Asm. Phil Steck

Requires the return of all or a part of the financial assistance provided for a project where the project has material shortfalls or material violations; prevents the use of funds, financial incentives, subsidies or tax exemptions for projects already in development.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the legal definition of "employer" to include specific public entities: certain child welfare agencies and nonprofits receiving at least 50% of their budget from government sources. It requires all public employers under this new definition to develop and implement workplace violence prevention programs. The law takes immediate effect and applies to state agencies, local governments, public authorities, and the newly included entities. The change clarifies which organizations must comply with workplace safety requirements under New York's labor law.

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.

Relates to the term "income" for purposes of the school tax relief exemption; adds 401(k) and 403(b) accounts to the list of eligible income deductions when determining Enhanced STAR eligibility.

Prohibits the use of cannabis within thirty feet of a child or within thirty feet of any location in which children reside or attend for any recreational or educational purpose; provides for increased penalties for a second or subsequent violation.

Decreases the frequency of lock-down drills in schools; directs that such drills shall be implemented with a trauma-informed approach; permits parents to opt their children out of such drills.

Increases temporary and permanent disability payments for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers, and specifies weekly payment amounts for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers injured in the line of duty on or after July first, two thousand twenty-six.

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.

Requires high-sugar beverages to be labeled with a safety warning stating that the beverage contains 100% or more of the FDA recommended daily intake of added sugar.

Maddy summaryBill A 1615, known as the "area speed limits act," modifies the process by which cities, villages, and certain towns establish speed limits on local highways and roads. The bill removes the current requirement for these local legislative bodies to base new speed limits on specific engineering considerations and factors. It also eliminates the need for these speed limits to be certified by a licensed professional engineer. This change grants local governments more direct authority in setting area speed limits within their jurisdictions.