Asm. Al Taylor

Relates to rechargeable battery recycling; adds a battery used as the principal electric power source for an electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist to the definition of "rechargeable battery"; provides that a battery manufacturer may not sell, offer for sale, or distribute rechargeable batteries in the state unless the battery manufacturer is implementing or participating under an approved plan; allows a city with a population of one million or more to enforce through its own agencies.

Authorizes the commissioner of education to conduct a survey regarding instruction on Asian American, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islander history within the state; establishes an Asian American, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islander history advisory committee; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.

Prohibits creditors from enforcing a consumer debt incurred as a result of fraud, duress, intimidation, threat, force, identity theft, exploitation of the debtor's personal information or similar economic abuse perpetrated against a debtor; establishes a right of action by the debtor for relief against creditors for violations; makes related provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Jonathan Montalvo to be placed on the eligible list for full-time university police officer positions with the State University of New York (SUNY) Police, bypassing standard civil service age requirements. It specifically allows his placement contingent on his civil service exam score, while still requiring him to meet all other merit and fitness standards for the position. The bill affects only Jonathan Montalvo personally and does not change general hiring rules for SUNY Police.

Requires public notice and public engagement when a general hospital seeks to close entirely or a unit that provides maternity, mental health or substance use care.

Provides for the adjustment of the minimum amount of tax delinquency for which the driver's license of a taxpayer may be suspended, based on inflation; prohibits inclusion in the license suspension program of a taxpayer who receives public assistance or supplemental security income, or whose income does not exceed 250% of the poverty level; authorizes the commissioner to grant exemptions to taxpayers whose payment of past due tax liabilities would create a hardship to the taxpayer in meeting necessary living expenses.

Requires the office of children and family services to provide luggage to youth in foster care; provides that such luggage shall be distributed to social services districts for distribution to foster care youth; requires the office of children and family services to submit an annual report to the governor and the legislature about the distribution of luggage to foster care youth.

Relates to training police officers on how to respond to situations involving individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities.

Permits the state board of elections to join certain multistate voter list maintenance organizations and provide such organizations with certain voter information; requires the state to join a multistate voter list maintenance organization on or before July 31, 2026.

Maddy summaryBill A 5301 clarifies and expands the valid reasons for obtaining an absentee ballot for school district elections, specifically in districts that do not utilize poll registration. It allows voters to request an absentee ballot if they expect to be absent from their county or unable to vote in person due to illness, physical disability, or duties related to the primary care of an ill or disabled individual. The bill also simplifies the application process by removing requirements for detailed explanations of a voter's reason for absence, instead relying on a good faith statement from the applicant.