Asm. MaryJane Shimsky

Maddy summaryThis New York state bill creates a work opportunity tax credit for employers hiring New York residents in targeted groups (such as veterans or long-term unemployed individuals, as defined by federal law). Employers can claim a 100% credit against state tax for qualified wages paid to these employees, capped at $500 per employee annually. The total credit is limited to $90 million across all taxpayers, with the program expiring December 31, 2028. It applies to wages paid after April 1, 2026, and cannot overlap with other state tax credits for the same wages.

Relates to the regulation of three-dimensional printed firearms; provides that a person who intentionally sells, distributes, or disposes of a three-dimensional printed firearm is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends New York's historic homeownership rehabilitation tax credit window through 2025, allowing homeowners to claim up to $50,000 in credits for rehabbing qualified historic homes during tax years before 2025, and $25,000 for years starting in 2025. It directly affects homeowners who rehabilitate historic properties, requiring them to meet specific criteria like exterior rehabilitation costs and excluding pre-2007 work. The bill adds mandatory annual reporting requirements, mandating the state commissioner to publicly share detailed data on credit usage - including project locations, housing units before/after rehab, and credit values - by November 1 each year. These reports must be submitted to state leadership and made available online. The changes take effect for tax years beginning January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis New York bill prohibits law enforcement officers and agencies from using cell-site simulators - devices that mimic cell towers to track phones without consent. It directly affects law enforcement (including police officers and agencies) and individuals whose phone data might be collected through these devices. Key provisions ban the use, acquisition, or third-party agreements involving such technology, require illegally obtained evidence to be suppressed in court, and allow affected individuals to sue for up to $5,000 per violation or actual damages. The law also permits class-action lawsuits and awards legal fees to successful plaintiffs.

Relates to claims for unjust conviction and imprisonment and the availability of certain benefits and entitlements to exonerees; allows for sealing of records, payment of awards and payment of attorney's fees; repeals certain provisions relating thereto.

Establishes through the department of health a drug checking services program to allow individuals to bring drugs or controlled substances and have them tested for contaminants, toxic substances, or hazardous compounds; requires the department to establish public health surveillance of the unregulated drug supply; provides exemptions for participants in the drug checking program from certain controlled substance offenses.

Relates to prohibiting civilian drone use within 500 feet of a correctional facility except when in use under the Federal Aviation Administration's authorization.

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.)

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.