Asm. Paula Kay

Enacts the "sustainable affordable housing and sprawl prevention act"; exempts or limits environmental review under SEQR for the construction of certain new residential units to avoid creating unnecessary housing sprawl; limits certain rights to action under SEQR; makes related provisions.

Defines the term "construction projects" to mean the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation or improvement of any school building where a district receives any apportionment for debt service or building aid and the school building is sited within the Long Island region; provides that each contract involving the award of a construction project shall require the use of a project labor agreement for all contractors and subcontractors on such project.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 4435) establishes the New York State Muslim American Advisory Council to advise the state legislature on policies affecting Muslim Americans. The 10-member council, appointed from community organizations and legislative leaders, will provide recommendations to improve civic participation, integration (socially, educationally, culturally, and economically), and communication between state agencies and Muslim communities. The council must submit an annual report with factual findings and recommendations to the legislature within 16 months of its creation.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates all fees for lifetime sporting licenses (including hunting and fishing) for New York state residents who are honorably discharged veterans with a 40% or greater service-connected disability. It directly affects eligible veterans by removing the standard $765 fee for lifetime licenses, replacing it with a $0.00 charge in the fee schedule. The key mechanism updates the license fee table to create a new category for these veterans, ensuring they pay nothing for lifetime access to sporting privileges. The policy change applies immediately upon enactment and affects veterans meeting specific criteria under New York's veterans' services law.

Provides procedures to be followed in appointing a hearing officer for removal and disciplinary action against certain public employees not in the service of the city of New York, including the fees to be paid for such hearing officer; provides for suspension, with pay, pending the determination.

Provides that the "Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Flag" shall be the official state flag for the raising of awareness of veteran suicide; directs the commissioner of general services to establish a protocol for the flying of such flag.

Relates to procedures relating to driving while ability impaired by drugs; defines impairment and intoxication; updates procedures for field testing of drivers suspected of being under the influence of drugs to include the use of oral/bodily fluid tests; provides that refusal to submit to such field tests is specified to be a traffic infraction; makes related provisions.

Requires certain public schools in any city with a population over one million to offer Halal food options during lunch to students with dietary restrictions free of charge.

Provides for a real property tax exemption for property owned by single-member limited liability companies where such property serves as the primary residence of such member.

Provides voting membership to existing non-voting rider representatives on the MTA Board, provides for enhanced representation of MTA riders with disabilities.