Asm. Judy Griffin

Establishes the "accountability of costs for data centers act"; requires each electric corporation, gas corporation and municipality to establish an independent classification of service for large energy use facilities that is separate and distinct from other classifications of service; authorizes the department of public service to develop financial surety requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the definition of "period of war" for a veterans' property tax exemption to include recent military service. It adds specific conflicts: the Global War on Terrorism (starting September 11, 2001), and U.S. military operations in Somalia (1992-1994), Bosnia (1995-2004), and Kosovo (1999-1999) to the existing list. Veterans who served during these newly defined periods will now qualify for the tax exemption. The change directly affects veterans whose service falls within these added conflict dates. The bill amends existing law to clarify which military service periods count for the exemption.

Provides for the sealing of unfounded, exonerated, and pending claims made against law enforcement officers; requires such claims to be redacted from disciplinary records.

Provides that for taxable years beginning on and after January first, two thousand twenty-six, a resident taxpayer who serves as an active volunteer firefighter or as a volunteer ambulance worker shall be allowed a credit against the tax imposed equal to eight hundred dollars; provides for a real property tax exemption under certain circumstances to an enrolled member of an incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department or incorporated voluntary ambulance service residing in such city, village, town, school district, special district, fire district or county.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "expanded pharmaceutical insurance coverage panel" within New York's executive department to broaden access to prescription drug coverage. The panel, composed of state agency leaders (including health, aging, and budget officials), will set cost-sharing rules, develop outreach programs for eligible residents, and report annually on enrollment and program costs. It directly affects elderly and low-income New York residents by expanding access to state and federal prescription drug benefits. The panel will operate without member compensation, focusing on improving coverage efficiency and informing applicants about available benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York City emergency medical services personnel to replace their body armor every five years. It directly affects all employees in the city's Bureau of Emergency Medical Services who wear body armor while providing emergency care. The key provision mandates that the armor must meet National Institute of Justice safety standards and be replaced on a fixed five-year schedule, rather than as needed. This creates a clear, mandatory maintenance cycle to ensure consistent protection for these first responders.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires retailers to post clear warning signs at all entrances if they track customers using cell phones, cameras, or other electronic devices that collect personal data. The signs must inform shoppers how to opt out of tracking and apply to all retailers using such technology for data collection. Retailers violating this rule face civil penalties: $100 for the first offense, $250 for the second, and $500 for each subsequent violation. The law explicitly excludes security cameras solely for store safety, focusing only on tracking for data collection purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 8810) extends accidental death benefits to children of qualifying public safety workers who were under age 25 when the worker died. Previously, benefits for children ended at age 18 or 23 (if a student), but this change provides lifetime benefits for those children. It applies to children of police officers, firefighters, EMTs, correction officers, and other emergency service workers covered under New York’s retirement systems. Benefits are calculated as the deceased worker’s salary minus other received death benefits and continue for the child’s lifetime without age restrictions.

Maddy summaryBill A 6037 establishes a peer support program specifically for veterans dealing with mental illness, alcohol abuse, or substance dependence. The bill defines "veteran peer support services" as counseling provided by a veteran peer counselor to other veterans. It directs the Commissioner of Mental Hygiene, in consultation with other agencies, to develop recommended minimum qualifications for these veteran peer counselors and to create procedures for connecting them with training. This program aims to support veterans by leveraging the unique understanding and experiences of fellow veterans in recovery and support roles.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a regulatory framework for crypto kiosks and cashier crypto exchanges within the state, requiring operators to obtain a license from the banking superintendent. It mandates clear disclosures to consumers regarding fees, exchange rates, and contact information, while also requiring specific warnings about potential scams before a transaction is completed. The legislation sets rules for transaction limits, fraud refunds, and anti-money laundering procedures, ensuring that operators maintain customer service standards and provide transaction receipts. Ultimately, the bill aims to bring digital currency exchanges under existing banking laws to protect consumers and prevent financial fraud.