Asm. Brian Miller

Requires instruction in arts and music education to be incorporated into curriculums for all public school students; requires school districts to ensure that appropriately certified teachers are providing such education; authorizes rules and regulations consistent with such provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates a $10 one-time service charge for veterans applying for special license plates in New York. It directly affects veterans of the U.S. armed forces who currently pay this additional fee when requesting veterans-themed license plates. The bill removes the $10 charge from multiple sections of the vehicle and traffic law, while maintaining the standard registration fee. Veterans will no longer pay this extra fee for these plates, though regular registration costs remain unchanged. The change applies to all existing veterans' plate programs covered by the amended law.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 4761) prohibits New York state agencies from contracting with entities that boycott certain U.S. allies, defined as NATO members, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Ireland, and other specified nations. It requires the commissioner to publish an annual list of boycotting entities and mandates contractors to certify they are not on this list when bidding for state contracts. Exemptions allow limited exceptions for past boycotts that ceased or for critical services essential to state operations. The law creates a formal process for entities to challenge their inclusion on the list and for agencies to enforce compliance through contract penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's Family Court Act to require courts to assign lawyers to petitioners (the person filing a custody case) in certain custody proceedings. Previously, court-appointed counsel was available only to respondents (the other party), but this change extends that right to petitioners in specified cases. The amendment applies specifically to proceedings under Part Three of Article Six of the Family Court Act. It ensures both sides in custody disputes can receive legal representation when the court determines it is necessary.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's family court procedures to tighten when youth court cases may be transferred to family court. It requires courts to deny such transfers if defendants caused serious injury, displayed weapons (including firearms), or committed certain sexual offenses as defined in criminal law. The bill repeals section 725.15 of the criminal procedure law and updates victim notification rules for dispositional hearings. These changes directly affect youth defendants, family courts, and prosecutors handling cases involving minors.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new tax deduction for taxpayers who pay for required college course supplies (like textbooks or lab materials). It allows a deduction equal to 25% of these expenses in 2001, increasing to 50% in 2002, 75% in 2003, and 100% for all years after 2003. The deduction applies only to taxpayers who do not claim a separate credit for college expenses under another tax provision. It directly affects college students' families or individuals who pay for these mandatory supplies out of pocket.

Directs the public service commission in consultation with NYSERDA to conduct a full cost benefit analysis of the technical and economic feasibility of renewable energy systems in the state of New York and to compare such directly with other methods of electricity generation within nine months after the effective date and every four years thereafter.

Relates to allowing a physically disabled surviving spouse who was married to an enhanced STAR qualifying individual to continue to receive the exemption even if the surviving spouse is not sixty-two years of age.

Relates to establishing the lump sum allocation advisory committee (Part A); relates to requiring transparency, identification and disclosure of certain appropriations (Part B); relates to withholding the salaries of the governor, agency commissioners and deputy commissioners for failing to meet certain reporting deadlines (Part C); relates to creating a tax rate reduction board to look at personal income tax and corporate franchise tax rates (Part D); relates to conducting an audit of all state economic development programs (Part E); relates to prohibiting certain political contributions by individuals appointed to entities that oversee lump sum appropriations (Part F); relates to prohibiting certain third party contracts (Part G).

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the public disclosure or publication of the home address or unpublished home telephone number of any active or retired judge or prosecutor, including their spouse or child. It creates two new criminal offenses: a misdemeanor for reckless disclosure (Section 250.61) and a felony for intentional disclosure (Section 250.62). Violators face civil penalties of at least $1,000 per violation, plus damages, attorney fees, and possible punitive damages under the new Civil Rights Law Section 50-h. The law applies to individuals, businesses, and associations sharing this information online or otherwise under circumstances likely to cause harassment or harm.