Asm. Chris Eachus

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the state penal law to classify conspiracy to commit murder in the second degree as a Class B violent felony offense. The legislation directly affects individuals charged with plotting to commit this specific crime by placing it in the same sentencing category as other serious violent acts like kidnapping, rape, and aggravated assault. By reclassifying the charge, the bill ensures that those who conspire to commit murder face the same level of imprisonment as those who directly commit or attempt other severe violent felonies. The change takes effect on November 1st of the year following its enactment.

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".

Directs the commissioner of education and commissioner of labor to study the appropriateness of county placement in the regional cost index used for the school aid formula.

Authorizes municipalities in the county of Rockland to add unpaid housing code violation penalties, costs and fines to such municipalities' annual tax levy in accordance with applicable law.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts the surgical removal of vocal cords, commonly known as devocalization or "debarking," on dogs and cats. It prohibits the procedure unless a licensed veterinarian determines it is medically necessary to treat an illness, injury, or congenital abnormality that causes pain or threatens the animal's life. Veterinarians who perform the surgery must document the medical justification in the patient's treatment records, and those who violate the law face civil penalties of up to $1,000 or the suspension and revocation of their veterinary license. Additionally, the bill authorizes state commissioners to create rules for enforcing these provisions and sets the law to take effect 90 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows local governments in Minnesota to offer a full exemption from real property taxes to combat veterans who are 100% permanently disabled due to their military service. It also extends this benefit to the unmarried surviving spouses of these veterans. Under the new rules, local authorities can choose to grant this 100% tax break regardless of any existing maximum exemption limits set by local laws. The exemption would apply to property assessments prepared on or after January 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a property tax exemption for school taxes for homeowners who are at least 75 years old, or for couples where one partner is 75 and the other is at least 65. To qualify, the owners must have lived in the school district for at least 30 years without having any children enrolled there, and the property must be their primary residence. The exemption applies to one-to-three-family homes, farm dwellings, and certain condominiums or cooperatives, with income limits set at $60,000 that adjust annually based on cost-of-living increases. Local municipalities must pass their own laws to adopt the program, and the bill includes provisions for verifying income through state tax records to reduce the paperwork required from applicants.

Maddy summaryThis bill reverses a 2016 law change that was intended to shift the school tax relief property tax exemption into a personal income tax credit. By repealing specific sections of the tax law, the measure keeps the school tax relief as a property tax exemption rather than converting it to a credit. The legislation also modifies rules for applying for and renouncing this exemption, including the calculation of owed taxes and fees when a property owner voluntarily gives up the benefit. Ultimately, the bill ensures that the school tax relief remains tied to property ownership and residency instead of becoming a credit based on income.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Isol Cotto Act, requires that individuals arrested for domestic violence or violating protection orders must appear before a judge before being released on bail. Under the new rules, a judge must review the circumstances of the arrest, any history of violent offenses, and the risk the accused poses to the victim within twelve hours of the arrest. The law limits how long a person can be held without this judicial review to a maximum of twelve hours. This change directly affects law enforcement and court procedures regarding the release of defendants accused of family-related offenses.

Establishes the Supply Chain Transparency Assistance Program to encourage the shifting of the state's economy toward more ethical and sustainable supply chains.