Asm. John Lemondes

Establishes a 13 member veteran suicide mortality review board to serve as the statewide entity responsible for the multidisciplinary review of suicide deaths among veterans by identifying trends and systemic factors contributing to veteran suicide; assessing gaps in services, access to care, and institutional practices; developing evidence-based recommendations for prevention and policy improvement; and promoting collaboration among relevant state, local, and federal agencies.

Provides that for taxable years beginning on and after January first, two thousand twenty-six, a resident taxpayer who serves as an active volunteer firefighter or as a volunteer ambulance worker shall be allowed a credit against the tax imposed equal to eight hundred dollars; provides for a real property tax exemption under certain circumstances to an enrolled member of an incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department or incorporated voluntary ambulance service residing in such city, village, town, school district, special district, fire district or county.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the New York Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, an official state agency composed of 11 members appointed by the governor. At least six members must be deaf or hard of hearing (including one fluent in a sign language other than ASL), while the remaining five represent community organizations, experts, or agencies working with this community. The commission will coordinate state services, monitor accessibility programs, provide educational resources, and submit annual reports to the governor and legislature. It directly affects all deaf and hard of hearing New Yorkers, including children, adults, and seniors, by establishing a dedicated body to advocate for their needs and improve service delivery.

Requires certain labeling to be used to indicate the safety dates and quality dates of food products; requires the department of agriculture and markets to educate consumers about such provisions.

Provides that no individual or entity shall be charged a central business district toll during any period of strike by an employee organization, work stoppage or declared state of emergency that causes a stoppage for more than twenty-four hours or significant delays of any metropolitan transportation authority, metro north commuter railroad, New York city transit authority, or Long Island railroad services.

Provides for distinctive license plates for gold star family members; eliminates the registration fee for gold star parent and gold star family member distinctive license plates.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2628) establishes a dedicated state fund to provide bullet-proof vests for police officers and canine units. It creates a new "bullet-proof vests for officers fund" managed by the state comptroller, funded through voluntary taxpayer contributions added to income tax returns (starting 2026), existing transfers, and gifts. The fund specifically allocates money to the Division of Criminal Justice Services for purchasing vests, which are distributed at the commissioner’s discretion following statewide guidelines. The bill does not mandate taxes but allows taxpayers to donate directly via their state tax forms, with all funds restricted solely to this purpose.

Directs the superintendent of financial services to conduct a comprehensive study on mandatory health insurance coverage benefits within the state as compared to other states and the impacts of removing such requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New York's First Home Savings Program, creating tax-advantaged savings accounts for first-time home buyers. It directly affects New York residents who have never owned a primary residence (including those with mobile homes but excluding those who claimed home tax deductions), allowing them to save for purchasing a home in the state. Key provisions include tax incentives under state law, strict rules defining "first-time buyer" status, and requirements that funds be used only for qualified home purchases (houses, condos, or co-ops) within New York as a primary residence. Withdrawals for non-qualified purposes face penalties, while exceptions exist for death, emergencies, or military service. The program is managed by the state comptroller and requires accounts to be held at approved financial institutions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York's state comptroller to conduct financial audits of all public works projects funded by the state when a contractor is convicted or found liable for specific theft or fraud violations. It directly affects contractors (including subcontractors and affiliated entities) working on state-funded projects who are convicted under certain laws related to wage theft, insurance fraud, or labor law violations. The comptroller must audit all such projects the contractor managed after a conviction for offenses listed in the insurance law, penal law (wage theft, fraud), workers' compensation law, or labor law. The law takes immediate effect and aims to ensure public funds are properly accounted for when contractors face legal consequences for financial misconduct.