Asm. Steve Hawley

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.

Provides that a person convicted of murder in the first or second degree, or aggravated murder, in the death of a child who is less than thirteen years old shall be sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York State election law to require all appointed election commissioners to be U.S. citizens. It directly affects individuals seeking or holding election commissioner positions by adding citizenship as a mandatory qualification. The key provision updates Section 3-200 of the election law to explicitly prohibit non-citizens from serving in this role, alongside existing requirements like being a registered voter and not holding other public offices. The change applies immediately upon enactment.

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.

Relates to designating every government entity which issues licenses to carry, possess, repair and dispose of firearms as participating agencies for voter registration form distribution and assistance.

Creates the crime of stalking a police officer or peace officer when a person intentionally, and for no legitimate purpose, engages in a course of conduct directed at a specific police officer, peace officer or a person who they know or reasonably should know is a member of such officer's immediate family, and knows or reasonably should know that such conduct is likely to cause reasonable fear of material harm to the physical health, safety or property of such officer or member of such officer's immediate family; makes stalking a police officer or peace officer a class E felony; requires the posting of bail; makes related provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires registered sex offenders in New York to report changes to their employment address to the Division of Criminal Justice Services within 10 days, in addition to existing registration requirements. It mandates that law enforcement agencies notify specific vulnerable organizations (like schools, libraries, daycares, and nursing homes) about moderate-risk offenders (Level 2), including their workplace address and other relevant details. Offenders must pay a $10 fee each time they register a change to their address or employment status. The law applies directly to sex offenders required to register under New York's correction law, with the goal of improving public safety information sharing.

Establishes a distinctive plate honoring recipients of the Girl Scout Gold Award for which the regular registration fee will apply plus an initial one time service charge of $25.