Enacts the "fair college admissions act"; prohibits legacy admissions policies at colleges and universities in New York; declares such policies and practices to be discriminatory and inequitable.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates how New York school districts calculate education funding by replacing outdated 2000 census data with current federal census information. It revises definitions for "census count" and "poverty rate" to use the latest National Center on Education Statistics data and three-year average small area income estimates, rather than the 2000 census. School districts, particularly those classified as "high-need" under existing law, will have their funding formulas recalculated using these updated metrics. The changes directly affect how funding is distributed based on student poverty levels, with Section 3 adjusting specific percentage rates for different district types. The bill takes effect April 1st after enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires state agencies managing the opioid stewardship fund to submit quarterly reports detailing fund activity. The reports must include the total funds held, amounts paid out each quarter, and the names and locations of all organizations receiving funds (awards) and providing funds (receipts). These reports are sent to the opioid settlement board, state legislative leaders, and relevant committees, aiming to increase transparency in how opioid settlement funds are distributed and managed. The requirement applies directly to the Office of Addiction Services and the Department of Health.
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.
Maddy summaryThis bill limits credit service charges on car loans by capping them at $16 per $100 borrowed annually. It directly affects car buyers in retail installment contracts by restricting how much sellers can charge for credit services beyond the loan amount. The cap applies to the difference between the car's cash price and down payment, plus official fees, and includes insurance costs as defined in related law. The bill was recently referred to the Consumer Protection committee for further review.
Relates to the regional cost index for purposes of the calculation of total foundation aid; updates the regional cost index to better reflect the differences in cost of living across the state.
Establishes the East of Hudson watershed road salt reduction task force, pilot plan and test program to conduct a comprehensive review of road salt contamination and road management best practices within the East of Hudson watershed.
Enacts the building up immigrant legal defense or BUILD act to provide competitive workforce development and capacity building grants to eligible entities that are seeking to expand access to representation for individuals facing deportation by increasing the workforce and strengthening the legal services infrastructure needed to provide such representation.
Authorizes and directs the metropolitan transportation authority to implement a free fare program on the Long Island Rail Road for firefighters employed by the city of New York.
Maddy summaryS 3779 increases the maximum number of academic years students can receive tuition assistance under New York's program from four to six years. It directly affects undergraduate students enrolled in eligible two- or four-year colleges who rely on this state-funded aid. The key change extends eligibility periods, with specific provisions for students in remedial programs (counted as five-year programs) and those transferring due to college closures (allowing up to two additional semesters). This update aligns the program with longer degree completion timelines common in higher education.
