Asm. John Mikulin

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.

Eliminates provisions exempting employees with disabilities from the minimum wage law; provides that laws or minimum wage orders that authorize an employer to pay a wage that is less than the minimum wage are valid provided that under such laws or orders an employee with a disability is paid the same wage as an employee in a comparable position that does not have a disability.

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 (A 4761) prohibits New York state agencies from contracting with entities that boycott certain U.S. allies, defined as NATO members, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Ireland, and other specified nations. It requires the commissioner to publish an annual list of boycotting entities and mandates contractors to certify they are not on this list when bidding for state contracts. Exemptions allow limited exceptions for past boycotts that ceased or for critical services essential to state operations. The law creates a formal process for entities to challenge their inclusion on the list and for agencies to enforce compliance through contract penalties.

Prohibits any cannabis related advertisements in establishments within a certain distance from schools; increases penalties for prohibited advertisement of tobacco and cannabis products; requires enforcement inspections.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's Family Court Act to require courts to assign lawyers to petitioners (the person filing a custody case) in certain custody proceedings. Previously, court-appointed counsel was available only to respondents (the other party), but this change extends that right to petitioners in specified cases. The amendment applies specifically to proceedings under Part Three of Article Six of the Family Court Act. It ensures both sides in custody disputes can receive legal representation when the court determines it is necessary.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's family court procedures to tighten when youth court cases may be transferred to family court. It requires courts to deny such transfers if defendants caused serious injury, displayed weapons (including firearms), or committed certain sexual offenses as defined in criminal law. The bill repeals section 725.15 of the criminal procedure law and updates victim notification rules for dispositional hearings. These changes directly affect youth defendants, family courts, and prosecutors handling cases involving minors.

Defines the term "construction projects" to mean the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation or improvement of any school building where a district receives any apportionment for debt service or building aid and the school building is sited within the Long Island region; provides that each contract involving the award of a construction project shall require the use of a project labor agreement for all contractors and subcontractors on such project.

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.

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.