Asm. Scott Bendett

Maddy summaryBill A 8326 expands vehicle registration options for severely disabled individuals by allowing their parents or guardians to register a motor vehicle, van, or pick-up truck used for transportation. The Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner will issue special "disabled person passenger plates" for these non-commercial vehicles. Applicants must provide proof of the person's severe disability, certified by a medical professional, and documentation of their parenthood or guardianship. This ensures that vehicles used by parents or guardians for transporting severely disabled persons can receive appropriate identification.

Phases out certain reimbursements for expenditures made by or on behalf of social services districts for medical assistance for needy persons, beginning with a 10% reduction for 2025, and ending with a 100% reduction for 2034, and remaining eliminated for each year thereafter.

Maddy summaryBill A 4758 adds a new section to the education law to define antisemitism. When the Department of Education reviews or investigates potential violations of state law or Title VI of the Civil Rights Act based on an individual's actual or perceived Jewish ancestry or ethnic characteristics, it will consider the definition of antisemitism established by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) on May 26, 2016. This includes contemporary examples of antisemitism, which will inform the department's assessment of such practices.

Authorizes electronic court appearances for criminal matters, excluding jury trials, in all counties in the state; authorizes electronic appearances for criminal matters where the court determines a personal appearance would be impractical, unsafe or excessively burdensome; authorizes sentencing to a period of incarceration to be conducted via electronic appearance for defendants who are already incarcerated.

Prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for confronting an individual to prevent a theft or the unlawful taking of goods, wares, or merchandise; does not prohibit employers from training or re-training employees on policies against confrontation of theft.

Provides for a personal income tax deduction for school supplies paid for out-of-pocket by K-12 teachers in public and nonpublic schools, up to $500 per year.

Maddy summaryBill A 3673 amends the civil service law concerning qualifications for municipal police officers. This bill removes the current maximum age requirement for individuals applying to become municipal police officers, which was previously set at 35 years old with some exceptions. As a result, individuals over the age of 35 would be eligible to apply for these positions. The minimum age requirement of 20 years old for applicants remains in place.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New York's Department of Health (with other agencies) to study medications prescribed for school-age children with ADD and ADHD. The study will examine harmful side effects, the accuracy of diagnostic tools, medication appropriateness, and whether diagnosis rates vary by demographic group. The Department must report findings to the governor and legislature within two years of the bill taking effect. The bill does not change current prescribing practices but aims to inform future policy through evidence-based research.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires certain public water systems (serving at least 15 year-round residents or 25 regularly) to identify lead service lines connecting water mains to properties. It defines "lead service line" broadly, including galvanized pipes downstream of lead lines or where lead connectors are used. Water systems must obtain property owner or occupant consent for free inspections, with a 30-day response window; if consent isn't received, occupants may provide consent. Inspections must occur within 60 days of consent, focusing solely on identification, not removal, of lead service lines.

Repeals certain provisions establishing a fee for background checks on certain firearm and ammunition purchases; removes such fees as a source of funds for the background check fund.