Sen. Robert Jackson

Creates a single, streamlined process whereby a facility or program operating both a pre-kindergarten program and a daycare program may apply for and receive any certification, licensing, or other requirement otherwise necessary to operate a pre-kindergarten program or daycare program under the laws of the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes a requirement that parents or caretakers must earn a minimum wage or work a minimum number of hours to qualify for state child care assistance. It directly affects low-income families seeking child care support, eliminating a barrier that previously disqualified them based on earnings or work hours. The law amendment explicitly prohibits any minimum earnings requirement for those otherwise eligible under existing child care assistance rules. This change would allow more families to access child care support without needing to meet specific work or income thresholds.

Relates to penalties for failure to comply with maintenance and reporting of vacant and abandoned properties, and reporting and release of information; provides for the sharing of information between municipalities; provides for enforcement for failure to report on abandoned and vacant properties.

Establishes the New York state first home grant program; directs the commissioner of homes and community renewal, in consultation with the state comptroller, to implement such program; provides assistance on behalf of a first time home buyer qualified for such program; and for costs in connection with the acquisition, involving an eligible mortgage loan, of an eligible home, including downpayment costs, closing costs, and costs to reduce the rates of interest on eligible mortgage loans; subsidies to make shared equity homes affordable to home buyers by discounting the price for which the home will be sold and to preserve the affordability of the home for subsequent home buyers; and pre-occupancy home modifications required to accommodate qualified home buyers or members of their household with disabilities; excludes the amount of any grant to any first time home buyer awarded or any federal first time home buyer grant program from taxable income for the purpose of calculating New York adjusted gross income.

Calls for the state to subsidize a portion of closing costs for certain individuals who have been tenants of public housing projects or rent subsidized housing for the previous five years.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a presumption that heart disease causing disability or death for certain public safety workers was incurred during their duties. It applies specifically to correction officers, correction supervisors, deputy sheriffs patrol, and their supervisors in New York State who are covered by the state retirement system. Under the bill, if such workers develop heart disease while employed and passed a pre-hire physical showing no heart issues, the disability is automatically presumed work-related for retirement benefit purposes - shifting the burden to prove otherwise to the employer. The law amends retirement system rules to establish this presumption without requiring additional proof from the worker.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state-administered apprenticeship program for New York public housing residents to train as painters. It requires no criminal history barriers for applicants and mandates comprehensive training in workplace safety (including lead/asbestos handling), painting techniques (surface prep, paint mixing, and finishing), and job skills like cost estimation. The program, managed by the state department with housing authorities, will provide structured on-the-job learning for residents of municipal housing authorities. It directly affects public housing residents seeking career opportunities in painting trades through accessible, no-barrier training.

Creates a legislative task force on outdoor environmental education and recreation that will benefit residents of New York state by fostering stewardship and conservation of the environment, and an appreciation of the importance of the wise use of natural resources as well as acknowledgment of the health benefits of time spent in nature.

Directs the state fire prevention and building code council to update the state fire prevention and building code and the state energy conservation construction code within 18 months of the publication of any updated or revised edition of the international and national codes relating thereto, so as to ensure that the state's codes reflect such revisions and updates.

Prohibits the sale of vape products that resemble school supplies, toys, or are packaged or advertised in any way to appeal to or target minors or the youth population.