Asm. Matt Simpson

Maddy summaryThis bill places a permanent ban on state laws that require local governments (such as counties, cities, school districts, and towns) to implement new programs or services without providing funding, if the cost exceeds $10,000 annually for a single local government or $1 million statewide. It defines "unfunded mandates" to include new requirements that raise costs for local governments beyond these thresholds, regardless of whether the mandate is for new services, higher service levels, or property tax exemptions. The ban includes exceptions for court orders, federal mandates, or situations involving immediate public safety threats. The law takes effect immediately for new legislation, though it does not affect existing mandates.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Warren County's county seat to have at least one polling place dedicated to early voting. It specifically applies to Warren County's county seat (not other locations) and adds that, where practical, this polling place should be near public transportation routes. The law takes effect April 1, 2026, applying to all general, primary, run-off primary, and special elections held after that date.

Relates to the salaries of certain teachers and aides employed by boards of cooperative educational services; puts limits on certain administrative and clerical expenses.

Authorizes the state to allow counties to opt out of the county cost of medical assistance payments to any new enrollees who have either never received such benefits or who have reenrolled after a period of absence; directs the commissioner of health to apply for any and all federal waivers required to implement the provisions of this subdivision.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new class A-1 felony offense for selling controlled substances (from Schedules I-V) that directly causes someone's death. It specifically applies to individuals who violate public health law by selling, giving, or supplying these drugs, resulting in a fatality. The key provision defines this as the most serious felony charge, replacing or adding to existing penalties for drug-related deaths. The law takes effect 30 days after enactment, with necessary rule changes allowed before that date. It does not affect other drug offenses or non-fatal cases.

Establishes a veterans in agriculture assistance and outreach program to help integrate veterans into the field of agriculture, and support veterans currently working in agriculture; designs an associated logotype for the promotion of products produced by a veteran or qualified veteran business entity.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New York school districts to create policies enabling home-schooled students to try out for and join district interscholastic sports teams. It requires these students to meet the same academic, health, and behavioral standards as enrolled public school students, including annual academic verification and age/eligibility rules. Home-schooled students would only be eligible to participate with their district of residence and must arrange their own transportation. The policy is optional for school districts and does not mandate participation.

Authorizes the attorney general to approve certain state land acquisitions made for the purposes of land conservation, and to accept a title policy from a commercial insurer to cover any title defects that would otherwise render the title unmarketable.

Maddy summaryBill A 7407 permits public schools to utilize or display indigenous names for their extracurricular activities, such as sports teams. It defines "indigenous names" as those referring to indigenous persons, tribes, cultures, or traditions. The bill mandates the education commissioner to adopt regulations allowing this practice and to repeal any inconsistent rules. Notably, it does not prevent the commissioner from prohibiting public schools from using indigenous *logos or mascots*, distinct from names, except for classroom instruction.

Establishes the New York state first home grant program; directs the commissioner of homes and community renewal, in consultation with the state comptroller, to implement such program; provides assistance on behalf of a first time home buyer qualified for such program; and for costs in connection with the acquisition, involving an eligible mortgage loan, of an eligible home, including downpayment costs, closing costs, and costs to reduce the rates of interest on eligible mortgage loans; subsidies to make shared equity homes affordable to home buyers by discounting the price for which the home will be sold and to preserve the affordability of the home for subsequent home buyers; and pre-occupancy home modifications required to accommodate qualified home buyers or members of their household with disabilities; excludes the amount of any grant to any first time home buyer awarded or any federal first time home buyer grant program from taxable income for the purpose of calculating New York adjusted gross income.