Asm. Dave DiPietro

Prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for confronting an individual to prevent a theft or the unlawful taking of goods, wares, or merchandise; does not prohibit employers from training or re-training employees on policies against confrontation of theft.

Provides that state departments, offices, agencies, and authorities are prohibited from imposing any fees, surcharges, or taxes that have not been approved by the state legislature.

Relates to being a good samaritan; adds "reasonable intervention" as a reason to be protected from liability; provides that a person may use physical force when and to the extent that such person reasonably believes that reasonable intervention is necessary to maintain order, but may use deadly physical force only when such person reasonably believes that reasonable intervention is necessary to prevent death or serious physical injury; appropriates $500,000 for public service announcements and community-based training programs aimed at educating people about the legal protections and responsibilities of being a good samaritan.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 547) reduces the exemption threshold for small-scale breeders operating from residential premises. It changes the limit from selling fewer than 25 animals per year to fewer than 15 animals per year under both Agriculture and Markets Law and General Business Law. The key provision directly affects hobbyist breeders who currently qualify for an exemption but would now face stricter regulation if they exceed 15 annual sales. This amendment updates existing definitions without altering broader licensing requirements.

Repeals certain provisions establishing a fee for background checks on certain firearm and ammunition purchases; removes such fees as a source of funds for the background check fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires retailers to clearly label specific perishable and packaged foods with two dates: a "safety date" (indicating the last safe consumption date) and a "quality date" (indicating the last recommended consumption date). It applies to common products like eggs, high-moisture baked goods (e.g., breads, cakes), dairy items (e.g., yogurt, cheese, milk), and other refrigerated foods. Retailers must display both dates on the container, and state health and agriculture officials will create detailed rules for how these labels appear. The law takes effect 180 days after enactment.

Prohibits statewide elected officers and certain appointed officers from receiving compensation for any book or other published work written during the course of their term of service.

Prohibits the use of state funds for non-residents seeking an abortion or any other procedure that results in the intentional termination of a pregnancy at any stage of gestation.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new tax deduction for taxpayers who pay for required college course supplies (like textbooks or lab materials). It allows a deduction equal to 25% of these expenses in 2001, increasing to 50% in 2002, 75% in 2003, and 100% for all years after 2003. The deduction applies only to taxpayers who do not claim a separate credit for college expenses under another tax provision. It directly affects college students' families or individuals who pay for these mandatory supplies out of pocket.

Provides that dental insurance coverage shall include coverage for night guards; defines dental night guards; provides that dental night guards shall be covered under Medicaid.