Asm. Doug Smith

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York school districts to purchase or lease only zero-emission school buses, defined as electric vehicles powered by batteries or hydrogen fuel cells, starting July 1, 2027. The law mandates that any contractors providing transportation services must also follow this rule when buying new buses and includes provisions requiring the manufacturing and final assembly of these buses and their charging infrastructure to occur within the United States. To support this transition, the bill allows the state commissioner to grant up to 24-month extensions for districts unable to comply due to costs or infrastructure needs, while also requiring a cost-benefit analysis for each district. Additionally, the legislation includes protections for current employees and contractors to prevent job losses or benefits reductions as the fleet changes, and it requires the creation of workforce development plans to manage the transition.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York State to stop using public funds for investments in Russia's energy sector, which includes oil, natural gas, and nuclear power development. The law mandates that state agencies create and maintain a list of companies providing goods, services, or credit to this sector, and these listed entities would be disqualified from bidding on state contracts. While the bill generally prohibits such investments, it allows for limited exceptions if a company has already invested before the law took effect and is actively phasing out those activities, or if the state determines the goods are essential for its operations.

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.

Regulates the purchase and sale of catalytic converters; permits only licensed or regulated scrap metal dealers, vehicle dealers, vehicle dismantlers or repair shops to possess, purchase or sell catalytic converters; makes unlawful possession an E felony; requires restitution.

Provides for the licensure of school psychology practitioners; authorizes the use of the title "licensed school psychology practitioner" to licensed or exempt individuals; defines practice of licensed school psychology practitioners; sets forth requirements for professional licensure (including educational attainment, experience, exam and fee); provides for issuance of limited permits under specified circumstances; identifies exempt persons.

Requires the office of special investigation to conclude investigations into alleged criminal offenses committed by police officers resulting in a death and issue a report within sixty days.

Establishes the New York state school safety and security act; establishes the office of school safety and security to perform assessments of educational facilities for safety and security and provide safety and security training; establishes the school safety and security advisory board to establish school safety and security best practices and resources; imposes a one percent tax on mobile sports wagering to fund such office.

Provides for updates to rates for residential health care facilities.

Requires that any rules or regulations promulgated by the department of environmental conservation pursuant to the climate action fund are subject to a vote of the legislature and must be approved by a majority vote prior to implementation.

Requires life without parole for the crime of murder in the first degree, and a minimum term of 40 years for murder in the second degree.