Asm. Ken Blankenbush

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amending the state constitution to allow municipalities to authorize specific games of chance (like bingo or lotto) operated exclusively by legitimate religious, charitable, or veteran non-profit organizations. It requires all net earnings from these games to fund the organization's lawful purposes only, prohibits non-members from managing operations, and limits single prizes to $250 and total prizes per event to $1,000. Municipalities cannot create their own rules for these games - state legislation must govern them strictly to prevent commercial gambling and ensure funds are used appropriately. The proposal must be approved by voters and passed by the legislature before taking effect.

Limits the power of the legislature to amend a redistricting plan submitted by the independent redistricting commission where it affects more than two percent of the population of any district contained in such plan.

Authorizes the sale of consumer fireworks in the state; allows fireworks to be sold between May and December; requires compliance with certain requirements regarding registration and facilities; imposes a tax on the sale of fireworks.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows workers to deduct cash tips they receive from their New York state income tax. It specifically applies to cash tips classified as wages under federal tax law (like those from servers or bartenders who collect cash). The deduction covers tips received during the taxable year, reducing the worker's taxable income. The change would take effect for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.

Requires insurers to provide insurance coverage for treatment of rare diseases, life-threatening conditions or diseases, degenerative and disabling conditions, or diagnoses involving medically fragile children, by a provider of the patient's choice.

Enacts the regional equity in policy implementation act; establishes a regional impact assessment framework; requires a ten-point regional impact test for statewide climate, energy, and infrastructure policies.

Provides expanded enrollment through New York state of health through tax returns, and allows for enrollment through the New York state of health at any time for first-time enrollees.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New York's state health insurance marketplace to award annual grants to organizations that help residents apply for health insurance. It creates three specific grant programs: funding certified navigators (who assist individuals), community enrollment programs, and certifying licensed insurance agents to help low-income residents and small businesses. Priority funding is directed to New York City and counties with uninsured rates above the state average for people earning under 400% of the federal poverty level. The grants must follow federal rules and require annual state budget appropriations.

Permits the possession and use of devices that silence, suppress, or muffle the sound or natural report of a firearm when the firearm is discharged, provided the host firearm to which the device is attached is allowed and is a rifle that is manually operated by a bolt.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 4163) expands existing New York firearm licenses to allow licensed holders to carry firearms openly in public, in addition to concealed carry. It directly affects current license holders who previously could only carry concealed, removing restrictions based on employment or location (e.g., carrying openly at work or public events). The key provision amends the penal law to explicitly include "carry openly or concealed" under license terms, while still requiring compliance with state and federal laws. The change takes effect on November 1, 2025, after necessary rule updates are finalized.