Asm. Karl Brabenec

Requires the legislature to provide funding to reimburse localities for the costs associated with expenditures made as a requirement of any law which mandates the undertaking of a new program or increases the level of service of an existing program by a locality; requires the legislature to establish procedures for the allocation of funds among the local governments.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amending the state constitution to change how the governor and lieutenant-governor are elected. Instead of a statewide popular vote, it would establish a system where each county's voting power is based on population: every county gets two base votes plus additional votes calculated using the Huntington-Hill method, totaling 414 additional votes statewide. Voters would cast a single joint vote for both offices, with the candidates receiving the most county representation votes in each county winning. The change would directly affect all voters and election processes for these statewide offices, replacing the current at-large election method with a county-based representation system.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amending the state constitution to allow municipalities to authorize specific games of chance (like bingo or lotto) operated exclusively by legitimate religious, charitable, or veteran non-profit organizations. It requires all net earnings from these games to fund the organization's lawful purposes only, prohibits non-members from managing operations, and limits single prizes to $250 and total prizes per event to $1,000. Municipalities cannot create their own rules for these games - state legislation must govern them strictly to prevent commercial gambling and ensure funds are used appropriately. The proposal must be approved by voters and passed by the legislature before taking effect.

Proposes a constitutional amendment to divide the state into three autonomous regions; the New Amsterdam Region, the New York Region and the Montauk Region; provides regional governors and regional legislators; provides only for a state sales tax; divides various departments and agencies; provides for separate court systems and prison systems.

Prohibits the governor, the legislature and state agencies from imposing residential housing zoning requirements on local governments without approval from the local government.

Limits the power of the legislature to amend a redistricting plan submitted by the independent redistricting commission where it affects more than two percent of the population of any district contained in such plan.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 7.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for specific human services programs effective April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026. It directly affects providers of mental health, developmental disability, and addiction services (including clinics, residential programs, and outpatient care) by requiring them to use the COLA funds to provide at least a 2.6% targeted salary increase for eligible staff. The COLA applies to programs funded or certified by the Office of Mental Health, Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, and Office of Addiction Services and Supports. This adjustment is inclusive of other inflation factors for the specified period, excluding federal pandemic relief programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows certain New York corporations already practicing engineering or land surveying before 1935 to add professional geology to their services. To do so, they must amend their corporate charters by December 31, 2028, to include geology as a purpose and have at least one licensed geologist serving as a director or officer. The bill requires these companies to comply with all existing geology practice laws and regulations. It specifically affects legacy engineering and surveying firms seeking to expand their professional services into geology.

Authorizes the sale of consumer fireworks in the state; allows fireworks to be sold between May and December; requires compliance with certain requirements regarding registration and facilities; imposes a tax on the sale of fireworks.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a New York State program allowing small businesses (with 1-100 employees) to offer employees a payroll-deducted savings option for child and dependent care expenses. Employees can contribute pre-tax income through their employer’s payroll system, with contributions limited to IRS Section 125/129 guidelines. Businesses must set up a payroll arrangement for employees to enroll, choose contribution amounts (as a percentage or fixed dollar amount), and allow annual enrollment changes. The program is administered by the state comptroller and labor commissioner, aiming to provide a low-cost, portable savings tool for small business employees.