Asm. Yudelka Tapia

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts the purchase of specific Energy Star-certified appliances (like refrigerators, washers, and air conditioners) from New York's state sales tax. It directly affects consumers buying these appliances and gives municipalities with populations over 1 million the option to adopt this exemption for local taxes through a local resolution. The exemption applies only to retail sales of qualifying products, not rentals or repairs, and would take effect in September 2026 for local tax adoption. The bill expires on April 1, 2031, making it a temporary measure.

Relates to claim settlement practices when an insurer refuses to pay or is delaying payment of a settlement; provides a policyholder a private right of action against such insurer doing business in the state who has refused or delayed payment of an insurance claim.

Requires institutions and local correctional facilities to adhere to certain standards regarding the surveillance of incarcerated individuals and detainees, and access to such surveillance recordings.

Enacts the "Livable New York act" to fight back against climate change, provide additional affordable housing and provide employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals; makes a three billion dollar appropriation therefor.

Provides that no person shall be precluded from being deemed a "prospective relative guardian" based on whether such person's relationship with the child was established before or after such child's placement into foster care.

Enacts The New Deal for CUNY; increases the ratio of faculty and mental health counselors to full-time students; requires that certain amounts of tuition be replaced by federal, state, and city funds.

Establishes a four-day workweek pilot program for state employees; requires the division of the budget and the state department of civil service to identify state agencies or other jobs in the performance of any function of state government for which a four-day workweek is feasible and beneficial for at least sixty percent of state employees employed in such agency or job in the performance of such function of state government, and to implement a four-day workweek for such state employees.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York's mental health commissioner to create a public anti-stigma education program targeting the general public and specific underserved groups, including Black, Latina/Latino adolescents, LGBTQ+ individuals, Asian descent communities, veterans, and rural residents. The program must reduce stigma about mental health and substance use disorders, improve understanding of symptoms and treatments, and provide clear information on accessing resources through social media, radio, print, and community forums. It mandates collaboration with community stakeholders and consumer advocates to ensure culturally appropriate materials. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Provides for loan forgiveness for social workers who commit to work in counties with less than two hundred thousand population, or towns which have a population of less than one hundred fifty persons per square mile for the duration of the award.

Establishes a five-year window for any entity participating in the New York state supportive housing program (NYSSHP) in good standing with such program to participate in a request for proposal to increase their contract rates up to ESSHI levels.