Asm. Catalina Cruz

Enacts the climate and community investment act; prioritizes the allocation of public investments in disadvantaged communities; addresses climate change challenges through the expansion and growth of clean and renewable energy sources; adopts best value requirements for the solicitation, evaluation and award of renewable energy projects; establishes a community just transition program; establishes a climate pollution fee and a household and small business energy rebate; creates the climate and community investment authority.

Amends the constitution to delete the requirement that registration for purposes of voting be completed at least ten days before election day; provides that laws be made to adequately safeguard against deception in the exercise of the right of suffrage.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the state constitution to allow the legislature to adjust the number of justices on the supreme court in any judicial district. It sets a population-based limit: the number of justices cannot exceed one per 50,000 residents (or any fraction over 30,000) based on the latest census. The legislature may also reduce justices, but not below the current number in any district. The proposed change requires voter approval in the 2026 general election.

Permits the legislature to increase the number of justices of the supreme court in any judicial district up to one justice for every thirty thousand people in the district.

Provides that the Governor's annual budget proposal to the Legislature shall include statements of any new legislation, amendment to legislation, or limitation on the effect of any legislation contained in the budget; makes related provisions granting the legislature an equal role with the governor in the budget process.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment requiring the state to address adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) as a public concern. It would add a new section to the state constitution stating that preventing and mitigating ACEs is a responsibility for the state and its local governments, to be handled through future legislation. The amendment does not create specific programs or funding but mandates that the legislature develop and implement solutions over time. It directly affects the state legislature, which would need to pass subsequent laws to fulfill this constitutional requirement. The bill is currently in committee review and requires voter approval after future elections.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 7.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for specific human services programs effective April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026. It directly affects providers of mental health, developmental disability, and addiction services (including clinics, residential programs, and outpatient care) by requiring them to use the COLA funds to provide at least a 2.6% targeted salary increase for eligible staff. The COLA applies to programs funded or certified by the Office of Mental Health, Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, and Office of Addiction Services and Supports. This adjustment is inclusive of other inflation factors for the specified period, excluding federal pandemic relief programs.

Directs DOCCS, in collaboration with OTDA, OMH and OASAS, to establish a 5-year reintegration pilot program for individuals being released from correctional facilities to provide supports and services to prepare for release, assist with reintegration into the community, and reduce recidivism.

Prohibits children from being denied access to a free public education on account of perceived or actual citizenship or immigration status or the perceived or actual citizenship or immigration status of their parents or person in a parental relationship.

Prohibits the sale of foods containing synthetic color additives in schools except under certain circumstances off and away from the premises or on premises at least a half hour after the end of the school day.