the Department of State to strengthen economic ties between New York and Ireland. The commission, composed of 15 members (including Senate/Assembly appointees and governor-appointed members with specific representation from Irish American communities, higher education, and business), will focus on advancing bilateral trade, investment, and academic exchanges. It requires the commission to report annually to the governor and legislature with findings and recommendations, but does not create new taxes, regulations, or direct financial obligations. The bill is procedural in nature, creating a body to facilitate existing trade relationships rather than implementing new policy.

Establishes an educational program related to the prevention of anti-Semitism, Islamophobia bias and discrimination based on religion, race, sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.

Requires state agencies and courts to take into consideration the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition and contemporary examples of antisemitism when reviewing, investigating, or deciding whether there has been a violation of any non-criminal or criminal law, rule, or policy prohibiting discriminatory acts.

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.