Asm. Jeff Gallahan

Authorizes courts to exercise discretion permitting a courthouse facility dog for use by witnesses to be used in any judicial proceeding; provides that courts with an available courthouse facility dog must allow a witness under eighteen years of age, or who has a developmental disability, to use a courthouse facility dog to accompany such person while testifying in court; allows any witness who does not meet the criteria of being under eighteen years of age or having a developmental disability to use a courthouse facility dog, if available, to accompany them while testifying in court; defines terms; makes related provisions.

Provides that where a pupil may be considered a dangerous threat to themself or others, such pupil may be suspended for no more than ten days prior to a hearing taking place to allow the school to have adequate time to make an evaluation on the pupil's mental health, which may include a psychiatric evaluation, and the risk of danger to others and to consult with law enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 5661) changes New York State's earned income credit (EIC) calculation for tax years starting in 2026, setting the applicable credit percentage at 45% for qualifying low-income taxpayers. It directly affects New York residents who claim the EIC, increasing their state credit amount. The bill includes a safeguard: if federal actions materially reduce New York's ability to use Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant funds for the EIC, the credit percentage would drop to 20% for affected years. The change applies to tax years beginning January 1, 2026, and requires state officials to certify any triggering federal event.

Requires that no applications, or the literature given therewith, shall be approved, distributed or used in any capacity if they contain an explicit written warning regarding ownership or use of a firearm.

Relates to permitting certain not-for-profit corporations engaged in engineering for certain conservation efforts to do business or provide professional engineering, land surveying, or professional geology services in the state.

Protects the identity of witnesses of hate crimes in discovery proceedings by requiring identifying information to be redacted, unless the court rules otherwise for good cause shown.

Increases the number of members on the farm laborers wage board from three to five; adds as members the commissioner of agriculture and markets and a member appointed by the Dean of the Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Enacts the "employment first choice act" to ensure that an individual with developmental disabilities in a nonintegrated setting shall have the right to remain in such a setting under certain circumstances.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes specific eligibility restrictions for Medicaid home care services in New York. It repeals a provision requiring individuals seeking home care to meet strict activity-of-daily-living criteria (like needing assistance with multiple tasks) or dementia-related supervision levels. The change directly affects Medicaid recipients needing home care services, particularly those with dementia or Alzheimer's who previously faced these barriers. The policy shift simplifies eligibility by eliminating these prior requirements for people applying on or after October 1, 2020. The bill modifies New York's social services law to broaden access to home care services under Medicaid.