Asm. Jessica González-Rojas

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the New York State Thruway Authority to offer a 50% toll discount to eligible farmers transporting agricultural products. It directly affects farmers who qualify for a tax exemption under New York’s tax law (Section 606, Subparagraph A), as defined by agriculture and markets law. To receive the discount, farmers must provide their tax exemption certificate to the Thruway Authority, which will then issue E-ZPass tags for automatic application. The discount applies only to regular tolls (not surcharges or non-commercial vehicle travel) and takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3589, "Protects library access to electronic literary materials") bans restrictive clauses in contracts between publishers and libraries for electronic literary materials (e-books and digital audiobooks). It specifically prohibits terms that limit libraries' core functions, such as restricting loans, limiting preservation copies, or controlling loan periods. The law applies to licensing agreements for literary monographs (single-volume works) and declares such prohibited terms unenforceable, with libraries able to seek remedies under state law. It does not apply to contracts between libraries and aggregators (companies licensing multiple publishers' collections).

Exempts a person from a money judgment arising from an action in another state for knowingly engaging in conduct that aids or abets the performance or inducement of an abortion.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 7786, "Sovereign Debt Stability Act") creates a voluntary legal framework for foreign governments or subnational entities (like states/provinces) with debt governed by New York law to restructure unsustainable debt. It directly affects debtor nations or subnational units holding debt under New York jurisdiction, requiring them to choose between two restructuring pathways (Section 223 or Section 230) and notify creditors. Key mechanisms include a debtor state filing a petition, appointing an independent monitor to facilitate agreements, and requiring creditor participation under "burden-sharing standards" to ensure equitable cost distribution. The law aims to protect New York's financial interests by reducing systemic risk, preventing defaults that could harm its economy, and supporting international debt relief efforts.

Requires municipalities to include an Affordable Housing Needs Assessment to establish a data-based foundation for the creation and preservation of affordable housing in the municipality, utilizing the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development median income calculations, in their comprehensive plans.

Establishes a task force to conduct a comprehensive study on the presence of educator diversity in the state, state actions taken to promote educator diversity, and how the state can encourage new initiatives to enhance and promote educator diversity in New York; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.

Establishes the commission for the modernization and revitalization of the state university of New York downstate medical center which directs such commission to conduct a study to examine services that should be offered at SUNY downstate medical center; directs the commission to submit a report and make recommendations to the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how revenue from video lottery gaming at New York racetracks is allocated. It directs specific percentages of wagered funds (after prizes) to two main purposes: 6.5% to 7.5% annually for school districts (including those serving students with disabilities), and 4% for racetrack capital improvements like facility upgrades and an equine drug testing lab. The funds for education go into the state lottery fund for school grants, while the racing-related allocations support track maintenance, purse enhancements, and jockey health insurance. It directly affects Aqueduct, Belmont Park, and Saratoga racetracks and public schools receiving lottery grants.

Requires all municipalities that collect demographic information about a person's gender or sex to update all applicable forms and data systems to include a gender "x" option.

Establishes application processing and review requirements for reprieves, commutations and pardons by the governor; requires the governor to provide: a written notification that the application has been received; a receipt number that the applicant can then use to check on the applicant's application status; guidelines for supplementing the application with additional or updated information; and a notification when a decision is made on the application; requires quarterly reports to the legislature regarding reprieves, commutations and pardons.