Asm. Jessica González-Rojas

Establishes "SNAP for all", a state-funded supplemental nutrition assistance program to provide for those who are excluded from federal SNAP benefits solely due to immigration status; outlines eligibility requirements of applicants and operational requirements of the office of temporary and disability assistance.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases New York's Medicaid savings exemption limit from approximately $225,000 to $300,000 for household resources (excluding retirement accounts). It directly affects disabled adults aged 16-64 who meet income and resource criteria, allowing them to retain more savings while qualifying for Medicaid. The key change simplifies the asset limit to a flat $300,000 threshold for one- or two-person households, replacing a previous percentage-based calculation. The policy takes effect January 1, 2026, pending federal funding approval.

Requires health insurance for state officers and employees who receive health insurance benefits from the state to take effect immediately upon employment.

Requires or allows licensing entities to suspend business licenses for certain businesses that are charged or convicted of wage theft; establishes reporting requirements for wage theft convictions.

Establishes the public water justice act; prohibits sale of waters of the state unless otherwise specifically authorized; establishes a public water justice fund for royalties and fees collected from persons or entities authorized to sell waters of the state.

Enacts the "New York emergency expedited temporary work permit act" to allow asylum seekers to apply for and be granted temporary work permits while their federal immigration status is being determined.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates which assets are excluded when determining eligibility for New York's public assistance programs (like food stamps or cash aid). It specifies that applicants and recipients do not have to count certain resources, including up to $10,500 in cash/assets (or $3,750 for seniors/disabled), funds in special accounts for vehicle purchases ($7,500) or education ($5,165), primary homes, one vehicle (with value limits increasing over time), burial plots, retirement accounts, and 529 college savings plans. The changes also clarify that child support payments and tax credit refunds are excluded from income calculations. These provisions directly affect low-income individuals and families applying for or receiving state assistance benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public schools in any New York city with a population over one million to offer Halal food options during lunch. It directly affects students and families who follow Halal dietary practices by ensuring accessible meal choices that meet religious requirements. The law would take effect 120 days after enactment, mandating schools to implement this change through necessary menu adjustments and rule updates before the deadline.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 21st each year as "Down Syndrome Awareness Day" in New York State. It adds this date to the state's official calendar of commemorative days, which already includes other observances like Holocaust Remembrance Day and Juneteenth. The bill does not create new policies or funding; it simply establishes a formal recognition day to raise awareness about Down syndrome. This designation affects all New York state entities and residents, encouraging official observances and educational efforts on that date.

Prohibits participation in torture of incarcerated individuals by health professionals; prohibits a health care professional from engaging, assisting or planning the torture of an incarcerated individual; requires health care professionals to report torture.