Asm. John Lemondes

Establishes the New York state rural mobile communications fund to provide grants for the purpose of increasing cellular service in low- to no-coverage areas.

Prohibits state funding of any degree-granting institution of higher education if such institution permits terrorist organizations or activities in support of such organizations on campus; prohibits any student group or organization of receiving funding from the degree-granting institution if such group or organization directly or indirectly promotes, encourages, advocates, or engages in any terrorist advocacy or activities on campus.

Establishes the organized militia as public employees working group to examine the potential costs and benefits of designating members of the New York state organized militia as public employees.

Maddy summaryThis bill suspends employer contributions to the interest assessment surcharge fund until December 31, 2027. It directly affects employers who would otherwise pay into this fund. To cover costs during the suspension, the bill appropriates $500 million from the Economic Uncertainties Fund to pay federal unemployment interest accrued under the Social Security Act. The suspension and funding mechanism are set to expire automatically on December 31, 2027.

Establishes a training wage equal to eighty-five percent of the state minimum wage or one hundred percent of the federal minimum wage, whichever is greater, that may be paid to a youth who has no prior job experience; provides that no youth may be paid a training wage for more than one hundred eighty days.

Requires residents of the state, who are foreign refugees, to register with the office of temporary and disability assistance; directs such office to provide registration information to the office of children and family services, the department of health, the office for new Americans, the department of law, the division of state police, the NYC police department, county sheriff's offices, municipal police departments, and the division of homeland security and emergency services; directs the office for new Americans to conduct background screenings of all refugees who register; requires refugee resettlement agencies to submit quarterly reports to the bureau of refugee and immigrant assistance on the refugees to whom it provides assistance, and to monitor the activities of such refugees for a certain period of time; directs the division of homeland security and emergency services to develop and implement a plan to ensure compliance by refugee resettlement agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the methodology for calculating education funding by replacing outdated references to the 2000 census with current data sources. It revises definitions of "census count" and "poverty rate" to use the most recent federal decennial census data and a three-year average of small area income estimates, rather than relying solely on a single-year census. School districts, particularly those classified as "high-need" based on student poverty levels, will have their state education funding recalculated using these updated metrics. The change ensures funding formulas reflect more current socioeconomic conditions in communities. The bill takes effect April 1 following enactment.

Relates to licenses to carry and possess firearms for police officers; authorizes police officers to apply for a firearms license that is valid throughout the state.

Establishes a supplemental household and dependent care credit payment for taxpayers who are eligible for certain household and dependent care services necessary for gainful employment.

Establishes the "Purple Star School Program" to assist military-connected students and to recognize the value of military service and civic responsibility.