Asm. Steven Raga

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1724, "Hunger-Free Campus Act") creates a grant program to address student food insecurity at public colleges and universities. It requires qualifying campuses to meet specific standards - including establishing student-inclusive task forces, providing SNAP enrollment assistance, operating food pantries, and hosting awareness events - to earn "hunger-free campus" designation. Public institutions meeting these criteria receive competitive grants to fund food security initiatives like meal vouchers, pantry access, and SNAP outreach. The program mandates annual student hunger surveys and requires a two-year report to state leaders detailing grant usage, student impacts, and recommendations for future funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 5040) requires New York school districts to be reimbursed for actual costs incurred when students attend boards of cooperative educational services (BOCES) programs. It directly affects school districts that send students to shared regional educational programs. The key provision mandates reimbursement for "any actual expense" related to student participation in these cooperative programs. The bill takes effect immediately upon appropriation of funds by the state budget, with a 45-day delay if funding isn't approved by the legislature.

Authorizes the department of veterans' affairs to provide eligible veterans with financial assistance for purchasing, training and the upkeep of service dogs and emotional support dogs.

Requires instruction in arts and music education to be incorporated into curriculums for all public school students; requires school districts to ensure that appropriately certified teachers are providing such education; authorizes rules and regulations consistent with such provisions.

Relates to the criminal possession of a ghost gun; makes such possession a class C felony unless you are a licensed gunsmith or dealer in firearms with intent to manufacture and/or distribute such firearms; requires educational materials shall be provided for no less than 2 years after the effective date of such provisions.

Allocates the Amistad commission to work alongside the department of education and on behalf of students in the state; repeals certain provisions relating to the Amistad commission; requires schools in the state to provide curriculum relating to Black history, slavery, and race.

Prohibits any cannabis related advertisements in establishments within a certain distance from schools; increases penalties for prohibited advertisement of tobacco and cannabis products; requires enforcement inspections.

Ensures free speech on all college and university campuses within the state; creates a cause of action for those who have their freedom of speech infringed upon by a college or university.

Defines the term "construction projects" to mean the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation or improvement of any school building where a district receives any apportionment for debt service or building aid and the school building is sited within the Long Island region; provides that each contract involving the award of a construction project shall require the use of a project labor agreement for all contractors and subcontractors on such project.

Directs the department of health to develop state food guidelines for foods purchased, served, and sold by state agencies, programs, and institutions and on state property.