Asm. Donna Lupardo

Authorizes the commissioner of environmental conservation to enter into contracts for the lease or use of state lands for the purpose of maple tree tapping and sap production for a term of up to, but not to exceed, ten years.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state law to rename the Young Farmer Advisory Board on Agriculture to the Beginning Farmer Advisory Board on Agriculture, thereby broadening its scope to include a wider range of early-career agricultural operators. The legislation expands the board's membership from twenty to twenty-five members and adjusts appointment processes to ensure representation from diverse sectors, including urban farming, veterans, underrepresented groups, and various service providers. Key provisions require the board to meet twice a year, produce biennial reports on policy issues affecting beginning farmers, and offer advice to state agencies on programs related to land access, capital, and economic development. The board members serve without salary but receive travel expense reimbursements, and the act takes effect immediately upon signing.

Provides that it shall be unlawful for any person to purchase, deal in, sell or rescue cattle, swine, horses, cervids, camelids, sheep, goats or poultry or to operate an auction where such animals are sold unless a valid domestic animal health permit is held.

Provides that a person may operate a fully autonomous vehicle on the public roads of this state without a human driver provided that the automated driving system is engaged and the vehicle meets certain conditions; defines terms; requires insurance and that such vehicle is registered as a fully autonomous vehicle; makes related provisions.

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 requires sex offenders to list specific online information when registering with the state, including their internet accounts and the websites they use. It also mandates that offenders update their registration within ten days if they change their address, employment status, or any of their online identifiers. The law includes a $10 fee for submitting these updates, though failing to pay the fee does not prevent the state from accepting the new information. These changes aim to improve the accuracy of public records by ensuring online activity is tracked alongside physical locations.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes permanent a provision within the volunteer firefighters' benefit law that covers disabilities caused by heart disease or malfunctioning coronary arteries. By extending the existing temporary coverage, which was set to expire in June 2025, the legislation ensures that volunteer firefighters who suffer these specific health issues remain eligible for benefits indefinitely. The law applies only to injuries that occur after the bill takes effect and does not change the fundamental rules for how these benefits are calculated or awarded.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows school districts and boards of cooperative educational services to create special reserve funds specifically for paying other post-employment benefits, such as healthcare, that employees are entitled to after leaving their jobs. The legislation defines these benefits and permits these entities to fund the reserves through budget appropriations, taxes, or transfers from existing funds, provided a public hearing is held before moving money. It also requires strict financial reporting and prohibits governing board members from using the funds for any purpose other than covering these specific post-employment obligations. Additionally, the bill repeals two existing legal sections and amends education law provisions regarding how costs are allocated to certain school districts.

Provides a deduction in determining personal income tax for the cost of textbooks at a New York private or public college or university by a taxpayer or such taxpayer's eligible dependent; defines "eligible dependent" and "qualified education expenses".

Maddy summaryThis bill allows bed and breakfasts in New York to sell alcoholic beverages such as cider, liquor, beer, and wine directly to customers on their licensed premises. The legislation amends existing alcohol control laws to enable producers like breweries, wineries, and distilleries to operate a bed and breakfast at or near their production site and sell their own products for on-site consumption. Additionally, the bill permits these establishments to apply for licenses to sell other types of alcoholic beverages beyond what they manufacture. This change expands the types of businesses that can legally operate as both a lodging facility and a retail alcohol seller within the same location.