Sen. Kevin Parker

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the maximum lease term for zero-emission school buses from 5 to 12 years, allowing school districts to secure long-term agreements without annual voter approval for these specific vehicles. It directly affects school districts purchasing or leasing zero-emission buses by permitting longer contracts (up to 12 years) compared to standard school buses (max 5 years). The key change adjusts budgeting rules so districts using 12-year leases for zero-emission buses must calculate related costs over the full lease period for funding purposes. The bill does not alter lease terms for conventional buses or require new voter approvals for standard bus leases.

Requires not-for-profit corporations have a board of directors which reflects the ethnic demographics of the communities that they serve to be able to receive state funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a New York State 1332 innovation program under a federal waiver, providing health insurance coverage for New Yorkers under age 65 with household incomes between 133% and 250% of the federal poverty level who don't qualify for Medicaid or employer-sponsored insurance. It requires coverage for essential health services, including access to cancer centers (at Medicaid reimbursement rates), dental, vision, and support for chronic illnesses. Eligibility excludes those eligible for Medicaid, the Child Health Insurance Program, or affordable employer coverage. The program is subject to federal approval and aims to fill coverage gaps for this specific income group.

Requires counties to maintain a registry of people of all ages with disabilities for the purpose of evacuating and sheltering such persons during disasters.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a formal "New York incubator network" by authorizing the state foundation to designate up to ten university-affiliated business incubators. These incubators must meet specific criteria, including providing business mentoring, securing private funding equal to state support, and collaborating with industry. Designated incubators receive state funding for operational costs (like staff and equipment) but must match state funds with private or non-state public funds. The five-year designations require annual performance reviews, with funding dependent on meeting standards for supporting startups and reporting results. The program directly affects incubators selected under these rules, aiming to boost regional economic development by helping early-stage companies commercialize technology.

Requires a holder of a class DJ or class MJ learner's permit, while operating a vehicle, to display a sign indicating that such vehicle is being driven by a new driver; authorizes the commissioner to create the form and distribution for such sign upon the issuance of the learner's permit.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits businesses from charging membership fees during a state disaster emergency when consumers face specific hardships. It applies when services stop, become impossible/illegal, frustrate a contract's purpose, or when a consumer demonstrates financial hardship due to the emergency. Businesses violating this face civil penalties up to $1,000. The law takes effect immediately and does not limit other consumer rights under existing law. It directly affects consumers seeking relief during disasters and businesses offering membership-based services.

Maddy summaryS 4255 establishes the Beacon School Pilot Program in New York City public schools. It transforms schools into community centers offering after-school and weekend programs for youth and adults, including recreational activities, academic support, and violence prevention services. The bill requires each participating school to create a community advisory council to design programs addressing youth development, family support, and neighborhood safety. This program directly affects NYC public school students, families, and local communities by providing structured alternatives to gang involvement through school-based partnerships. The initiative aims to reduce youth violence by leveraging school spaces and community resources to meet neighborhood needs.

Enacts the climate and community investment act; prioritizes the allocation of public investments in disadvantaged communities; addresses climate change challenges through the expansion and growth of clean and renewable energy sources; adopts best value requirements for the solicitation, evaluation and award of renewable energy projects; establishes a community just transition program; establishes a climate pollution fee and a household and small business energy rebate; creates the climate and community investment authority.

Maddy summaryS 4011 creates a parent and student training center within the City University of New York (CUNY) to support families in New York City public schools. The center will operate in all five boroughs, offering programs to help parents engage with school governance (like school leadership teams), communicate with teachers, understand school systems, and support their children's learning at home. It prioritizes schools with low academic achievement, high English Language Learner populations, or low-income families, and requires outreach to increase diversity in parent involvement. The center must remain non-partisan and will receive up to $800,000 annually in city funding.