Asm. Matt Simpson

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 5681) changes voting rules for New York's Public Authorities Control Board. It grants voting rights to members appointed based on recommendations from minority leaders of the state Senate and Assembly - previously they were non-voting with only their comments recorded. The board will now require unanimous votes from all voting members (including these newly empowered minority-recommended members) for decisions. This affects the board's internal operations but does not alter its composition or core responsibilities.

Maddy summaryBill A 7426 extends the deadline for certain entities to provide fiscal intermediary services - such as managing payments for social services programs - from April 1, 2025, to July 1, 2025. This change directly affects current service providers and subcontractors of the statewide fiscal intermediary, giving them additional time to comply with new requirements. The bill amends existing law to delay the restriction that would otherwise limit service provision to only the statewide fiscal intermediary and its subcontractors after the new date. After July 1, 2025, only the statewide fiscal intermediary and its registered subcontractors may offer these services.

Requires the commissioner of environmental conservation to promote education in hunting, fishing and outdoor education in high school physical education courses.

Provides for the taxation of state owned land for all purposes, exclusive of improvements and in accordance with any payment in lieu of taxes agreement.

Exempts farmers from commercial driver's license (CDL) requirements when operating a covered farm vehicle within one hundred fifty miles of such farmer's farm.

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.

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.

Establishes an intensive addiction and medical services integrated services pilot program to support two three-year demonstration programs that provide intensive addiction and medical services integrated services to individuals who have significant addiction and medical issues.