Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts how New York State calculates foundation aid for public school districts with eight or more teachers that are classified as "high need" based on specific wealth and need criteria. It modifies the formula used to determine the state's share of funding, changing how the "combined wealth ratio" (a measure of district wealth) affects the state funding percentage. School districts meeting both the size requirement (8+ teachers) and high-need status - determined by prior state calculations like the SA0708 or SA1314 listings - will see their foundation aid amounts recalculated under this revised formula. The change directly affects eligible school districts' state funding allocations without creating new eligibility categories.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax-advantaged savings program for farmers. It allows qualified farmers to deduct cash contributions to special "farm savings accounts" from their taxable income, with contributions limited to their farming income for the year. The accounts are tax-exempt while active, but funds withdrawn for non-farm purposes incur a 15% surcharge. Accounts automatically end if the farmer stops farming, requiring the balance to be taxed as income. The program directly affects individual farmers and farm businesses seeking tax benefits for farm sustainability investments.
Maddy summaryThis bill increases criminal penalties for assaulting, stalking, or harassing elected officials in New York State. It specifically targets acts causing serious injury to officials (including local leaders like town board or school board members) or threatening their safety, making these offenses felonies with higher penalties. Assault becomes a class C felony, aggravated assault a class B felony, stalking a class D felony, and certain harassment a class E felony. These changes apply to anyone who intentionally harms an official or their immediate family while they perform public duties.
Requires that a minimum of ten percent of the labor hours of the total construction workforce employed by all contractors and subcontractors performing work pursuant to a construction contract shall be performed by a person or persons participating in a certified apprenticeship program; makes technical amendments.
Relates to establishing the born alive abortion survivors' protection act that places requirements on health care practitioners present at the time a child is born alive during an abortion.
Maddy summaryBill A 7407 permits public schools to utilize or display indigenous names for their extracurricular activities, such as sports teams. It defines "indigenous names" as those referring to indigenous persons, tribes, cultures, or traditions. The bill mandates the education commissioner to adopt regulations allowing this practice and to repeal any inconsistent rules. Notably, it does not prevent the commissioner from prohibiting public schools from using indigenous *logos or mascots*, distinct from names, except for classroom instruction.
Maddy summaryBill A 4221 prohibits all point source discharges (such as pipes, outlets, or disposal systems) into the Long Island Sound and Great South Bay. It directly affects businesses, industries, or facilities currently releasing waste or pollutants into these water bodies. The law bans both new construction and existing operations of such discharge systems, requiring compliance within one year of enactment. Implementation rules must be finalized before the effective date to enforce the prohibition.
Authorizes counties to lease county land for natural gas exploration, development and production for five years or as long as gas is produced in paying quantities.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires that batteries used in electric-assist bicycles and electric scooters must be tested and approved by specific accredited laboratories, such as Underwriters Laboratories or labs meeting international ISO/IEC standards. It mandates that these batteries display a certification seal from an approved lab, including those accredited under ISO/IEC 17025 or participating in the OSHA NRTL program. The law directly affects battery manufacturers and sellers of e-bikes and e-scooters, who must ensure compliance before selling or using these devices. The requirement takes effect immediately upon passage.
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.