Requires school boards to make the final decision on whether to keep, remove, or restrict access to an instructional material in a school library; establishes a review process for formal complaints concerning instructional materials that are the subject of complaints.
Exempts clothing and footwear sold in New York city from all state and local sales taxes including items used or consumed to make or repair such clothing and which becomes a physical component part of such clothing.
Maddy summaryS 6559 would allow local governments (counties, cities, towns, villages, or school districts) to provide a 100% property tax exemption for veterans who served in combat zones and are 100% permanently disabled due to military service, or their unmarried surviving spouses. This exemption would apply directly to the property tax bill for eligible veterans, bypassing any local limits on standard property tax exemptions. Localities would choose whether to implement this option, and the exemption would apply to properties assessed on or after January 1, 2025. The bill does not require localities to adopt this exemption but provides a new option for those that choose to do so.
Maddy summaryS 2603 expands the definition of "aggravated cruelty to animals" to include intentionally causing injury with a deadly weapon (like a gun or knife) or a dangerous instrument (like a broken bottle). This specifically targets individuals who use such objects to harm companion animals, making it a more severe offense. The law defines "aggravated cruelty" as conduct meant to cause extreme pain or carried out in a depraved, sadistic way. It directly affects people convicted of animal cruelty involving weapons, increasing penalties for those acts. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.
Maddy summaryNew York's S 3643, the "Fair Franchising Practices Act," establishes new rules to protect franchisees from unfair business practices by franchisors. It requires franchisors to act in good faith, prohibits unfair terms like liquidated damages clauses, and allows franchisees to source equipment/supplies independently if they meet quality standards. Franchisees gain a legal right to sue for violations, seek damages, or obtain injunctions without needing to post bond for preliminary relief. The law applies to all franchises operating in New York, directly affecting both franchisors (businesses granting franchises) and franchisees (businesses operating under franchise agreements).
Excludes the five state-run veterans homes from assessments on their gross receipts received from all patient care services and other operating income; directs the Commissioner of Health to apply to the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services for any necessary waivers pursuant to federal law and regulation.
Designates certain offenses against emergency medical services personnel, firefighters, and law enforcement officers as hate crimes; includes the definition of emergency medical services personnel, firefighters, and law enforcement officers.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all traffic-control signals in New York State to be examined and certified as accurate every two years. It directly affects the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT), local governments, and entities that install signals with DOT permission (such as schools or private property entrances). The key provision mandates biennial accuracy checks to ensure signals function correctly, replacing prior maintenance standards. This applies to all signals under DOT jurisdiction, including those installed before 1986 under specific conditions. The change focuses on routine safety verification without altering signal operation rules.
Authorizes school districts to submit an opt-out waiver to the commissioner of education authorizing such districts to opt-out of certain zero-emission school bus requirements.
Maddy summaryS 7379 would classify kratom (mitragyna speciosa korth) as a Schedule I controlled substance under New York State law, making it illegal to possess, sell, or distribute without authorization. This directly affects New Yorkers who use or sell kratom, as it would become subject to the state's strictest drug control regulations. The bill amends the public health law by adding a specific definition of "kratom" to Schedule I, which lists substances with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. The law would take effect 90 days after enactment, with necessary regulations to be implemented by that date.
