Asm. Andrew Hevesi

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's social services law to clarify that when a parent or caregiver excludes a child from a public assistance household application, the child's unearned income (such as savings or investment interest) is not counted toward the household's income for benefit eligibility. It specifically updates Section 131-a to exclude such income from calculations when a child is intentionally left out of the household unit. This change directly affects families applying for public assistance who choose not to include a child living with them in their aid application. The provision ensures that the excluded child's financial resources do not impact the household's eligibility or benefit amount.

Relates to the determination of damages in a civil action arising from personal injury or wrongful death; provides that damages shall not be reduced because of age, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status, or status as a victim of domestic violence; provides that damages shall not be based on statistical tables unless agreed to by all parties.

Requires fashion sellers to carry out environmental due diligence for the portions of their business related to wearing apparel, footwear or fashion bags, including wearing apparel, footwear or fashion bags produced as a private label; establishes a fashion remediation fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public school districts in Rockland and Westchester counties to provide kindergarten instruction to children who turn five years old on or before December 1st. It does not apply to children whose parents choose to delay enrollment until September, nor to students in private schools or receiving home instruction. The law would take effect on July 1st following its enactment.

Relates to the amount of state aid reimbursement for public health services by a municipality in the city of New York when the municipality is providing some or all of certain identified core public health services.

Relates to determinations of appropriate educational programs for certain students in a school district in a city having a population of one million or more.

Maddy summaryBill A 735 expands the age range eligibility for a rent subsidy available to foster children living independently after being discharged from foster care. This legislation allows eligible youth to receive this housing assistance up to age twenty-four. The subsidy, provided as a special cash grant, helps cover rent or rent arrears, with a maximum of $725 per month for up to three years. It aims to ensure adequate housing and prevent homelessness for these young adults.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds two voting seats for high school students on five city education councils, including those for special education, English language learners, high schools, District 75, and community school boards. High school students enrolled in relevant programs (such as special education, bilingual/ESL, or general high school) qualify for these seats, which are appointed annually by school administrators or the chancellor. The change replaces previous non-voting student positions with voting roles, allowing students to directly participate in policy decisions affecting their education.

Allows for reimbursement of transportation costs for emergency care without prior authorization by the social services official including emergency medical transportation by an ambulance service certified under article 30 of the public health law; authorizes the commissioner of health to establish a reimbursement methodology to ensure providers are reimbursed.

Adjusts the calculation of the empire state child credit to provide for a one thousand dollar credit per qualifying child who is less than four years of age and a five hundred dollar credit per qualifying child who is four years of age or older for certain qualifying taxpayers.