Asm. Joe DeStefano

Requires any dealer where lithium-ion batteries, bicycles with electric assist, micromobility devices and limited use motorcycles are sold at retail or repaired, and/or lithium-ion electric batteries are housed in a storage facility to maintain functional fire protection and suppression measures effective against lithium-ion battery and electrical fires, including but not limited to Class B extinguishers, battery cases, and automatic monitoring and detection; authorizes the department of state to promulgate necessary rules and regulations; imposes a fine of $250 for a knowing violation to comply with such provisions.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the state education commissioner to rename the current high school equivalency diploma to the "Excelsior high school diploma." The legislation requires the commissioner to create and update the necessary rules and regulations to implement this name change. Once passed, the new name will officially apply to the diploma issued to adults who pass the state's equivalency exam. The law will take effect approximately 90 days after it is signed into law.

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.

Allows victim impact statements in New York state be video recorded; requires that the members of the parole board and all presiding commissioners for such hearing review all relevant victim impact statements prior to the conduct of a parole hearing and to sign a written attestation confirming that they have done so.

Prohibits certain noncitizens, foreign governments, and foreign entities from taking any real property that is zoned as industrial, light industrial, heavy industrial, residential agricultural, agricultural or rural agricultural.

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.