Asm. Robert Smullen

Relates to providing education and outreach programs related to home visiting programs which provide support for pregnant and parenting families, and have been proven to improve outcomes for mothers, infants, and families; provides that such information shall include information on services available from such programs, eligibility, and relevant contact information.

Prohibits electric, gas, telephone, cellular telephone, television, internet, energy, water services or any other utility providers from imposing additional fees related to administrative surcharges, fees for non-use or any other charges to customers living at their primary residence who are over sixty-five years of age or who have a developmental disability.

Directs the commissioner of education, in consultation with the office of fire prevention and control, to develop model curriculum related to fire science for use by public high schools and boards of cooperative educational services throughout the state.

Authorizes school districts to establish reserve funds for special services or programs upon approval by the board of education of such district in an amount not to exceed 10% of other reserve funds of the district.

Maddy summaryBill A 3631 allows New York schools to use state or local funds to purchase whole or reduced-fat New York milk (defined as milk produced, processed, and distributed within New York State) for student meals or sales. It requires the Education Commissioner to notify schools about the provision and mandates a report after two years tracking school participation, milk consumption changes, and state promotion efforts. The bill expires if federal school lunch rules change to permit whole/reduced-fat milk generally or if updated federal dietary guidelines allow it. This policy directly affects public schools in New York seeking to support local dairy producers through school meal programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York school districts to purchase or lease only zero-emission school buses (electric or hydrogen-powered with no tailpipe emissions) when buying new vehicles by July 2027. It also mandates that all components and final assembly of these buses and their charging infrastructure must be made in the U.S. unless a waiver is granted for cost or feasibility reasons. Districts facing financial hardship may receive up to two years to comply after a cost-benefit analysis, and the law includes protections preventing workforce displacement for transportation employees during the transition. The full transition to zero-emission school buses must be completed by July 2047, or when all state vehicle fleets meet this standard, whichever comes later.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows home-schooled children residing in a school district to participate in that district's interscholastic sports and driver's education programs. It requires home-schooled students to meet all standard course or activity requirements and pay any applicable fees. The law applies only to districts offering these specific programs, and students cannot simultaneously attend another school within the same district. This change directly affects home-schooled students seeking athletic or driver's education opportunities in their residential district.

Provides for instruction in food and agriculture in schools using a curriculum established by the commissioner of education in consultation with the commissioner of agriculture and markets.

Requires the education department, in consultation with the department of health, to develop and adopt a comprehensive fentanyl education, awareness, and recognition program for all public, charter, and private schools in the state.

Exempts volunteers in recreational activities, including but not limited to, little league coaches, managers, assistants and members of the board of directors from civil liability while providing services or rendering assistance to a player or participant as a result of such volunteer's acts of commission or omission arising out of or in the course of rendering such services or assistance during competitive games and practices.