Asm. Phara Souffrant Forrest

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the methodology for calculating education funding by replacing outdated references to the 2000 census with current data sources. It revises definitions of "census count" and "poverty rate" to use the most recent federal decennial census data and a three-year average of small area income estimates, rather than relying solely on a single-year census. School districts, particularly those classified as "high-need" based on student poverty levels, will have their state education funding recalculated using these updated metrics. The change ensures funding formulas reflect more current socioeconomic conditions in communities. The bill takes effect April 1 following enactment.

Enacts the "Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Act"; provides findings for evidence-based and evidence-informed health programs from hospital-based and community-based programs.

Provides for automatic voter registration and pre-registration for persons applying for certain department of motor vehicles documentation, and for persons applying for or re-enrolling in Medicaid; allows individuals to decline such automatic registration and pre-registration.

Relates to protecting the communication rights of individuals with disabilities; provides that each person with a disability has the right to communicate in their preferred manner.

Authorizes cities and towns, except a city with a population of one million or more, to establish community preservation funds; authorizes such cities and towns to impose a real estate transfer tax with revenues to be deposited in such funds; makes related provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework for mental health clubhouses in New York State, directly benefiting individuals with serious mental illness by providing free, community-based support services. It requires clubhouses to be accredited, offer voluntary membership, and provide integrated support for employment, housing, healthcare, and social engagement. The Office of Mental Health must develop a statewide implementation plan within one year and oversee biennial reporting from clubhouses on membership, employment outcomes, housing, and crisis responses. Clubhouses must operate as non-clinical therapeutic communities emphasizing work, mutual support, and connection to broader healthcare services.

Requires the appointment of an independent fiduciary upon the closing of a charter school to develop and implement the dissolution plan of such charter school, including the distribution of assets.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes citizenship as a requirement for holding most state public offices in New York. It specifically deletes the phrase "a citizen of the United States" from the qualifications listed in the public officers law, meaning non-citizens who meet other requirements (like residency and age) could potentially serve. The change applies broadly, except where other laws specifically require citizenship for certain roles. All other existing qualifications - such as age, residency, and criminal record checks - remain in effect.

Allows for certain disability benefits to continue in the event an individual who is receiving such benefits gets married; provides that the marriage to another individual which would otherwise make an individual ineligible for certain disability benefits shall not be considered if such individual is already receiving disability benefits at the time of becoming married and continues to meet certain criteria.

Enacts the "fair pay for home care act" relating to minimum wages applicable to home care aides; provides for a minimum wage of 150% of the applicable statewide or regional minimum wage.