Sen. Michelle Hinchey

Relates to the creation of a department of corrections and community supervision identification form; relates to the use of such form as proof of identity for individuals applying for a non-driver identification card or certain driver's licenses.

Relates to creating a separate tax on inheritance income, creating a separate tax on gift income, the computation of the estate tax, and creating a gift tax.

Enacts the "utility penalty adjustment"; adjusts utility penalties to account for inflation; increases such penalties and ties them to inflation after January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryS 2168 allows the New York State Thruway Authority to offer a 50% toll discount to eligible farmers transporting agricultural products. This discount applies only to farmers who qualify for a specific tax exemption under New York Tax Law §606(a)(2)(A), requiring them to provide their exemption certificate to receive E-ZPass tags. The discount covers regular toll rates (not surcharges) and excludes non-commercial vehicle travel. It will take effect January 1, 2027, directly benefiting farmers meeting the tax exemption criteria under Agriculture and Markets Law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to create rules mandating that homeless shelters in New York undergo at least four unannounced inspections each year - once per quarter. The inspections will be conducted by the state department or local social services districts. The law directly affects all facilities providing shelter for homeless individuals statewide by requiring regular, surprise safety and operational checks. It establishes a concrete, annual inspection schedule without changing shelter funding or services.

Relates to decreasing the length of the suspension period applicable to certain individuals who lose their jobs due to a labor dispute, such as a strike, and who seek to obtain unemployment insurance benefits; decreases the suspension period from two consecutive weeks to one week; provides that the waiting period and suspension period shall be served concurrently.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a pilot program to create professional credentials for direct support professionals (DSPs) who assist individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities in New York. It directly affects DSPs working in state-operated facilities and licensed non-profit providers, with participants selected across the state to address regional workforce needs. Key mechanisms include developing a credentialing/education program using existing standards, implementing comprehensive training (including online options and mentorships), and creating an advisory council with diverse representation (DSPs, providers, self-advocates, and regional experts) to guide implementation and seek federal approval. The program requires a 2028 report evaluating recruitment, retention, credentialing rates, and quality improvements to inform future statewide adoption.

Relates to the salaries of certain teachers and aides employed by boards of cooperative educational services; puts limits on certain administrative and clerical expenses.

Requires all policies that provide coverage for inpatient hospital care to include benefits for child and family treatment and support services and children's home and community based services.

Establishes a state frontotemporal degeneration advisory committee which shall be charged with recommending to the department long range objectives, goals and priorities, and provide advice on the planning, coordination and development of needed services.