Asm. John Lemondes

Expands health care services provided by telehealth to include services delivered through a facility licensed under article twenty-eight of the public health law that is eligible to be designated or has received a designation as a federally qualified health center, including those facilities that are also licensed under article thirty-one or article thirty-two of the mental hygiene law.

Adds to the penalties for the underage use of cannabis the office of cannabis management contacting the person's parents and/or guardians and such person and their parents and/or guardians attending a cannabis diversion program.

Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts how New York State calculates foundation aid for public school districts with eight or more teachers that are classified as "high need" based on specific wealth and need criteria. It modifies the formula used to determine the state's share of funding, changing how the "combined wealth ratio" (a measure of district wealth) affects the state funding percentage. School districts meeting both the size requirement (8+ teachers) and high-need status - determined by prior state calculations like the SA0708 or SA1314 listings - will see their foundation aid amounts recalculated under this revised formula. The change directly affects eligible school districts' state funding allocations without creating new eligibility categories.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax-advantaged savings program for farmers. It allows qualified farmers to deduct cash contributions to special "farm savings accounts" from their taxable income, with contributions limited to their farming income for the year. The accounts are tax-exempt while active, but funds withdrawn for non-farm purposes incur a 15% surcharge. Accounts automatically end if the farmer stops farming, requiring the balance to be taxed as income. The program directly affects individual farmers and farm businesses seeking tax benefits for farm sustainability investments.

Maddy summaryBill A 7407 permits public schools to utilize or display indigenous names for their extracurricular activities, such as sports teams. It defines "indigenous names" as those referring to indigenous persons, tribes, cultures, or traditions. The bill mandates the education commissioner to adopt regulations allowing this practice and to repeal any inconsistent rules. Notably, it does not prevent the commissioner from prohibiting public schools from using indigenous *logos or mascots*, distinct from names, except for classroom instruction.

Authorizes counties to lease county land for natural gas exploration, development and production for five years or as long as gas is produced in paying quantities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that batteries used in electric-assist bicycles and electric scooters must be tested and approved by specific accredited laboratories, such as Underwriters Laboratories or labs meeting international ISO/IEC standards. It mandates that these batteries display a certification seal from an approved lab, including those accredited under ISO/IEC 17025 or participating in the OSHA NRTL program. The law directly affects battery manufacturers and sellers of e-bikes and e-scooters, who must ensure compliance before selling or using these devices. The requirement takes effect immediately upon passage.

Permits local boards of education to enter into contracts with a drive-sharing network of persons for reimbursement of transportation expenses for the conveyance of pupils residing in such school districts; authorizes the commissioner of education to promulgate any necessary rules and regulations; outlines certain requirements to which the local board of education shall adhere; makes related provisions.

Requires the state pay taxes on the assessed value of properties of closed state prisons until such prison is reopened, used by another state agency, or is conveyed to a non-governmental entity.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows female veterans (or their spouses) to request a special license plate displaying "Female Veteran" from the state Department of Motor Vehicles. To qualify, applicants must prove veteran status and pay a one-time $10 fee on top of regular registration costs. The plate cannot be issued to a spouse if the veteran already has one. The state will produce these plates only if 200 or more requests are received within two years, or after providing a $6,000 surety bond.