Sen. Andrew Gounardes

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit for New York employers who pay down their employees' undergraduate student loan debt. Employers can claim a credit equal to the amount they pay toward an employee's federal, state, or institutional undergraduate loan debt (including interest), up to $10,000 per employee annually. The credit applies to loans related to undergraduate programs and covers both principal and interest payments. It directly affects employers who choose to assist employees with student debt and employees who receive this financial support.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New York's Opportunity Promise Scholarship to cover all SUNY and CUNY associate's degree programs that lead to high-demand careers, directly affecting students enrolled in these specific programs. It specifies fields like nursing, cybersecurity, engineering, and green energy as eligible, with the list updated annually by the Department of Labor before each fall term. The change ensures students in approved associate's programs at SUNY/CUNY community colleges or campuses can access the scholarship without restrictions based on program type. The policy takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires certain large trucks operating in New York City (population over 1 million) to install side under-ride guards within 24 months. It applies specifically to trucks, tractors, and trailers with a gross weight rating of 26,000+ pounds and a conventional cab configuration (more engine forward of the windshield). The guards must prevent pedestrians/bicyclists from falling into the space between axles and stop passenger vehicles from sliding under the truck. The law also mandates similar guards for all state fleet vehicles over 10,000 pounds gross weight, with exemptions allowed for practicality or service disruptions. The commissioner will create rules for inspection and compliance.

Increases the minimum wage outside of New York city and the counties of Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester; repeals certain provisions of law relating to exceptions to minimum wage increases.

Provides for the suspension and revocation of certain learner's permits, and the return of numbered plates and registration suspensions in certain circumstances.

Removes the exclusion of part-time employees from certain definitions relating to employment and expanding the definition of employer; removes certain exclusions for employer notice requirements for the closing of a facility; removes the discretionary reduction of penalties for employers for certain acts or omissions concerning notice requirements for mass layoffs, relocations or employment loss; removes the maximum time period for determining back pay and other liabilities for certain employees who experience employment loss; allows the attorney general to take certain action to assist certain employees in receiving back pay and other liabilities; requires employers to pay severance to employees when there is a plant closing, relocation, or mass layoff.

Enacts the New York City truth in budgeting act to require notice and a public hearing prior to an increase in the real property tax levy greater than two percent over the prior year.

Precludes inadmissible statements made by defendants because of false facts about evidence or because of a statement that undermines the reliability of the defendant's statement; requires data collection and analysis by the division of criminal justice services of recorded interrogations.

Requires inclusion of complete street design for state and local transportation projects undertaken by DOT or which receive both federal and state funding and are subject to DOT oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a student loan forgiveness program specifically for municipal attorneys working for New York state political subdivisions (like cities or counties). It provides up to $3,400 annually toward student loan debt for eligible attorneys employed full-time in roles providing social/protective services to indigent people or police services, for a maximum of six years. To qualify, attorneys must be New York residents admitted to practice law, employed in these specific municipal roles, and within 11 years of being admitted to the bar. The program excludes district attorneys and indigent legal services attorneys, who are covered under separate existing provisions.