Asm. Paul Bologna

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new statewide program allowing local communities in New York to form regional partnerships to design their own broadband expansion plans, replacing the previous state-managed approach. It directly affects residents in areas with inadequate internet speeds (under 25 Mbps) and local governments like counties, cities, and towns. The program provides state funding for infrastructure projects like fiber networks or mobile hotspots, with local groups selecting internet service providers. The state will review plans to ensure full coverage for all residents in each region, prioritizing access over speed or reliability.

Establishes the New York state local emergency services account; provides reimbursement for expenses incurred related to procurement of any equipment including radio and communication items, apparatus, vehicles including snowmobiles, all terrain vehicles, and boats, goods or services related to the renovation of any buildings, and personal protective equipment.

Directs the public service commission to evaluate hydrogen, sewage thermal energy, and nuclear small modular reactors as renewable energy sources and report the results of such evaluation to the governor and the legislature.

Requires instruction in arts and music education to be incorporated into curriculums for all public school students; requires school districts to ensure that appropriately certified teachers are providing such education; authorizes rules and regulations consistent with such provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit for New York employers who hire qualifying young workers. It allows employers to get reimbursed up to $1.35 per hour for each hour worked by employees aged 16-19 who are students and paid at or slightly above New York's minimum wage (up to 50 cents over the rate). The credit amount varies by year, and it adjusts if the federal minimum wage increases above 85% of New York's rate. The credit applies to tax years beginning January 1, 2025, and affects businesses employing eligible young students in New York State.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state agencies spending over $100 million annually to undergo mandatory audits for overpayments, such as duplicate payments, missed vendor discounts, or incorrect charges like late fees or shipping costs. The comptroller will hire auditors who can recover funds and earn fees based on recovered amounts, while protecting confidential information. Agencies must provide necessary financial data for audits, and recovered money must be returned to the state or federal programs as appropriate. The comptroller must report audit findings to the governor and legislature annually.

Directs the public service commission in consultation with NYSERDA to conduct a full cost benefit analysis of the technical and economic feasibility of renewable energy systems in the state of New York and to compare such directly with other methods of electricity generation within nine months after the effective date and every four years thereafter.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides veterans (and certain other groups, including the blind, non-ambulatory individuals, amputees, and Gold Star families) with free access to state-owned cabins, cottages, and public recreation areas. It removes fees for these specific users, allowing them to use these facilities under the same terms as the general public but without payment. The key limitation is a 14-day annual cap on cabin and cottage use. The policy applies immediately to all state parks and recreation sites covered by the amended law.

Permits contracts for the purchase of rock salt or sodium chloride mined or hand harvested in Canada to be awarded as if such rock salt or sodium chloride was mined or hand harvested in the United States.

Repeals provisions of law relating to providing that one hundred percent of in-state sales of new passenger cars and trucks shall be zero-emissions by two thousand thirty-five.