Asm. Matt Simpson

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 5661) changes New York State's earned income credit (EIC) calculation for tax years starting in 2026, setting the applicable credit percentage at 45% for qualifying low-income taxpayers. It directly affects New York residents who claim the EIC, increasing their state credit amount. The bill includes a safeguard: if federal actions materially reduce New York's ability to use Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant funds for the EIC, the credit percentage would drop to 20% for affected years. The change applies to tax years beginning January 1, 2026, and requires state officials to certify any triggering federal event.

Maddy summaryThis bill suspends employer contributions to the interest assessment surcharge fund until December 31, 2027. It directly affects employers who would otherwise pay into this fund. To cover costs during the suspension, the bill appropriates $500 million from the Economic Uncertainties Fund to pay federal unemployment interest accrued under the Social Security Act. The suspension and funding mechanism are set to expire automatically on December 31, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state to pay all real property taxes on the Moriah shock incarceration correctional facility's assessed value after correctional operations end. It applies specifically to the state-owned land and improvements (like buildings and infrastructure) until the state reuses the property for government operations or sells it to a non-governmental entity. If sold to a nonprofit, that organization must pay taxes directly to Essex County and the town of Moriah. The law takes effect April 1 following its passage.

Requires residents of the state, who are foreign refugees, to register with the office of temporary and disability assistance; directs such office to provide registration information to the office of children and family services, the department of health, the office for new Americans, the department of law, the division of state police, the NYC police department, county sheriff's offices, municipal police departments, and the division of homeland security and emergency services; directs the office for new Americans to conduct background screenings of all refugees who register; requires refugee resettlement agencies to submit quarterly reports to the bureau of refugee and immigrant assistance on the refugees to whom it provides assistance, and to monitor the activities of such refugees for a certain period of time; directs the division of homeland security and emergency services to develop and implement a plan to ensure compliance by refugee resettlement agencies.

Relates to licenses to carry and possess firearms for police officers; authorizes police officers to apply for a firearms license that is valid throughout the state.

Establishes a supplemental household and dependent care credit payment for taxpayers who are eligible for certain household and dependent care services necessary for gainful employment.

Relates to protecting the communication rights of individuals with disabilities; provides that each person with a disability has the right to communicate in their preferred manner.

Prohibits the comptroller from using environment, social, and governance criteria as a screening method for selecting companies and funds to invest the state pension fund in.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows municipalities to offer a 5% real property tax exemption for primary residences owned by National Guard members or reservists. It defines "qualified owner" as active or retired military personnel and requires annual applications with military service verification. The exemption applies only to residential property used as a primary home (excluding non-residential portions) and cannot be combined with other military tax benefits. Municipalities must choose to adopt this option locally through their own ordinances.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases weekly financial benefits for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers injured in the line of duty. It raises permanent total disability payments from $600 to $1,200 per week and updates temporary total disability rates, with the current rate at $800 per week for injuries occurring after July 2025. Permanent partial disability payments also increase, with rates rising from $95 to higher amounts depending on the injury date. The changes apply directly to volunteers who suffer work-related injuries affecting their ability to work. The bill amends Sections 8, 9, and 10 of the Volunteer Firefighters' Benefit Law.