Asm. Kalman Yeger

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 9240) requires local assessors to mail written approval notices for School Tax Relief (STAR) exemptions to applicants within 30 days of approving their application. It directly affects homeowners who apply for the STAR program, which provides property tax relief for primary residences. The key provision mandates this 30-day mailing timeline for approval notices, unless the determination occurs within 30 days before the tax bill is issued. The bill does not change eligibility rules but ensures timely notification of approved exemptions. This procedural update aims to improve transparency for taxpayers receiving STAR benefits.

Provides that court records in a proceeding under articles 77, 78 and 81 of the mental hygiene law shall not be perused, examined, disclosed, taken or copied by any other person than a party, the attorney or counsel of a party, the guardian, the court evaluator or the court examiner except by order of the court, or the office of the attorney general.

Requires each utility to take appropriate safety precautions regarding electrical hazards, including developing plans to promptly de-energize downed wires within two hours of notification of the location of such downed wires from a municipal emergency responder and promptly secure such wires within six hours in the case of events that are not considered emergencies.

Directs the department of transportation and every municipality, locality and public authority that distributes road salt to construct a salt shed within ten years.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires chatbot operators (proprietors) to prevent their AI systems from impersonating licensed professionals like doctors, lawyers, or therapists when providing advice or taking actions that would be illegal if done by a human. Proprietors must clearly disclose to users that they are interacting with an AI chatbot in the same language and readable font size as the chatbot's interface, and cannot avoid liability by merely stating this fact. If a chatbot causes harm through such impersonation, affected individuals can sue for actual damages, plus attorney fees if the violation was willful. The law specifically targets chatbots offering professional advice, excluding basic tools like spellcheck or payment processors.

Provides for the sealing of unfounded, exonerated, and pending claims made against law enforcement officers; requires such claims to be redacted from disciplinary records.

Provides that for taxable years beginning on and after January first, two thousand twenty-six, a resident taxpayer who serves as an active volunteer firefighter or as a volunteer ambulance worker shall be allowed a credit against the tax imposed equal to eight hundred dollars; provides for a real property tax exemption under certain circumstances to an enrolled member of an incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department or incorporated voluntary ambulance service residing in such city, village, town, school district, special district, fire district or county.

Maddy summaryBill A 6037 establishes a peer support program specifically for veterans dealing with mental illness, alcohol abuse, or substance dependence. The bill defines "veteran peer support services" as counseling provided by a veteran peer counselor to other veterans. It directs the Commissioner of Mental Hygiene, in consultation with other agencies, to develop recommended minimum qualifications for these veteran peer counselors and to create procedures for connecting them with training. This program aims to support veterans by leveraging the unique understanding and experiences of fellow veterans in recovery and support roles.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 9209) requires manufacturers shipping electric-assist bicycles and electric scooters in New York State to permanently install specific lighting before selling them. It mandates front white lights visible 500 feet ahead and rear red or amber lights visible 300 feet behind (with 200-foot side visibility) for e-bikes, and similar rear lights for e-scooters. The law directly affects manufacturers selling these vehicles in New York, not end-users or riders. It takes effect 90 days after becoming law, setting clear safety standards for lighting equipment on these products.

Provides benefits to Metro-North employees involved in or who witness a serious injury or fatality of another person in the course of an assigned duty.