Asm. Kwani O'Pharrow

Enacts the "food safety and chemical disclosure act"; prohibits certain food additives and food color additives; provides that in an action to enforce compliance, the recognition by the federal food and drug administration of any of these substances as safe may not be alleged as a defense; establishes requirements for the reporting of GRAS (generally recognized as safe) substances.

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 establishes a compensation program for SNAP (supplemental nutrition assistance program) and cash assistance recipients who had their benefits stolen or defrauded. It creates a dedicated $1.5 million fund (funded by a one-time appropriation from the general fund) to pay eligible individuals after fraud is verified by state agencies. The program requires an application process available in English and the ten most common non-English languages spoken in New York State.

Eliminates provisions of law that require the payment and subsequent refund of the ten cent diesel excise tax and sales tax on diesel motor fuel when sold to operators of commercial fishing vessels for use in the operation of such vessels.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state-funded program to provide health insurance coverage to New Yorkers who lose eligibility for federal subsidies due to their immigration status. It establishes a new state premium assistance program that offers financial help equivalent to federal tax credits for lawfully present individuals who are currently ineligible for federal aid. Additionally, the legislation expands eligibility for existing state coverage to include more noncitizens and increases income limits for pregnant individuals and their newborns, with some provisions funded directly by state money regardless of federal approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands retirement service credit eligibility for law enforcement officers within the New York State Division of State Police and several other agencies. It directly affects investigators and sworn officers employed by the New York Waterfront Commission starting July 1, 2023, as well as non-seasonally appointed sworn members, forest rangers, and police officers in the Department of Environmental Conservation. The legislation mandates that these individuals be covered under the same retirement provisions as state police officers and ensures their prior service is counted toward their total retirement credit. Additionally, it clarifies that service credit for state university police officers who meet specific training and tenure requirements will be calculated based on their final average salary. These changes are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Enacts the "beauty justice act"; provides for the regulation of ingredients in personal care products and cosmetics; prohibits the sale of personal care products and cosmetic products containing certain restricted products.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Governor of New York to officially proclaim March 25, 2026, as Medal of Honor Day in the state. The resolution asks citizens to display the national flag on that date to honor recipients of the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the United States. The legislation does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a formal recognition of Medal of Honor recipients, particularly highlighting New York's connection to these heroes. Copies of the resolution are sent to the Governor and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society for their records.

Establishes the board of regents as the primary vetting and oversight authority of charter schools; requires all charter schools to be approved by a majority vote of the registered voters of the school district in which the charter school is proposed to operate.

Increases the amount of years of military service credit a member may purchase from three years to four years; provides that the provisions of such act shall not be subject to the requirement that the state shall make an equal payment to the retirement system.