Rep. Andrew Molitor

Directs NYSERDA to issue a request for proposals to identify cities, towns, or villages that are interested in participating in municipal-level energy efficiency and weatherization pilot projects to help decrease residential energy usage and reduce future capital costs for utilities; directs NYSERDA to identify three pilot areas focusing on the ability to replicate projects elsewhere and the costs and benefits to ratepayers both in the affected area and in the rest of the utility service territory.

Establishes a fiscal cliff task force to conduct a study on fiscal cliffs in the state's public assistance programs and to make recommendations related thereto.

Gives state income tax credit to volunteer firefighters and members of a volunteer ambulance corps in good standing up to $2500; must be in good standing for a minimum of five years and maintain continued eligibility.

Includes retirement plans in the exemption for pensions and annuities for certain persons; increases such exemption to one hundred thousand dollars as adjusted by the consumer price index annually.

Provides that no individual or entity shall be charged a central business district toll during any period of strike by an employee organization, work stoppage or declared state of emergency that causes a stoppage for more than twenty-four hours or significant delays of any metropolitan transportation authority, metro north commuter railroad, New York city transit authority, or Long Island railroad services.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates uniformed court officers employed by the town of Busti (in Chautauqua County) as peace officers under New York law. It amends the criminal procedure law to formally grant them this status for duties in Busti's justice court. A key provision specifies these officers cannot carry, possess, or dispose of firearms without a valid license under the penal law, maintaining existing firearm regulations. The bill focuses on clarifying their legal authority without altering broader law enforcement powers.

Permits appeals to the department of family assistance to be conducted by means of a conference telephone, video conference or similar communications systems with and by independent hearing officers.

Directs the superintendent of financial services to conduct a comprehensive study on mandatory health insurance coverage benefits within the state as compared to other states and the impacts of removing such requirements.

Creates the New York health benefit and cost commission to review and report on utilization rates, public and patient health effects, and impact on premiums and access to health care and health coverage of all existing and proposed mandated health benefits.

Requires regulating bodies provide businesses with notice of new rules and regulations within sixty days of such rule or regulation being filed with the secretary of state; provides businesses are given one hundred eighty days to comply with any such rules or regulations.