Asm. Misha Novakhov

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Veteran Family Educational Attainment Act, allows New York State veterans who have unused tuition award benefits to transfer those funds to a spouse, child, or survivor. To qualify for the transfer, the veteran must have served at least ten years, unless they were discharged due to death, medical issues, hardship, or involuntary separation. The recipient must be a resident of the state and, if a child, must be under twenty-six years old. The legislation also defines specific terms for eligible family members and survivors, including conditions under which a spouse or child qualifies for the benefit.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state, county, and local transportation projects to prioritize safe access for all road users, including drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit riders. It mandates that agencies using complete street design principles consider these needs during the planning, design, and construction of new or rebuilt roads, while also applying these standards to maintenance projects lasting at least ten years. Additionally, the legislation updates the criteria for determining when a road project is unnecessary, adding community support as a key factor alongside traffic volume and land use. The law will not apply to projects approved before it becomes effective and will take effect approximately 260 days after passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the smoking and use of cannabis in public places such as streets, sidewalks, and parks unless a local government specifically designates an area for such use. It establishes a fine of $125 for violations, which must be paid to the local government within 30 days of receiving the notice. The law directs the Cannabis Control Board to work with local officials to create rules defining public spaces and setting guidelines for enforcement. This measure aims to maintain public health and safety while allowing local communities the flexibility to decide where cannabis use is permitted.

Enacts "Melanie's law"; relates to orders of protection; allows courts to issue orders of protection for immediate family members or household members of the named victims, regardless of age.

Extends the time period for tenancy rights from 30 days to 45 days of possession; adds squatting to the definition of criminal trespass in the third degree.

Provides that a member of a public retirement system of the state may obtain a total not to exceed three years of service credit for up to three years of military duty if the member has completed a term of state service, under orders from the governor of the state of New York, and as certified by a letter of release from such orders issued by the state division of military and naval affairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits state and local registrars from charging any fees to issue certificates of still birth or fetal death. Under the new rules, these documents will be provided free of charge, removing the previous requirement to pay a fee similar to those for standard birth or death certifications. The change applies to all individuals requesting these vital records and takes effect immediately upon passage.

Expands the definition of "family leave" to include persons recovering from the unintended intrauterine death of a fetus that occurs after the clinical estimate of the twentieth week of gestation.

Establishes the class E felony of criminal use of public records for the intentional use of any public record in the course of or in furtherance of the commission of a crime.

Enacts the criminal street gang abatement act which provides enhanced penalties for persons involved with criminal street gangs; establishes the crime of gang solicitation of minors on school grounds; allows for roving interceptions by police after adequate cause is shown; establishes the witness protection fund.