Asm. Karl Brabenec

Establishes the "Defund Municipalities that Defund the Police Act" which provides for a withholding of a certain amount of state funding for a defunding municipality.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires transit authorities and their subsidiaries to ensure accessible buses (wheelchair-friendly) are available within a three-mile service area of any bus line. It mandates that 65% of all regularly operated buses must be accessible, achieved by requiring all newly purchased, leased, or brought-into-service buses (except those for temporary shortages) to be accessible until the 65% threshold is met. The law directly affects public transit agencies like the MTA, ensuring better access for transportation-disabled riders, including wheelchair users, on fixed-route bus services. Key provisions include the 65% accessibility target and the 3-mile service area requirement for accessible buses.

Provides that a person is guilty of criminal impersonation in the second degree when a person pretends to be a servicemember or former servicemember, or a first responder, or as having received a decoration or medal; establishes a stolen valor fee.

Authorizes school districts to submit an opt-out waiver to the commissioner of education authorizing such districts to opt-out of certain zero-emission school bus requirements.

Establishes a tax credit for individuals who serve or are employed as a direct support professional, or direct care worker, up to five thousand dollars for taxpayers who make less than fifty thousand dollars and phased out for individuals who make over one hundred thousand dollars.

Requires property/casualty insurance policies to state the types and causes of damage that are covered by such policy; requires such information to be provided at or near the beginning of such policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases New York State's earned income tax credit (EITC) for tax returns filed in 2025 and later, raising the credit percentage from 30% to 45% of the federal EITC amount. It directly affects low-to-moderate income workers and families who qualify for the state EITC, primarily those with children or who meet income thresholds. The bill adds new payment options: small credits ($200 or less) are paid as a lump sum, medium credits ($200-$2,400) as three quarterly payments, and larger credits ($2,400+) as monthly installments. The changes take effect for taxable years beginning January 1, 2025, and are implemented through updated tax law provisions.

Prohibits contributions or donations to be made by hostile foreign nations in connection with a state or local election; makes a knowing violation of such provisions a class A felony, subject to an additional civil penalty equal to the contribution or donation amount plus a fine of up to ten thousand dollars.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates tax-advantaged savings accounts for small businesses, allowing them to deduct contributions (up to 10% of prior year's gross profits) and receive tax-free distributions during qualifying economic hardship. It directly affects eligible small businesses with 25 or fewer average full-time employees and under $250,000 annual net income. Key provisions include requiring hardship distributions to fund worker hiring or job retention, setting annual limits on qualified distributions, and mandating reinvestment plans for hardship withdrawals. The tax exemptions for contributions and qualified distributions begin in 2025, with penalties for misusing funds.

Provides that the East Ramapo central school district shall be eligible to receive an apportionment of funds to be used for services and expenses; directs certain reports to be submitted.