Asm. Karines Reyes

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 18-member task force to review and improve safety in school transportation. The task force, appointed by state leaders and including education stakeholders, school bus drivers, and agency heads, will study existing safety laws, bus stop practices, pedestrian safety, and protocols for drivers (including substitutes). It must issue recommendations within 18 months on measures like retrofitting buses, using sensor technology, and curbing illegal passing of school buses. The bill does not implement new safety rules but establishes a review process to inform future policy. (Procedural bill; expires 24 months after enactment.)

Relates to qualified energy storage systems; authorizes energy storage permitting under the office of renewable energy siting and electric transmission.

Prohibits insurance companies from discriminating based on genetic predisposition including refusing to issue or renew, charging any increased rate, or restricting any length of coverage; prohibits insurers from requiring genetic testing.

Relates to allowing for students in certain postsecondary education experience or transition programs to receive awards from the tuition assistance program.

Provides the NYC water board shall not establish a limit of less than six years to challenge any fee, rate, rent or other service charges for the use of or services furnished by the water board and/or sewerage systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the state tax law to exclude unemployment compensation from taxable income for state income tax purposes. It directly affects taxpayers who receive unemployment benefits by ensuring those payments are not counted when calculating their state income tax liability. The key provision adds a new tax law section effective January 1, 2025, specifically excluding unemployment compensation from taxable income calculations. The change applies to all taxpayers receiving unemployment benefits during taxable years starting in 2025. This is a straightforward policy adjustment to the tax code, not a procedural or commemorative measure.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires local governments (counties, cities, towns, villages) and their public bodies (like boards and commissions) to use web-based videoconferencing for meetings under specific conditions. Key provisions mandate that meetings must include closed captioning, maintain physical locations for public attendance, require written procedures for remote participation, and ensure recordings are posted online with transcripts upon request. It also requires public notice detailing videoconferencing options, accessibility features (like ASL interpretation), and locations where the public can attend. The bill establishes a "municipal hybrid meeting trust fund" to support implementation and expires July 1, 2026.

Prohibits discrimination against and harassment or bullying of students by employees or students on private, religious or denominational school property or at a school function; provides immunity from civil liability for a person making a good faith report of discrimination, harassment or bullying to authorities.

Imposes an excise tax on any taxpayer engaged in the trade or business of digital asset mining; provides that taxes, interest, and penalties collected or received from such taxes shall be used for prompt assistance to utility customers enrolled in energy affordability programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires most daycare facilities in New York to create and maintain specific emergency plans for children with disabilities, including evacuation and lockdown procedures. The plans must detail how to assist each child with a disability, list those children needing help, and identify available assistive devices. Daycares must submit these plans to the state within 120 days, update them annually, and share relevant portions with emergency responders, staff, and parents while protecting confidential health information. The law applies to standard daycare programs but excludes certain legally exempt providers.