Sen. Joe Addabbo

Maddy summaryBill S 1246 proposes to create distinctive license plates for combat veterans who served in the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard, and for their spouses. These plates would display the specific branch of service and the words "Combat Veteran." Applicants must provide proof of their combat veteran status to be eligible. There would be a one-time additional service charge of ten dollars for these plates. The bill also specifies that the plates will only be designed and produced if at least 200 orders are received, or a $6,000 bond is provided, to cover manufacturing costs.

Relates to transportation management brokers; provides that transportation management brokers are no longer required to manage the transportation services for Medicaid beneficiaries.

Requires any dealer where lithium-ion batteries, bicycles with electric assist, micromobility devices and limited use motorcycles are sold at retail or repaired, and/or lithium-ion electric batteries are housed in a storage facility to maintain functional fire protection and suppression measures effective against lithium-ion battery and electrical fires, including but not limited to Class B extinguishers, battery cases, and automatic monitoring and detection; authorizes the department of state to promulgate necessary rules and regulations; imposes a fine of $250 for a knowing violation to comply with such provisions.

Requires high schools in grades nine through twelve to provide a course in financial literacy; requires students to complete such course as a condition of graduation.

Creates statewide emergency and crisis response council to work in conjunction with the commissioners of mental health and addiction services to jointly approve emergency and crisis services plans submitted by local governments, and provide supports regarding the operation and financing of high-quality emergency and crisis services provided to persons experiencing a mental health, alcohol use, or substance use crisis.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the minimum insurance requirements for vehicles rented or leased in New York. It specifically increases the bodily injury/death coverage limit for rental/lease vehicles from $25,000 to $1,250,000 per accident, while keeping standard vehicle limits at $25,000 per person. Rental companies must provide proof of this higher coverage when leasing vehicles, and they become personally liable if coverage lapses. This directly affects rental businesses, their customers, and insurers by requiring stronger financial protection for accidents involving rented vehicles.

Provides for the revocation of licenses to sell cigarettes, tobacco products, alcohol and lottery tickets for the possession or sale of illicit cannabis in violation of the cannabis law.

Maddy summaryS 2429 creates a New York state tax credit for employers who hire residents from targeted groups (like veterans, ex-offenders, or long-term unemployed individuals) as defined by federal law. Employers can claim up to $500 per eligible employee annually, with a total lifetime cap of $90 million and an annual limit of $30 million. The credit reduces state tax liability but cannot lower tax below minimum thresholds, and any unused credit is treated as an overpayment. The program applies to wages paid starting January 1, 2026, and expires December 31, 2028. It directly affects New York employers hiring from specified target populations.

Establishes the reentry assistance program; provides for eligible incarcerated individuals to receive a monthly stipend upon release from a state correctional facility; makes an appropriation of $25,000,000.

Requires each public body to live stream and post video recordings of all open meetings and public hearings; requires each public body to post such recordings for a period of not less than five years.