Establishes a state SNAP minimum benefit program to provide a minimum amount of supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits that is higher than the amount of federal SNAP benefits.
Relates to establishing the tenancy deposit protection program; requires the commissioner of housing and community renewal to establish a program to hold security deposits in third-party accounts and create a dispute resolution process regarding the withholding of security deposits.
Maddy summaryThis bill defines a "noncompliant state agency" as one failing to meet contract deadlines with nonprofits for six of the last twelve months. It requires such agencies to submit monthly public reports detailing delayed contracts, reasons for delays, and timelines for resolution, plus detailed bi-annual reports on systemic fixes like revised procedures and staff retraining. Agencies must also provide "written directives" to nonprofits, allowing service continuation during negotiations with clear payment terms and interest for late payments. These reports must be posted online to increase transparency for nonprofits and the public.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands the Excelsior Scholarship program to allow recipients to use scholarship funds for room and board expenses, in addition to tuition. Previously, funds covered only tuition costs up to $5,500 annually. The bill specifies that after tuition is paid using other aid (like federal grants), any remaining scholarship amount can cover non-tuition costs like housing, without exceeding the $5,500 total limit. It directly affects New York students receiving the Excelsior Scholarship who face non-tuition education expenses. The change applies to all eligible students at participating public colleges and universities.
Requires high schools in grades nine through twelve to provide a course in financial literacy; requires students to complete such course as a condition of graduation.
Requires all public school districts, charter schools and non-public schools in the state that participate in the national school lunch program or school breakfast program as provided in the national child nutrition act to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to the student.
Prohibits utility corporations from imposing late fees, interest, or penalties during an investigation by the commission; allows retroactive late fees, interest, or penalties if a determination is made in favor of such utility corporation; prohibits utility services from being terminated during an investigation by the commission; requires utility corporations to notify customers of investigations; requires notice to the general public; requires the public service commission to prepare reports on investigatory proceedings relating to gas, electric, and steam service.
Allows tenants the right to offset rent with payments made for the repair or service maintenance of an oil fired or other heating device where reasonable efforts were made to notify the landlord of the heating failure, the agency used is reasonably engaged in the business of making such repairs and an itemized bill for such service is provided.
Enacts the "home utility weatherization jobs act"; requires each gas corporation, electric corporation, or combination gas or electric corporation to submit to the public service commission for review and approval at least one and up to ten neighborhood scale weatherization and electrification-ready projects.
Requires medical assistance be provided to victims of domestic violence to care for and treat any scarring resulting from the domestic violence incident.
