Asm. Rebecca Kassay

Maddy summaryThis bill expands an existing tax credit for farmers to cover the cost of constructing housing for farm workers. It specifically allows farmers to claim the credit for standard construction materials and labor used to build residential housing occupied by workers employed in their farming operations. The change modifies the tax law to include housing construction under the "eligible costs" for the credit, which previously applied only to equipment and production-related property. This directly affects farmers who build housing for their agricultural workforce in New York. The policy change is a straightforward expansion of an existing tax incentive, with no new eligibility requirements beyond the current credit framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes permanent a 2022 law that grants "preferred source status" to businesses providing employment to certain persons (like veterans or individuals with disabilities) when those businesses bid on state government contracts. It removes the original 3-year expiration date from the 2022 law, ensuring the preferred status remains in effect indefinitely. The provision directly affects state government contractors who employ these specific groups, giving them priority in procurement processes. It does not create new eligibility criteria but extends the existing rule permanently. The law applies to new contracts issued after the effective date, not to existing contracts or requests for proposals.

Maddy summaryBill A 8246 proposes to allow individuals who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to use them for purchasing menstrual products, including sanitary napkins, tampons, and panty liners. The bill directs the state's Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to seek a waiver or authorization from the federal government for this change. This policy would only take effect if federal approval is granted.

Requires insurance coverage of sonograms and other diagnostic procedures used to detect breast cancer for covered persons with a prior history of breast cancer or who have a first degree relative with a prior history of breast cancer.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes possessing a flamethrower a class E felony under New York law. It defines a "flamethrower" as any device projecting burning fuel at least three feet, excluding inoperable displays. The law specifically excludes historical flamethrowers (built before 1966 with at least five significant pre-1966 components), those used for agriculture/construction, and flamethrowers owned before the law takes effect. It does not ban manufacturing or restoring components, only possession of active devices meeting the definition. The law takes effect 120 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the New York Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Treatment, Training and Research Council within the executive department. The council will coordinate state services for individuals with ASDs (affecting approximately 1 in 110 children), their families, and healthcare providers by developing a statewide policy plan and reviewing agency initiatives. Key mechanisms include holding annual community forums across New York State, submitting annual policy updates to the governor and legislature, and requiring agencies to align with the council's coordinated approach. The council will include state agency leaders, appointed experts in ASDs, and family representatives to address gaps in early intervention, post-education services, and research coordination identified by prior state reports.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all operators of e-bikes, electric scooters, and motor-driven cycles to wear helmets meeting commissioner standards, regardless of age. It amends vehicle laws to mandate helmets for these vehicles during operation, specifying helmets must fit securely with straps fastened. The law applies universally - no age exemptions exist - and defines "wearing a helmet" as having a properly secured helmet. It covers all users of these devices, including adults and minors, without exceptions.

Provides that the tax levy limit shall not include a tax levy necessary for expenditures resulting from a local government meeting its obligation to provide enhanced cancer disability benefits to volunteer firefighters as required under section two hundred five-cc of the general municipal law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires schools to add a checkbox on student registration forms, allowing parents to authorize library cards for their minor children during enrollment. The state education board must create a system to process these requests through the school forms. It directly affects parents, public libraries, and schools by integrating library access into the standard registration process. The law takes effect 120 days after enactment.

Creates a wholesale prescription drug importation program which complies with federal standards and regulations for the purpose of generating substantial savings for consumers.