Enacts the "no child left out inclusive playgrounds act"; requires newly built and renovated playgrounds to be accessible for children with disabilities.
Establishes the COVID-19 pandemic response study commission to conduct a study of the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic; provides for the repeal of such commission upon the completion of the commission's final report.
Directs the commissioner of health to contract with an independent entity to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the existing methodology used to determine payment for early intervention screenings, evaluations, services and service coordination; directs recommendations on reimbursement methodology as well as needs under the program.
Maddy summaryBill A 7914 establishes a 25-member commission to investigate foreign influence on New York State government employees and elections. The commission will examine weaknesses in laws related to lobbying, public corruption, foreign entity influence on officials, and election integrity, then make reform recommendations. It has authority to request documents or testimony, hold public hearings, and refer evidence of violations to prosecutors. The commission must issue a preliminary report by May 1, 2026, and a final report by May 1, 2027, after which it expires. This bill directly affects state government operations and election processes by creating a structured review mechanism.
Authorizes the department of transportation to establish and implement a state memorial sign program to memorialize persons who died due to injuries sustained in a fatal motor vehicle crash on state highways.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 16-member task force within New York's Department of Labor to address unemployment among people with disabilities. The task force, including representatives from state agencies, disability organizations, labor, business, and people with disabilities themselves, will study employment barriers and review successful programs. Its key duties include developing strategies to increase competitive integrated employment (meaningful jobs in regular workplaces), ensuring state agencies model inclusive hiring, and making recommendations within two years. The task force must report annually to the governor and legislature, with findings made publicly available online. This directly affects state agencies, employers, and people with disabilities seeking meaningful work opportunities.
Maddy summaryThis bill adds a new option for New York residents to register for the Donate Life Registry (which facilitates organ, eye, and tissue donations) through mandatory electronic personal income tax filings. It requires the state to include a clear checkbox on tax forms asking, "Would you like to be added to the Donate Life Registry? Check box for 'yes' or 'skip this question'." This expands existing registration methods - which include driver's license applications, health insurance enrollment, and college financial aid forms - to include tax filings for those required to file electronically. The change applies to all taxpayers submitting income tax documents via electronic means, making organ donation registration more accessible during routine state interactions.
Maddy summaryThis bill extends Suffolk County's authority to impose an additional 1% sales and compensating use tax on top of its existing 3% rate, effective from June 2021 through November 2027. It directly affects residents and businesses in Suffolk County that pay sales tax, as the additional revenue will fund county services. The bill mandates that at least 1/8 (12.5%) and no more than 3/8 (37.5%) of the net collections from this tax must be allocated to public safety, with the remainder deposited into the county's general fund.
Requires schools safety plans to include a cardiac emergency response plan that addresses the use of appropriate personnel and measures to respond to incidents involving any individual experiencing sudden cardiac arrest or similar life-threatening emergency on any school site owned or operated by a school or at a location of a school sponsored event.
Maddy summaryThis bill grants Giuseppe T. Rosini retroactive Tier II membership in New York's state and local police and fire retirement system, correcting an administrative error. It allows Rosini - whose part-time fire department employment (2004-2008) was not properly enrolled in the system due to a departmental oversight - to be treated as a Tier II member from October 2004 (instead of his actual 2014 enrollment that resulted in Tier VI status). To activate this, Rosini must file a written request within six months, with his past contributions retained by the system. Costs for his past service are covered by the Wading River Fire District, while the Town of Riverhead covers other implementation costs. This is a one-time exception for Rosini, not a new policy.
