Sen. Robert Jackson

Establishes the "New York public banking act"; authorizes municipal and other local governments to form and control public banks through the ownership of capital stock or other ownership interests, and to loan or grant public funds or lend public credit to such public banks for the public purposes of achieving cost savings, strengthening local economies, supporting community economic development, and addressing infrastructure and housing needs for localities.

Strengthens protections against discrimination, harassment, and bullying based on actual or perceived immigration status, and to improve implementation and oversight under the Dignity for All Students Act.

Maddy summaryBill S 8214, the "Public Official Virtual Currency Regulation Act," aims to restrict virtual currency business activities for certain public officials and their families in New York. The bill defines "covered individuals" as the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Comptroller, Attorney General of New York, the U.S. President, and their immediate family members. It prohibits any person from engaging in defined "virtual currency business activities" in New York if the virtual currency is linked to a "covered interest" (like ownership of 5% or more, or compensation for promotion) of these officials or their families, or is otherwise related to them. Prohibited activities include transferring, storing, buying, selling, or converting virtual currency for others. Violations can lead to civil penalties ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 per day.

Establishes the New York State social housing development authority as a public benefit corporation to increase the supply of permanently affordable housing in the state through the acquisition of land and renovation or rehabilitation of existing real property, and through the construction of new, permanently affordable housing.

Maddy summaryBill S 2240 removes the lifetime ban that prevents individuals with felony convictions from serving on a jury. It amends existing judiciary law to eliminate the automatic disqualification for past felony convictions. However, the bill clarifies that anyone currently serving a term of incarceration for a felony would still be excused from jury service while incarcerated. This change allows eligible citizens who have completed their sentences to participate in jury duty.

Requires electric vehicle charging stations to be installed at gasoline stations when new gas dispensing motor fuel pumps are being installed at such gasoline station; prohibits building permits from being issued when there is not at least one electric vehicle charging station being installed at such gas station.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York schools and educational agencies to obtain written parental or eligible student consent before sharing personally identifiable student data with third-party contractors, such as SLISP or data dashboard operators. It mandates that contracts with these contractors include detailed data security plans, staff training on privacy laws, and a signed "parents bill of rights" for data privacy. The law specifically prohibits releasing student data without explicit written consent, covering information like student records or teacher/principal data. This directly affects schools, contractors handling educational data, and families whose children's information may be shared.

Provides for loan forgiveness for social workers who commit to work in counties with less than two hundred thousand population, or towns which have a population of less than one hundred fifty persons per square mile for the duration of the award.

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.

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.