Asm. Jaime Williams

Establishes a reverse loan mortgage loan program for seniors; provides for the state of NY mortgage agency to establish many of the parameters for the implementation of the program; defines terms; requires a care needs assessment of each applicant; provides that area agencies on aging shall provide counseling and assistance to applicants; requires independent counseling in compliance with HUD regulations; directs the state of New York mortgage agency to issue an annual report to the governor and the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the New York Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Treatment, Training and Research Council within the executive department. The council will coordinate state services for individuals with ASDs (affecting approximately 1 in 110 children), their families, and healthcare providers by developing a statewide policy plan and reviewing agency initiatives. Key mechanisms include holding annual community forums across New York State, submitting annual policy updates to the governor and legislature, and requiring agencies to align with the council's coordinated approach. The council will include state agency leaders, appointed experts in ASDs, and family representatives to address gaps in early intervention, post-education services, and research coordination identified by prior state reports.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 6630) creates the "Expanded In-Home Services Funding Act" to increase state funding for in-home care services for elderly residents. It allocates $42 million specifically to eliminate waitlists for essential services like meal delivery, housekeeping, personal care, and transportation, while ensuring counties have resources to meet growing demand. The bill establishes a five-year pilot program to test new service models (including tele-health and volunteer transportation networks), with a designated portion of funds prioritized for rural counties facing the highest need. Annual reports will track fund usage, waitlist reductions, and improvements in senior well-being, as required by the bill's provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the threshold for when local authorities can seize abandoned vehicles. Specifically, it raises the maximum wholesale value (considering condition) from $1,250 to $3,250 for vehicles with no license plates at the time of abandonment. Under this change, ownership of such vehicles automatically transfers to the local authority once the value threshold is met. The bill does not apply to vehicles intended for junk/salvage sale, dismantling, or destruction.

Establishes the incontinence supplies insurance program for Medicaid beneficiaries who are also residents of the state of New York and obtain a note from a physician indicating a need for an item.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies property tax rules for cooperative corporations and condominiums. It allows eligible properties (owned by cooperatives or on a condo basis in a municipality) to avoid certain tax provisions if the owner adopts a local law or resolution before the tax assessment date. However, this exemption does not apply to properties already taxed under those rules before January 1, 2027, or those in affordable housing programs with federal/state/local housing agreements. The changes apply to tax assessments starting January 1, 2027.

Provides that in years where a pay period occurs on January first of such year, the salaries of members of the legislature shall be payable in twenty-seven bi-weekly payments.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires contractors working on qualifying construction or demolition projects in cities with over 1 million residents to recycle at least 50% of the waste generated (by weight), measured after the law takes effect. It applies specifically to projects like multi-unit residential buildings, larger commercial structures, and major demolitions, excluding hazardous materials like asbestos or lead-contaminated waste. Contractors must document compliance within 30 days of project completion and face fines for non-compliance, with a phased approach starting at 25% for projects permitted within one year of enactment. The law aims to reduce landfill use by integrating recycling requirements into existing waste management systems for large urban projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary task force to review why New York City disability retirees are excluded from the Variable Supplements Fund (VSF) program, which provides supplemental retirement payments to police and fire department members. The task force, appointed by the governor, legislative leaders, the mayor, and other officials, will investigate the issue through public hearings, gather evidence, and recommend changes within one year. It must report its findings to the governor, state comptroller, and legislative committees but does not directly alter the VSF program. The goal is to address longstanding eligibility concerns for disability retirees who have been largely excluded from receiving these supplements.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 21st each year as "Down Syndrome Awareness Day" in New York State. It adds this date to the state's official calendar of commemorative days, which already includes other observances like Holocaust Remembrance Day and Juneteenth. The bill does not create new policies or funding; it simply establishes a formal recognition day to raise awareness about Down syndrome. This designation affects all New York state entities and residents, encouraging official observances and educational efforts on that date.