Asm. Dana Levenberg

Establishes the native/pollinator planting fund and the pollinator highway program; creates a distinctive native plant and pollinator license plate with the goal of promoting the cultivation and maintenance of native flowering plants, grasses and shrubs on land bordering state highways and on other public lands.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals New York's Section 165.35 of the Penal Law, which previously criminalized fortune telling. It removes a specific statute that made offering fortune-telling services a punishable offense. The repeal takes immediate effect, eliminating this outdated legal restriction. The bill directly affects individuals who might have been subject to prosecution under this law, though no new provisions or mechanisms are created.

Maddy summaryThis resolution memorializes Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim January 2026 as Mentoring Month in New York State, aligning with National Mentoring Month. It does not create new laws but requests the Governor issue a ceremonial proclamation to raise awareness about mentoring's role in supporting youth development. The resolution cites statistics showing mentoring improves college enrollment, leadership opportunities, and community engagement for at-risk youth and first-generation students. It directly affects New York residents by encouraging statewide recognition of mentoring programs, though the Governor's proclamation itself would have no legal effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases short-term disability benefits for New York workers. It phases in higher weekly benefit rates (from 50% to 67% of average weekly wage) and extends maximum leave duration (from 8 to 12 weeks) over several years, starting in 2018. The changes apply to employees needing short-term disability leave due to illness or injury, directly affecting both workers and their employers who provide these benefits. The bill maintains a cap based on the state average weekly wage and allows the superintendent of financial services to delay increases if needed.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases corporate income tax rates in the state. For most corporations, the rate rises to 7.25% for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2026. Corporations with a business income base exceeding $5 million will pay 11.5% instead of the standard rate. The change applies to businesses operating within the state and affects all corporate taxpayers subject to the state's tax law, with specific lower rates for small businesses, manufacturers, and qualified emerging technology companies as defined in the law. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment for taxable years starting on or after the effective date.

Provides for adjustment of the maximum income threshold for eligibility for the senior citizen rent increase exemption (SCRIE), disability rent increase exemption (DRIE), senior citizen homeowners' exemption (SCHE), and disabled homeowners' exemption (DHE) by any increase in the consumer price index (CPI).

Includes in the class E felony of vehicular assault in the second degree, the causing of serious physical injury while operating a vehicle with suspended, revoked or no license; creates the crime of vehicular homicide.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a public awareness campaign about maternal depression for both the public and maternal healthcare providers, funded through a new $20 million "maternal depression fund." The fund, managed by the state comptroller and tax commissioner, receives the $20 million appropriation and directs it to the Department of Health to implement the awareness program. It directly affects New York residents, particularly new mothers and healthcare providers, by providing resources to educate about maternal depression risks and treatments. The bill establishes clear mechanisms for funding allocation and disbursement without altering existing healthcare services or eligibility.

Creates the state office of the utility consumer advocate to represent interests of residential utility customers including a proposed change of rates, charges, terms and conditions of service, the adoption of rules, regulations, guidelines, orders, standards or final policy decisions.

Expands eligibility for the tuition assistance program by restoring eligibility to graduate students; makes optional semesters, quarters or terms eligible for awards.