Sen. John Liu

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new progressive income tax structure for high earners in New York, replacing current tax brackets. It directly affects New York residents with significant taxable income, particularly those earning above $17,000 annually for single filers (with higher thresholds for married couples). The key mechanism uses tiered tax rates that increase as income rises - starting at 4% for lower incomes and reaching up to 24% for earnings over $20 million. The bill amends existing tax law to implement these rates, which apply to taxable years beginning in 2023 through 2027 and will be adjusted for 2028 onward.

Relates to unlawful strikes by public employees; provides for the settlement of certain disputes relating to terms and conditions of employment of certain transit and transportation authorities.

Requires SUNY and CUNY campuses to hire energy management, materials management, and sustainability education and engagement employees at each SUNY and CUNY campus in numbers proportionate to campus size.

Requires the department of education to establish professional development programs in culturally responsive instruction and provide access to those programs on its website.

Clarifies what buildings constitute an existing public school building for purposes of the location of charter schools by describing an existing public school building as being a building that is currently occupied or is unoccupied but designated for potential school use.

Maddy summaryS 4421, the "Make Transit Affordable Act," creates a one-year fare-free bus pilot program in New York City, funded by $45 million in state funds. It requires the MTA to establish at least 15 new fare-free bus routes across all five boroughs, prioritizing routes serving low-income communities, areas with high ridership, and routes facing safety concerns. The bill also allocates $160 million annually to prevent a planned 4% subway and bus fare increase. The program mandates regular reporting on ridership, safety metrics, and rider surveys to evaluate impact, with routes selected to improve access for residents facing transportation cost barriers.

Establishes new targets for offshore wind electricity generation; includes the requirements that there is at least 15 gigawatts of offshore wind electricity generation by 2040, at least 18 gigawatts of offshore wind electricity generation by 2045 and at least 20 gigawatts of offshore wind electricity generation by 2050.

Provides a fine of one thousand dollars for a person responsible for a trailer or semitrailer parked or left unattended in a city with a population of one million or more; makes certain exceptions.

Relates to school climate and codes of conduct on school property and disciplinary action following violation of such codes of conduct; makes conforming amendments.

Relates to the appointment and reporting duties of the superintendent of the state police and to the appointment of employees of the state police; requires the approval of certain duties of the state police by the superintendent of the state police.