Asm. Judy Griffin

Relates to payments in lieu of taxes; provides that the tax base growth factor or quantity change factor includes the change in assessed value for each property on the exempt side of the tax rolls under a payment in lieu of tax agreement; allows a local government or school district to elect to include the equivalent taxable value of property subject to a payment in lieu of taxes agreement in the calculation of its quantity change factor.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that the opioid settlement fund must include interest earned on settlement money, not just the principal amount. It amends state law to explicitly state that all funds in the opioid settlement account consist of settlement payments *and* any interest accrued on those payments. The change directly affects how the state manages and tracks money from the statewide opioid settlement agreement, ensuring interest is included in the fund's total. The bill makes no new policy changes but updates the legal definition of the fund's composition.

Relates to the distribution of educational materials regarding the misuse of and addiction to prescription drugs in counties with the most prevalent prescription substance use disorder.

Requires a rate enhancement for reimbursement of individual psychotherapy services provided by a mental health counselor, a clinical social worker, or a psychologist where such services are provided in an outpatient substance use disorder clinic.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York State laws to expand access to state funding for water quality infrastructure projects, primarily benefiting regulated water utilities and municipalities. It authorizes the Environmental Facilities Corporation to provide financial assistance (capped at $5 million annually per entity) for infrastructure repairs, replacements, or compliance with environmental health regulations. Water utility projects must serve a clear public purpose and directly benefit customers. Additionally, tax relief from funded infrastructure improvements must be used to lower current water rates and offset future rate increases.

Enacts the "gas tax holiday act"; provides that from the first of the month after the effective date of the section until December 31, 2027 the taxes imposed on retail sales of fuel gas, motor fuel and diesel motor fuel shall be exempt from certain taxes.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 9571) increases family leave benefits under New York's workers' compensation law, directly affecting eligible employees taking leave for medical care, bonding with a newborn, or military family exigencies. It gradually raises weekly benefit percentages (from 50% to 67% of average weekly wage) and extends maximum leave duration (from 8 to 12 weeks) over time, with specific phased-in dates starting in 2018. Covered employers must provide these enhanced benefits while maintaining health insurance coverage during leave. The changes apply to employees meeting eligibility criteria under the law, with the Superintendent of Financial Services retaining limited authority to delay increases.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the New York Veterans' Services Commission by adding two additional voting members and several non-voting ex officio members to improve oversight of veteran services. The legislation requires the governor to appoint fifteen total members, including veterans and individuals with expertise in areas like healthcare, education, and veterans' benefits, while also including state agency heads as non-voting members. Key provisions mandate quarterly meetings, require the commission to study issues affecting veterans and their families, and establish a public website to display member information and meeting minutes. The bill also clarifies appointment processes, term lengths, and the commission's duty to submit annual reports to the governor and legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows municipalities to cancel interest and penalties on property taxes for owners who were victims of property tax fraud. Property tax fraud includes incidents such as check fraud, mail theft, or unauthorized receipt of tax payments. To qualify for relief, property owners must provide documentation like affidavits, bank statements, or police reports proving the fraud occurred. The waiver is limited to the delinquency period caused by the fraud and cannot exceed one year from the original due date. Municipalities must obtain consent from affected municipal corporations before granting relief if the funds belong to those entities.

Enacts the "ratepayer transparency act" which requires bills utilized by public and private gas corporations, electric corporations and gas and electric corporations in levying charges for service to include separate categories for certain charges.