Asm. Anna Kelles

Enacts the tropical rainforest economic & environmental sustainability act requiring that companies contracting with the state do not contribute to tropical forest degradation or deforestation directly or through their supply chains; establishes the supply chain transparency assistance program to assist small and medium-sized businesses and minority and women-owned businesses in achieving compliant supply chains.

Allows defendants to respond to appearance tickets for certain local violations, including a violation of a local zoning ordinance or local zoning law or of a building or sanitation code, by mail; establishes procedures for such plea by mail.

Imposes an excise tax on any taxpayer engaged in the trade or business of digital asset mining; provides that taxes, interest, and penalties collected or received from such taxes shall be used for prompt assistance to utility customers enrolled in energy affordability programs.

Requires certain information to be included on labeling of native plant seeds for sale or distribution in New York state; requires the commissioner of agriculture and markets to promulgate certain requirements for labeling of native plant seeds; makes related provisions.

Enacts the drinking water protection act, relating to the adoption and enforcement of watershed rules and regulations for the purpose of protecting water quality.

Establishes the healthy and safe students act; requires comprehensive sexuality instruction for students in grades K-12 which includes a model curricula for comprehensive sexuality education and at a minimum conforms to the content and scope of national sexuality education standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows taxpayers to deduct interest paid on qualified student loans from their federal adjusted gross income (AGI). It directly affects individuals with student loan debt who itemize deductions or meet specific income thresholds. The key provision adds a new tax law section requiring this deduction, aligning with existing federal rules under 26 USC § 221. The change applies to taxable years beginning January 1, 2026, and would reduce taxable income for eligible borrowers.

Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding; authorizes the department to compile and make publicly available guidance and reference material related to consideration of complete street design.

Requires the preparation and dissemination of written materials regarding child access prevention and the safe storage of firearms; establishes such information shall be provided to students and/or persons in a parental relationship to such students at the beginning of each semester or quarter of the regular school year beginning on and after July 1, 2026.

Enacts the "Big Five African Trophies Act" relating to banning the importation, transportation and possession of certain African wildlife species and products.