Asm. Joe DeStefano

Requires certain evidence or samples for DNA analysis to be accepted by the New York state police forensic investigation center from any firearm, rifle, shotgun, ammunition or magazine loading device when the sole charge is criminal possession of a weapon in the first degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree and criminal possession of a firearm.

Requires the department of criminal justice services to monitor desk appearance tickets and report on the rate which principals appear in court on such tickets.

Requires a notice of a change in premium for a renewal of a commercial insurance policy shall be mailed or delivered at least ninety days in advance of the expiration date of such policy.

Establishes a distinctive plate honoring the Eagle Scouts for which the regular registration fee will apply plus an initial one time service charge of $25.

Directs the MTA to rename the Eltingville transit center the Iraq War and Afghanistan War Veterans' Memorial Transit Center; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.

Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts veterans' property tax exemption limits specifically for New York City (population over 1 million). It reduces maximum exemption amounts for qualifying veterans: from $7,500 to $2,000 for general military service exemptions, and from $8,000 to $3,200 for combat zone exemptions. The bill also lowers the cap for property purchased with veteran recognition funds from $5,000 to $2,000 in NYC. These changes directly affect veterans owning residential property in New York City who qualify for tax exemptions under state law.

Relates to youth programs sponsored by fire departments; provides that participants may respond to an emergency or hazardous activity, but shall remain in a designated or marked off area that has been set up by the chief or officer in charge; provides such participant cannot respond to an emergency on a vehicle using lights and/or sirens; provides such participants may not enter a burning structure.

Establishes a committee to conduct a survey of instruction on the history and civic impact of the September eleventh, two thousand one terrorist attacks and issue a report on such survey.

Establishes the crime of stalking a police officer, peace officer, correction officer or firefighter to include intent to harass, annoy or alarm a police officer, peace officer, correction officer, firefighter or an immediate family member of a police officer, peace officer, correction officer or firefighter, intentionally engaging in a course of conduct directed at such person which is likely to cause such person to reasonably fear physical injury or serious physical injury, the commission of a sex offense against, or the kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment or death of such person or a member of such person's immediate family.

Directs the department of economic development to study methods for keeping small retail businesses within the state and create a pilot program to train and counsel small business owners and potential small business owners; appropriates $210,000 therefor.