Asm. Marianne Buttenschon

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Veteran Family Educational Attainment Act, allows New York State veterans who have unused tuition award benefits to transfer those funds to a spouse, child, or survivor. To qualify for the transfer, the veteran must have served at least ten years, unless they were discharged due to death, medical issues, hardship, or involuntary separation. The recipient must be a resident of the state and, if a child, must be under twenty-six years old. The legislation also defines specific terms for eligible family members and survivors, including conditions under which a spouse or child qualifies for the benefit.

Establishes the "recovery ready workplace act" which provides for the certification of an employer to become a recovery ready workplace; defines terms; establishes the recovery-ready workplace program; provides criteria for employers to obtain certification as a recovery ready workplace; provides for employee involvement.

Enacts "Melanie's law"; relates to orders of protection; allows courts to issue orders of protection for immediate family members or household members of the named victims, regardless of age.

Extends the time period for tenancy rights from 30 days to 45 days of possession; adds squatting to the definition of criminal trespass in the third degree.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commendation resolution that formally recognizes The Center for its Annual World Refugee Day Celebration held on June 20, 2024. It directly affects The Center and its Executive Director, Shelly Callahan, by acknowledging their efforts to assist refugees and immigrants in the Utica and Mohawk Valley areas. The resolution highlights the organization's work in helping newcomers achieve independence and notes the broader context of global refugee issues and U.S. history of supporting displaced individuals. As a procedural measure, the bill does not create new laws or policies but serves to honor the event and transmit a copy of the resolution to the organization's leadership.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that directs the New York State Legislature to pause its work on December 1, 2024, to officially recognize World AIDS Day. It aims to raise awareness about the global HIV/AIDS pandemic and highlights the ongoing impact of the disease within New York State. The measure does not create new laws or change policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to show solidarity with those affected by the epidemic.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates August 2024 as Karen American Heritage Month to honor the history and contributions of the Karen people in the United States. The resolution acknowledges the group's origins in Myanmar, their long history as refugees in Thailand, and their significant communities in states like Minnesota and New York. It highlights Karen cultural traditions, such as their New Year and Wrist Tying holidays, and recognizes their past support for Allied forces during World War II and the Vietnam War. The measure also notes the recent merger of Karen advocacy groups into the Karen Organization of America and directs a copy of the resolution to that organization.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows local governments in New York to exclude the costs of emergency medical services from the cap on their real property tax increases. By making this change, municipalities would have more flexibility to raise taxes specifically to fund emergency medical care without hitting the overall spending limit. The law is set to take effect for the 2025 fiscal year and will remain in force until June 15, 2030.

Directs the independent developmental disability ombudsman program to establish a service delivery structure based in New York state that includes a toll-free telephone hotline, an interactive website, and availability of in-person, telephone and email access to ombudsman program staff or volunteers; to provide assistance for navigating and completing processes; to assist individuals in filing and preparing appeals; to assist individuals with any problems encountered; and to educate individuals on their rights and responsibilities with respect to access to services provided by the office for people with developmental disabilities and care coordination provided by health homes serving individuals with developmental disabilities or services provided by other providers.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates New York as a "purple heart state," a symbolic title with no direct impact on laws or government operations. The legislation adds a single line to the state statutes to include this designation, which takes effect on January 1st of the following year. Because the change is purely commemorative and does not alter existing policies or affect specific groups, it serves as an honorary recognition rather than a functional policy update.