Decreases the frequency of lock-down drills in schools; directs that such drills shall be implemented with a trauma-informed approach; permits parents to opt their children out of such drills.
Enacts the "community solar opportunity and local approval reform (Community SOLAR) act"; authorizes municipalities to establish standards for distributed generation energy facilities.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows the New York State Thruway Authority to offer a 50% toll discount to eligible farmers transporting agricultural products. It directly affects farmers who qualify for a tax exemption under New York’s tax law (Section 606, Subparagraph A), as defined by agriculture and markets law. To receive the discount, farmers must provide their tax exemption certificate to the Thruway Authority, which will then issue E-ZPass tags for automatic application. The discount applies only to regular tolls (not surcharges or non-commercial vehicle travel) and takes effect January 1, 2027.
Maddy summaryBill A 1615, known as the "area speed limits act," modifies the process by which cities, villages, and certain towns establish speed limits on local highways and roads. The bill removes the current requirement for these local legislative bodies to base new speed limits on specific engineering considerations and factors. It also eliminates the need for these speed limits to be certified by a licensed professional engineer. This change grants local governments more direct authority in setting area speed limits within their jurisdictions.
Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3589, "Protects library access to electronic literary materials") bans restrictive clauses in contracts between publishers and libraries for electronic literary materials (e-books and digital audiobooks). It specifically prohibits terms that limit libraries' core functions, such as restricting loans, limiting preservation copies, or controlling loan periods. The law applies to licensing agreements for literary monographs (single-volume works) and declares such prohibited terms unenforceable, with libraries able to seek remedies under state law. It does not apply to contracts between libraries and aggregators (companies licensing multiple publishers' collections).
Exempts a person from a money judgment arising from an action in another state for knowingly engaging in conduct that aids or abets the performance or inducement of an abortion.
Maddy summaryThis bill (A 7786, "Sovereign Debt Stability Act") creates a voluntary legal framework for foreign governments or subnational entities (like states/provinces) with debt governed by New York law to restructure unsustainable debt. It directly affects debtor nations or subnational units holding debt under New York jurisdiction, requiring them to choose between two restructuring pathways (Section 223 or Section 230) and notify creditors. Key mechanisms include a debtor state filing a petition, appointing an independent monitor to facilitate agreements, and requiring creditor participation under "burden-sharing standards" to ensure equitable cost distribution. The law aims to protect New York's financial interests by reducing systemic risk, preventing defaults that could harm its economy, and supporting international debt relief efforts.
Requires municipalities to include an Affordable Housing Needs Assessment to establish a data-based foundation for the creation and preservation of affordable housing in the municipality, utilizing the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development median income calculations, in their comprehensive plans.
Provides a deduction in determining personal income tax for the cost of textbooks at a New York private or public college or university by a taxpayer or such taxpayer's eligible dependent; defines "eligible dependent" and "qualified education expenses".
Allows credit unions, savings banks, savings and loan associations and federal savings associations to accept and secure deposits from municipal corporations.
