Asm. Steve Stern

Maddy summaryBill A 8425 directs the New York State Department of Veterans' Services to conduct a comprehensive study on veterans' employment opportunities and incentives within the state. The study will involve consulting with several state agencies and veteran organizations. It aims to review the current system for awarding civil service credit to veterans, analyze potential new criteria for these credits, and assess existing employment protections. The bill also focuses on methods to help veterans, including those recently displaced from federal employment, transition into state employment and recommends additional incentives for employers to recruit and retain veteran employees. A report detailing the findings and recommendations must be submitted by December 31, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts sales tax on school supplies purchased between the fourth Thursday in August and the first Monday in September. It directly affects families buying items like backpacks, notebooks, art supplies, and computers priced under $3,000 during this specific back-to-school window. The law covers classroom essentials including pencils, calculators, glue, and writing instruments, as listed in the bill text. This policy change removes sales tax liability for these purchases during the designated period, providing a temporary financial benefit for households.

Prohibits a person convicted of "Buster's Law" from owning or possessing a companion animal unless authorized by court order, after appropriate psychiatric or psychological testing.

Directs the New York state energy research and development authority to establish a ride clean rebate program for electric assist bicycles and electric scooters; defines terms; provides a fifty percent rebate for eligible purchases.

Prohibits the application of fail-first or step therapy protocols to coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of serious mental health conditions; defines serious mental health condition.

Requires certain school staff members to be trained in the Heimlich maneuver and requires at least one such trained person to be present when and where students eat meals.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases tax credits for installing geothermal energy systems. It raises the maximum credit to $10,000 for systems placed in service on or after July 1, 2025 (up from $5,000 before June 2025). It also adds refundability for qualifying low-income taxpayers or those in disadvantaged communities, allowing excess credits to be refunded instead of carried forward starting in 2026. The policy directly affects homeowners and businesses installing geothermal systems, providing greater financial incentives for adoption.

Provides for securities fraud whistleblower incentives and protections; defines terms; grants whistleblower awards for one or more whistleblowers who voluntarily provide original information to the attorney general that was the basis for a successful covered enforcement action; protects whistleblowers from retaliation; authorizes the attorney general to adopt any necessary rules and regulations; makes related provisions.

Provides for state assistance to local governments for the enforcement of fire prevention and building codes using monies paid into the code enforcement account.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the use of grade 4 fuel oil (a specific type of heavy fuel oil classified under ASTM D396-15c) in all buildings and facilities across the state after July 1, 2030. It directly affects commercial, industrial, and residential properties that currently rely on this fuel for heating or energy. The key provision sets a clear deadline for the phaseout, while allowing municipalities to adopt stricter local regulations if desired. The bill does not require immediate replacement but mandates a transition to alternative fuels or systems by the 2030 deadline. This is a substantive environmental regulation focused on reducing emissions from a specific fuel source.