Asm. Andrew Hevesi

Establishes "SNAP for all", a state-funded supplemental nutrition assistance program to provide for those who are excluded from federal SNAP benefits solely due to immigration status; outlines eligibility requirements of applicants and operational requirements of the office of temporary and disability assistance.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases New York's Medicaid savings exemption limit from approximately $225,000 to $300,000 for household resources (excluding retirement accounts). It directly affects disabled adults aged 16-64 who meet income and resource criteria, allowing them to retain more savings while qualifying for Medicaid. The key change simplifies the asset limit to a flat $300,000 threshold for one- or two-person households, replacing a previous percentage-based calculation. The policy takes effect January 1, 2026, pending federal funding approval.

Enacts the "New York emergency expedited temporary work permit act" to allow asylum seekers to apply for and be granted temporary work permits while their federal immigration status is being determined.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates which assets are excluded when determining eligibility for New York's public assistance programs (like food stamps or cash aid). It specifies that applicants and recipients do not have to count certain resources, including up to $10,500 in cash/assets (or $3,750 for seniors/disabled), funds in special accounts for vehicle purchases ($7,500) or education ($5,165), primary homes, one vehicle (with value limits increasing over time), burial plots, retirement accounts, and 529 college savings plans. The changes also clarify that child support payments and tax credit refunds are excluded from income calculations. These provisions directly affect low-income individuals and families applying for or receiving state assistance benefits.

Requires that an organization applying for grant funding shall provide to arts agencies a certification that it will enter into a labor peace agreement with at least one bona fide labor organization either where such bona fide labor organization is actively representing employees providing services covered by the organization seeking such grant funding or upon notice by a bona fide labor organization that is attempting to represent employees who will provide services to the organization seeking such grant funding; relates to prevailing wage requirements for not-for-profit theaters and payment of their employees on productions funded by the New York state council on the arts or arts agencies of localities.

Establishes the crimes of sex trafficking of a vulnerable person and predatory sex trafficking when a person intentionally advances or profits from prostitution of a vulnerable person.

Requires the commissioner of education to establish and enforce rules and regulations to incorporate at least a three credit course devoted to the instructional techniques necessary for effective literacy instruction which shall include delivering structured, systematic, explicit, evidence-based instruction aligned with the science of reading for prospective teachers.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 21st each year as "Down Syndrome Awareness Day" in New York State. It adds this date to the state's official calendar of commemorative days, which already includes other observances like Holocaust Remembrance Day and Juneteenth. The bill does not create new policies or funding; it simply establishes a formal recognition day to raise awareness about Down syndrome. This designation affects all New York state entities and residents, encouraging official observances and educational efforts on that date.

Establishes a correctional employee protective labor practices board to make recommendations regarding labor practices and working conditions for correctional employees, and institutional safety of both correctional employees and incarcerated individuals.

Expands the description of certain services which are not prohibited by statutes governing the practice of nursing, including direct support staff to nurses.