Asm. Ed Ra

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's penal law to expand hate crime designations. It adds "actual or perceived employment as a law enforcement officer" as a protected characteristic, meaning attacks against police officers motivated by bias can now be classified as hate crimes. It also explicitly includes "making graffiti" (under section 145.60) as a specified offense that qualifies as a hate crime when committed due to bias against a protected characteristic. This change affects individuals who commit certain offenses (like assault or graffiti) with bias targeting law enforcement or other protected traits, potentially increasing penalties for those acts.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a licensing system for genetic counselors and creates a State Board for Genetic Counseling. To practice, genetic counselors must obtain a license by meeting requirements including a master's degree in genetic counseling, passing an exam, and having relevant experience. The law defines genetic counseling as providing information about genetic risks and testing but explicitly prohibits counselors from diagnosing conditions, prescribing medication, or performing medical procedures. The State Board, composed of five licensed genetic counselors, one physician, and one public representative, will oversee licensing, professional conduct, and set standards for the profession.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 6049) adds "October 7th Remembrance Day" to New York State's official calendar of commemorative days, to be observed annually on October 7. It directly affects the state's official observance schedule but does not create new policies, funding, or requirements for individuals or organizations. The bill amends existing law by inserting this date into a list of established commemorative days (like Holocaust Remembrance Day or Juneteenth), with no additional provisions or mechanisms. As a procedural naming bill, it has no direct impact on citizens or government operations beyond formal recognition.

Directs the commissioner of transportation, in consultation with the New York state bridge authority, thruway authority, triborough bridge and tunnel authority, metropolitan transportation authority, and port authority of New York and New Jersey, shall conduct a statewide study and review of the tolling authorities' regulations and policies in relation to cashless tolling and tolls by mail collection (Part A); provides that no fine, fee or administrative charge for the late payment of a toll shall exceed ten per centum of the amount of such toll owed or be accessed within one hundred eighty days from the date of the incurred toll (Part B); requires the department of transportation, in consultation and cooperation with the New York state thruway authority, the New York state bridge authority, the metropolitan transportation authority, and the Port authority of New York and New Jersey, maintain a central website with the contact information for each authority's relevant toll payer advocate office and customer service center including phone numbers, email addresses and a website address or hyperlink for each authority's toll payer advocate help request form (Part C); establishes a cashless tolling amnesty program for certain public authorities (Part D).

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state income tax credit for taxpayers who pay for necessary expenses related to service dogs, such as food, veterinary care, training, and boarding. It allows a credit of up to $1,000 per year against income tax for qualified service dog costs, as defined by civil rights law. Unused portions of the credit can be carried forward to future tax years, but the annual limit remains $1,000. The credit applies to taxable years beginning January 1, 2025, and directly affects residents who rely on service dogs for disability-related needs.

Provides that any school district may establish a reserve fund for the payment of unanticipated costs related to pupil transportation in excess of public funds apportioned to districts for such purposes.

Authorizes the establishment of the home equity protection insurance program directing the agency to issue a commitment to insure and insure the full value of certain residences which are owner-occupied by persons who meet certain income qualifications.

Creates a series of distinctive license plates for law enforcement officers who were wounded in the line of duty or the spouse of such, which shall bear the words "Wounded in the Line of Duty"; includes the New York state sheriff's association, New York state association of chiefs of police, police benevolent association of the New York state troopers, the New York state police benevolent association, and the New York city police benevolent association; provides that proceeds from the service charge shall be used for a fund to assist wounded/fallen officers and their families.

Excludes the five state-run veterans homes from assessments on their gross receipts received from all patient care services and other operating income; directs the Commissioner of Health to apply to the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services for any necessary waivers pursuant to federal law and regulation.

Directs the office of children and family services to study, make recommendations on and report on child day care and child care assistance and the availability of funding therefor.