Asm. Josh Jensen

Maddy summaryBill A 4600 aims to strengthen the financial viability of facilities providing prekindergarten services in New York. Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, it modifies how state grants are calculated for school districts, providing funds based on the number of three- and four-year-old pupils served, with a base amount of $6,400 per full-day equivalent pupil, adjusted annually for inflation. The bill also increases the percentage of grant funds school districts must set aside for collaborative efforts with community-based organizations from 10% to 15%. Additionally, it mandates the establishment of equivalent standards for teacher-to-student ratios and class sizes across all prekindergarten programs, whether administered by school districts or partner agencies.

Prohibits the acquisition of real property by foreign countries and entities of particular concern as well as citizens, companies, entities, and members of such countries and entities.

Provides that on and after April first, two thousand twenty-five, the department of health shall reimburse municipalities in an amount of sixty-six percent or more for the costs of early intervention services; directs the commissioner of health to review rates of reimbursement for early intervention services.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires a custodial parent (the parent with primary physical custody of a child) to inform the non-custodial parent (the other parent) if the custodial parent lives with a registered sex offender. It directly affects parents involved in custody arrangements where one parent shares a household with a sex offender. The key provision mandates that the custodial parent must disclose this specific information to the non-custodial parent upon request or as part of standard custody communication. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment, creating a clear disclosure requirement without altering existing legal standards for sex offender registration or custody enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires teachers instructing students in kindergarten through grade five in literacy to obtain a special literacy certification. New teachers certified after January 1, 2027, must get this certification within three years of receiving their license, while current teachers must obtain it by January 1, 2030. To earn the certification, teachers must complete science-based reading training, coursework, and pass an assessment covering foundational reading skills, effective materials use, and interventions for struggling readers - including those with dyslexia. School districts may grant exemptions based on classroom observations and student achievement data demonstrating equivalent literacy teaching knowledge.

Includes physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, respiratory therapists, respiratory therapy technicians, and recreational therapists within the existing statutory staffing standards for nursing homes.

Establishes a sales tax exemption for certain products purchased for less than five hundred dollars commencing on the fourth Friday in November and ending on the twenty-sixth day of December.

Includes active duty military and certain veterans going to college under the new GI bill in the definition of resident as it relates to community colleges and state-aided four-year colleges.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New York state government agencies and their contractors from selling or sharing residents' personal data with third parties. It defines "personal information" broadly to include names, addresses, biometrics, and online identifiers, while allowing limited sharing for legitimate government purposes like public safety or services. Agencies must notify individuals when sharing data and ensure contractors cannot use the data for commercial purposes. The law does not apply to private companies, focusing solely on government data handling. It creates new rules for data protection within state operations, effective after legislative approval.