Asm. Ari Brown

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the issuance of distinctive license plates labeled "Female Veteran" for eligible female veterans and their spouses residing in the state. To qualify, applicants must provide proof of veteran status, and the plates are available upon payment of the standard registration fee plus a one-time $10 service charge. The legislation includes a financial safeguard requiring a $6,000 surety bond to cover potential shortfalls in sales, though this bond is waived if at least 200 orders are received before production begins. The act takes effect immediately, with the specific provision for issuing plates becoming available 180 days after passage.

Requires a government photo identification card to be presented when casting a ballot; provides for a method to receive a government photo identification card at no charge.

Establishes interregional enrollment of students taking classes in multiple school districts (Part A); allows students who are enrolled in and taking classes in multiple school districts to receive cooperative and individualized educational services (Part B).

Permits local boards of education to enter into contracts with a drive-sharing network of persons for reimbursement of transportation expenses for the conveyance of pupils residing in such school districts; authorizes the commissioner of education to promulgate any necessary rules and regulations; outlines certain requirements to which the local board of education shall adhere; makes related provisions.

Authorizes school districts to submit an opt-out waiver to the commissioner of education authorizing such districts to opt-out of certain zero-emission school bus requirements.

Provides for the chief administrator of the courts to, upon request by a municipality, ensure the assignment and presence of a uniformed court officer during court proceedings or a law enforcement officer where no uniformed court officer is available.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York school districts to purchase or lease only zero-emission school buses, defined as electric vehicles powered by batteries or hydrogen fuel cells, starting July 1, 2027. The law mandates that any contractors providing transportation services must also follow this rule when buying new buses and includes provisions requiring the manufacturing and final assembly of these buses and their charging infrastructure to occur within the United States. To support this transition, the bill allows the state commissioner to grant up to 24-month extensions for districts unable to comply due to costs or infrastructure needs, while also requiring a cost-benefit analysis for each district. Additionally, the legislation includes protections for current employees and contractors to prevent job losses or benefits reductions as the fleet changes, and it requires the creation of workforce development plans to manage the transition.

Establishes a veterans in agriculture assistance and outreach program to help integrate veterans into the field of agriculture, and support veterans currently working in agriculture; designs an associated logotype for the promotion of products produced by a veteran or qualified veteran business entity.

Enacts "Melanie's law"; relates to orders of protection; allows courts to issue orders of protection for immediate family members or household members of the named victims, regardless of age.

Extends the time period for tenancy rights from 30 days to 45 days of possession; adds squatting to the definition of criminal trespass in the third degree.