Asm. Alec Brook-Krasny

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state tax credit of up to $350 for individuals who adopt their first dog or cat from a licensed shelter or rescue organization in New York. To qualify, the adopter must not have committed specific offenses related to animal cruelty or neglect. The credit is applied directly to reduce the amount of state tax owed for the year in which the adoption occurs.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific stretch of Interstate 278 in Brooklyn, running from the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to 6th Avenue, as the "Fort Hamilton Veterans Memorial Highway." The legislation requires the Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs for this honorary title while explicitly stating that the official legal name of the highway will not change to prevent confusion. The act takes effect immediately and serves as a commemorative measure rather than altering the functional name or operation of the road.

Prohibits the operation of NYC transit authority subways or trains without at least one conductor on board; requires a conductor on any subway or train operated by such authority whenever the subway or train has more than two cars attached to the engine.

Prohibits persons affiliated with terror organizations from being appointed to permanent, temporary or provisional positions in the state civil service system.

Establishes the mandatory reporting of child abuse and maltreatment task force to examine, evaluate, and make recommendations concerning the child welfare system and the mandatory reporting of child abuse and maltreatment; requires the task force to submit a report to the legislature; sets forth the duties of the members of the task force.

Provides that, conditions of poverty, including but not limited to, the inability to provide or obtain clothing, home or property repair, or childcare, shall not be the sole determining factor when providing notification to the appropriate police authorities or the local child protective service unless there is willful or negligent action or failure to act and a nexus to harm such that the child has suffered or there is a substantial risk the child will suffer serious physical, mental, or emotional impairment.

Provides that any fertilized human ovum or human embryo existing outside of the uterus of a human body shall not be considered an unborn child, a minor child, a natural person, or any other term that connotes a human being for any purpose under state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that New York's Office of Addiction Services and Supports undergo annual audits regarding how it manages statewide opioid settlement funds. The audits will be conducted by the state comptroller, the attorney general, and independent certified public accountants to check if the office's internal financial controls are working properly. Results of these reviews, including any identified weaknesses, must be made public to ensure transparency. Additionally, the law requires the office to provide all relevant records to auditors upon request.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the daily pay for election inspectors and coordinators in New York City to $300 and $350, respectively. It authorizes the mayor to set these specific rates and requires the city to cover the compensation for these workers during registration and election days. Additionally, the legislation ensures that individuals who attend mandatory training sessions receive at least $50 per meeting, along with optional mileage reimbursement. The changes apply immediately to the city's election staff and are funded directly by the city government.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the state education commissioner to rename the current high school equivalency diploma to the "Excelsior high school diploma." The legislation requires the commissioner to create and update the necessary rules and regulations to implement this name change. Once passed, the new name will officially apply to the diploma issued to adults who pass the state's equivalency exam. The law will take effect approximately 90 days after it is signed into law.