Asm. Ken Blankenbush

Prohibits public employers from diminishing health insurance benefits provided to retirees and their dependents or the contributions such employer makes for such health insurance coverage below the level of such benefits or contributions made on behalf of such retirees and dependents by the public employer as of December 31, 2021.

Maddy summaryThis bill lowers the sales tax on tickets for combative sports events in the state from 8.5% to 3%. It directly affects organizers of events such as mixed martial arts, kickboxing, and other fighting competitions, while explicitly excluding professional or amateur boxing, sparring, and wrestling. The law also reduces the tax on revenue from broadcasting and digital streaming for these events to 3%, with a cap of $50,000 per match. These changes apply immediately to any taxes collected on or after the bill's effective date.

Adds xylazine to the depressants designated as controlled substances with the exception of use in cattle or other nonhuman species if approved by the federal food and drug administration.

Requires a premises license issued by the department of taxation and finance for businesses retailing certain smoking products and paraphernalia; directs the department to issue regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill introduces two main changes to state financial management: it sets a limit on how much government spending can grow each year and raises the maximum amount the state can save in its rainy day fund. The spending growth cap is calculated based on the average inflation rate of the previous three years, meaning the governor cannot propose a budget that increases spending by more than this percentage unless a declared emergency allows for a special two-thirds vote to override the limit. Additionally, the bill increases the maximum capacity of the rainy day fund to twenty percent of the projected general fund disbursements, allowing the state to set aside more money for future financial emergencies. These measures directly affect the governor, the legislature, and the state comptroller by restricting budget proposals and altering how much money can be transferred to the reserve fund.

Provides that no policy of group accident, group health or group accident and health shall impose copayments for physical or occupational therapy greater than the copay for similar services provided by a physician.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the direct shipment of liquor, cider, mead, and braggot across state lines into New York, expanding on existing rules that already allow wine to be shipped directly to consumers. To participate, out-of-state distilleries must obtain a specific license from the state authority, pay an annual fee, and agree to ship no more than thirty-six cases per year to residents who are at least twenty-one years old. The legislation requires strict safety measures, including age verification at delivery, clear labeling on shipping containers, and the maintenance of detailed records for tax and audit purposes. Additionally, the bill establishes that these sales are subject to New York state and local taxes, ensuring that revenue is collected at the point of delivery.

Increases the applicable percentage of the child tax credit allowed in the empire state child tax credit from thirty-three percent to forty-five percent; prescribes how such payment or refund should be made based on amount.

Includes retirement plans in the exemption for pensions and annuities for certain persons; increases such exemption to one hundred thousand dollars as adjusted by the consumer price index annually.

Establishes the rural suicide prevention council to identify barriers to mental health and substance use treatment and prevention services and other policies, practices, resources, services, and potential legislation that aim to reduce death by suicide and suicide attempts and acknowledge the demographic and cultural differences in rural communities; makes related provisions.