Sen. Julia Salazar

Relates to the purchase of zero-emission buses and the procurement of electric-powered buses, vehicles or other related equipment and infrastructure; requires public utilities to have infrastructure, capacity, facilities, and transmission and distribution systems needed to supply power for the charging of zero-emission buses; provides a tariff for charging of electric buses.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New York's Commissioner of Health to create a special health insurance program under the federal 1332 state innovation program, allowing the state to offer coverage to specific individuals who currently do not qualify for standard plans. The program is designed for New York residents under age 65 who are ineligible for Medicaid, lack affordable employer-sponsored insurance, and have household incomes between 133% and 250% of the federal poverty line, with additional provisions for certain noncitizens and pregnant individuals. Key features include the requirement that approved health plans cover essential benefits, dental and vision services, and specific cancer care, while also providing temporary income protections for children and pregnant people. The legislation mandates that the state obtain necessary federal approvals from the Department of Health and Human Services and the Treasury Department before implementing the plan.

Permits certain licensed athletic trainers who are licensed to practice in another state or territory to provide athletic training services to athletes and team personnel at a discrete sanctioned team sporting event or performance in this state.

Establishes the green transition authority to promote the transition of the for-hire vehicle and other state industries to environmentally sustainable practices and increase universal accessibility of for-hire vehicles, paratransit services, and taxi services statewide; establishes a for-hire vehicle improvement surcharge for each for-hire transportation trip conducted in a transportation network company vehicle or by a high-volume for-hire service; makes an appropriation therefor.

Enacts the tropical rainforest economic & environmental sustainability act requiring that companies contracting with the state do not contribute to tropical forest degradation or deforestation directly or through their supply chains; establishes the supply chain transparency assistance program to assist small and medium-sized businesses and minority and women-owned businesses in achieving compliant supply chains.

Directs the New York state energy and development authority to establish a ride clean rebate program for electric assist bicycles and electric scooters; defines terms; provides a fifty percent rebate for eligible purchases.

Provides for the sale of salvaged airbags; allows for the sale of non-deployed recycled airbags in New York, provided that such airbags meet required safety standards.

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.

Enacts the college student suicide prevention act to provide for policies, guidelines and training opportunities to effectively and appropriately prevent student suicide, intervene in crisis situations, and support college communities in postvention.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies state tax laws to exempt the sale and installation of residential and commercial geothermal heat pump systems from sales and use taxes. It defines these systems as equipment that uses ground or groundwater to provide heating, cooling, or hot water for buildings, while explicitly excluding recreational facilities. Additionally, the legislation grants local governments the option to opt out of these state-level tax exemptions if they choose to impose their own taxes on such equipment. By removing the tax burden on these specific green energy components, the bill aims to encourage the adoption of geothermal technology in both homes and businesses.