Asm. John McDonald

Establishes the electric landscaping equipment rebate program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and reduce noise pollution by promoting the adoption of quieter, zero-emission landscaping equipment; provides for rebates at the point of sale for applicants purchasing or leasing certain equipment; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof.

Provides for the appointment of a standing committee on conference to resolve differences between similar, but not identical bills and resolutions; provides that such committee may refer bills and resolutions to sub-committees for disposition; provides for appointment of a non-partisan counsel to make referrals to such standing committee on similar bills and resolutions.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor of New York to officially recognize October 2026 as Spina Bifida Awareness Month in the state. The resolution highlights the importance of raising awareness about spina bifida, a birth defect affecting the spinal column and brain, and notes the high medical costs and challenges faced by those living with the condition. By designating this month for awareness, the bill aims to educate the public and support individuals with spina bifida and their families.

Authorizes an expedited application review process for certain health care professionals licensed to practice in other jurisdictions to practice in this state in connection with Double H Ranch; provides such application fee shall be waived.

Increases the number of entities to whom the New York state energy research and development authority must submit an annual report; requires the report to include a brief summary of all proceeds collected and administered by the authority pursuant to an order of the public service commission or pursuant to regulation, including, but not limited to, assessments, fees, taxes, transfers, corporate income or surcharges imposed on energy consumers or power generators.

Establishes the sports officials protection act establishing the crimes of assault on sports officials and aggravated harassment of a sports official.

Establishes the crime of interference with emergency first responders; creates a fifteen foot buffer zone around emergency first responders engaged in the performance of their official duties.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits schools in the state from using timeout boxes, closets, or any secluded physical enclosures to isolate children. It defines these restricted areas as any room or structure where a child is separated from others, such as wooden or padded rooms. The law applies to a wide range of educational settings, including public schools, charter schools, private schools for students with disabilities, and various preschool programs. By banning these isolation practices, the legislation aims to prevent the use of secluded spaces for disciplinary purposes in educational environments.

Delays the zero-emission school bus mandate for a period of five years; requires school districts to only purchase or lease zero-emission school buses by 2032 and requires school districts to only operate and maintain zero-emission school buses by 2040.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands criminal penalties for individuals and businesses that fail to fix fire or building code violations after receiving an official order. It directly affects property owners, tenants, contractors, architects, and other parties involved in construction or building maintenance by adding them to the list of people who can be prosecuted. Under the new rules, those who knowingly violate safety standards face misdemeanor charges with fines that increase over time, while those who simply ignore correction orders face a violation charge with lower fines and shorter jail terms. The law applies to anyone serving as an agent, tenant, or otherwise responsible for a building, ensuring that a wider range of parties can be held legally accountable for unsafe conditions.