Asm. Demond Meeks

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 106) increases monthly financial standards for public assistance eligibility and home energy grants in New York State. It doubles the current monthly need standards for households (e.g., a single-person household jumps from $158 to $316) and home energy grants (e.g., from $14.10 to $28.20) starting July 1, 2025, for all public assistance recipients. The bill also establishes annual cost-of-living adjustments based on federal Social Security data. These changes directly affect low-income individuals and families receiving state public assistance benefits.

Relates to the use of antipsychotic medications in nursing homes; imposes limits as to time and documentation; requires informed consent under certain circumstances.

Maddy summaryBill A 8326 expands vehicle registration options for severely disabled individuals by allowing their parents or guardians to register a motor vehicle, van, or pick-up truck used for transportation. The Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner will issue special "disabled person passenger plates" for these non-commercial vehicles. Applicants must provide proof of the person's severe disability, certified by a medical professional, and documentation of their parenthood or guardianship. This ensures that vehicles used by parents or guardians for transporting severely disabled persons can receive appropriate identification.

Moves from the Office of Court Administration (OCA) to the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) responsibility for certifying, establishing and implementing standards for pretrial services agencies of the state.

Relates to creating a separate tax on inheritance income, creating a separate tax on gift income, the computation of the estate tax, and creating a gift tax.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes a lifetime ban preventing people convicted of felonies from serving on juries. It amends state law to no longer disqualify individuals based on past felony convictions, meaning former felons could be summoned for jury duty. However, it maintains that people currently incarcerated for felonies remain excused from service while in prison. The law would take effect 180 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits out-of-pocket costs for physical and occupational therapy by capping co-payments at 20% of the total reimbursement paid to the provider. It directly affects insured individuals who use these services under group health, accident, or health insurance plans. The key provision requires all such policies to comply with the 20% co-payment limit, regardless of whether therapy is provided by a physician or a licensed therapist. This applies to services covered under physician referrals and replaces previous higher co-payment thresholds.

Authorizes the city of Rochester to adopt a local law requiring a member of the police force in such city to be a resident of Rochester subsequent to the effective date of such local law.

Establishes procedures regarding orders of post-termination visitation and/or contact between a child and such child's parent and for modification of such orders.

Maddy summaryBill A 7308 establishes a tax credit for producers of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) sold in the state for flights departing within the state. Starting January 1, 2025, producers can claim $1 per gallon, increasing by two cents for each additional one percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions above 50%, up to a maximum of $2 per gallon. To be eligible, producers must obtain a certificate from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). The bill defines SAF as liquid fuel derived from renewable or waste sources, excluding palm or petroleum, that achieves at least a 50% lifecycle greenhouse gas emission reduction. The total amount of tax credits issued annually is capped at $30 million, and any credit exceeding a taxpayer's liability will be refunded.