Asm. Josh Jensen

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the state constitution to establish clear rules for filling vacancies in federal elected offices, primarily affecting U.S. House and Senate seats. It requires special elections for House vacancies occurring before July 1st of the final year of a term, to be held 70-80 days after the governor’s proclamation, and specifies that Senate vacancies must be filled by temporary appointment until a designated date (e.g., January 3rd following the next even-numbered year). If a special election isn’t held as required, the vacancy is filled at the next general election. These changes ensure consistent timelines for federal office vacancies while aligning with existing election schedules.

Provides for initiative and referendum in New York State for the People as electors to propose or reject laws and submit amendments to the state constitution.

Requires the filling of vacancies in the office of lieutenant-governor be done subject to confirmation by a two-thirds vote in the senate and a two-thirds vote in the assembly.

Prohibits the governor, the legislature and state agencies from imposing residential housing zoning requirements on local governments without approval from the local government.

Relates to the qualification of voters; provides that a citizen who is seventeen years of age at the time of a primary election and who will be eighteen years of age at the time of the general election for which such primary election is held, shall be eligible to vote in such primary election.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows certain New York corporations already practicing engineering or land surveying before 1935 to add professional geology to their services. To do so, they must amend their corporate charters by December 31, 2028, to include geology as a purpose and have at least one licensed geologist serving as a director or officer. The bill requires these companies to comply with all existing geology practice laws and regulations. It specifically affects legacy engineering and surveying firms seeking to expand their professional services into geology.

Permits the principal of any high school to allow any local fire department, upon request, to enter the school for the purpose of fire department junior recruitment, including, but not limited to: making presentations; disseminating literature; and answering questions by students.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows workers to deduct cash tips they receive from their New York state income tax. It specifically applies to cash tips classified as wages under federal tax law (like those from servers or bartenders who collect cash). The deduction covers tips received during the taxable year, reducing the worker's taxable income. The change would take effect for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.

Establishes the "stop online predators act"; requires operators of covered platforms to conduct age verification to determine whether a user is a covered minor; requires operators of covered platforms to utilize certain default privacy settings for covered minors; requires operators of covered platforms to require parental approval of certain activity related to a covered minor's covered platform account.

Relates to the general powers and duties of the canal corporation; requires the canal corporation to cause the locks and lift bridges of the canal system to be operated May first through November fifteenth annually; requires the canal corporation to maintain and preserve the Erie Canal's historic resources; permits certain usage of the canal system's state drydocks, travel lifts, and other facilities for commercial boat companies.