Sen. Jessica Ramos

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that certain state positions are explicitly defined as "employees" under state law. It directly affects statewide elected officials (like the governor and attorney general), state department heads and their staff, legislative employees, and legislators themselves. The key provision adds these groups to the legal definition of "state employees" for the purpose of applying existing laws, such as ethics rules and conflict-of-interest provisions. This change ensures these roles are formally included in state employee regulations without creating new policies or benefits. The bill is a technical clarification, not a substantive policy shift.

Provides for a working families tax credit; directs quarterly prepayment of the credit; provides for a sliding reduction in the credit for incomes which exceed a certain threshold.

Relates to establishing the state of New York public bank to use the state's depository assets to generate additional benefit for the people and the economy of the state.

Establishes the civil right to counsel in eviction proceedings in New York state; creates the New York state office of civil representation; requires that covered individuals be given notice of such right to counsel.

Creates the child care professionals loan forgiveness incentive program for applicants who agree to engage in employment in the child care field; establishes the eligibility for such awards; establishes the amount and duration of such awards.

Requires employers to report certain employees' wages for the purposes of unemployment benefits; relates to the payment of unemployment benefits, and employer penalties for non-compliance.

Establishes energy efficiency measures by the public service commission and NYSERDA including requiring utilities to hire and train employees who are from priority populations or living in areas designated as environmental justice communities.

Maddy summaryS 171 creates a state income tax credit equal to the amount of qualified union dues paid by taxpayers to recognized labor organizations starting January 1, 2026. It directly affects individual taxpayers who pay union dues to organizations certified as bargaining representatives under state law. The credit reduces income tax liability dollar-for-dollar, with any excess treated as an overpayment refundable without interest. This policy change applies to dues paid for representation in matters like wages, hours, or working conditions, as defined in the bill.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New York state and local municipalities to establish permanent memorials honoring those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. It creates a dedicated "COVID-19 permanent memorial fund" managed by the state comptroller and parks department, which will receive state appropriations, grants, donations, and bequests specifically for building and maintaining these memorials. The bill requires community input - especially from families of those impacted - during memorial design and location decisions, with all funds kept separate from other state money.

Requires the division of criminal justice services to establish a policy prohibiting police agencies from using chemical weapons and kinetic energy munitions on civilian populations and from acquiring and stockpiling such weapons or munitions.