Asm. Lester Chang

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new annual spending growth cap for state operating funds, directly affecting the governor and legislature when creating budgets. The cap limits yearly increases in state spending to the average inflation rate from the prior three years (calculated using the Consumer Price Index). It requires the governor to certify budget compliance and gives the comptroller authority to verify limits, with exceptions only for emergencies declared by the governor and approved by a two-thirds legislative vote. The bill does not change the rainy day fund's capacity, as the title's mention of that detail isn't elaborated in the actual provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the penalty for rape in the first degree from a class B felony to a more serious class A-II felony. It applies to all situations covered under current law, including cases involving forcible compulsion, victims unable to consent due to physical helplessness, or victims under 11 or 13 years old (with additional age requirements for the perpetrator). The key change is the upgrade in felony classification, which typically results in longer prison sentences. This policy shift directly affects individuals convicted of first-degree rape under New York's penal code. The bill does not alter the definition of the crime itself, only the severity of the punishment.

Requires all vehicles move over or slow down for parked, stopped and standing vehicles on highways, requiring the inclusion of at least one question regarding such requirement on the state driver's license examination, and requires public education measures on such requirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts the location of new cannabis retail stores and on-site consumption facilities. It prohibits new licenses for storefronts within 500 feet of school grounds (including all entrances/exits in mixed-use buildings) and within 200 feet of houses of worship (including all entrances/exits in mixed-use buildings). These rules apply only to new licenses issued after the bill's effective date. The law directly affects cannabis businesses seeking to open new locations in the state.

Establishes the crime of aggravated offering of a false accusation against a police officer or peace officer for knowing the information reported to be false or baseless, such person reports, by word or action, to a law enforcement officer or agency, the wrongdoing by a police officer or peace officer in the performance of such officer's duties; requires the posting of bail.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 6564) requires drivers to create a center rescue lane when emergency vehicles (with red lights and audible signals) approach. It directly affects all drivers operating vehicles on roadways, mandating they move to the roadway edges to clear a center lane for emergency vehicles. Key provisions specify drivers must move to the right edge on single-lane roads, or create a center lane by moving left/right on multi-lane roads (e.g., leftmost lane drivers move left, rightmost move right). The bill updates existing law to clarify lane creation in gridlock and ensures emergency vehicles can pass safely without stopping. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Establishes tuition awards for members of the reserved armed forces of the United States; provides eligibility for such tuition benefit shall be determined by the education services offices of the division of military and naval affairs; restricts such tuition benefit to legal residents of the state; establishes a tuition award account.

Establishes the crime of forcible touching of a correction officer; increases criminal penalties for certain sexual offenses committed against correction officers when such correction officer is acting in the course of such correction officer's employment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2444) exempts toothpaste, toothbrushes, and dental floss from state sales tax. It directly affects consumers who purchase these specific oral hygiene products, as they would no longer pay sales tax on them. The law adds these items to the existing list of tax-exempt products under the tax code. The exemption would take effect 90 days after the bill becomes law.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates a $31.25 annual fee for veterans who obtain special license plates honoring military service. It directly affects veterans of the armed forces who apply for these designated plates. The key change amends vehicle law to remove the requirement for veterans to pay this specific annual charge, while maintaining other fee structures for non-veteran special plates. The bill does not alter the regular fees for standard license plates or other plate types.