Rep. Charles Fall

Directs the commissioner of transportation to conduct a study on the effects of the congestion surcharge imposed in lower Manhattan, including impacts to residents and businesses in the congestion zone, and any reduction in emissions resulting from such surcharge; requires a report on the findings of such study to be submitted no later than 2 years after the effective date.

Requires certain public schools in any city with a population over one million to offer Halal food options during lunch to students with dietary restrictions free of charge.

Permits award of crime victim assistance funds to victims of overdoses, where such overdoses cause death and were the result of deception, surreptitious delivery, or third-party administration of a controlled substance.

Authorizes a certain property operating as a private membership establishment to sell alcohol for on-premises consumption to members and their guests; defines "private membership establishment"; provides that such provisions shall not be interpreted to authorize any form of discrimination.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals current restrictions on cannabinoid hemp products and allows licensed retailers to sell all forms of these products starting January 1, 2026. It requires new labeling rules including nutrition information, FDA disclaimers, milligram content per serving, and manufacturer addresses. The law voids any prior or future rules prohibiting sales of cannabinoid hemp, while maintaining age restrictions for smoking products. It directly affects licensed hemp retailers and sets new safety and transparency standards for product labeling. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Provides voting membership to existing non-voting rider representatives on the MTA Board, provides for enhanced representation of MTA riders with disabilities.

Authorizes the investigation of fraudulent activities with regard to individuals operating motor vehicles without insurance; increases the civil penalty for forging insurance documents; creates the crime of offering a false application for motor vehicle insurance or registration.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a New York state tax credit for small businesses hiring disabled workers. Small businesses with 100 or fewer employees can claim a $5,000 credit per disabled employee (up to $25,000 per business annually), provided the employee works 35+ hours weekly for six months and the employer verifies the employee meets the statutory disability definition. The credit is capped at $5 million total per year, with unused credits carried forward for up to three years. It directly affects small business employers in New York who hire eligible disabled residents, aiming to incentivize their employment through tax relief.

Directs the commissioner of education to conduct an audit regarding instruction in literacy instruction at institutions of higher education that offers a graduate or undergraduate degree or certification program in education or educational administration located within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's education law to explicitly allow students to be absent from school for "mental or behavioral health" reasons, alongside existing permitted absences like religious observance. It directly affects minor students and their schools, ensuring mental health needs are recognized as a valid reason for absence without penalty. The key mechanism requires the state education commissioner to establish specific rules for how schools must handle such absences. The law does not create new requirements but formalizes existing practice under a clear policy framework.