Sen. Michelle Hinchey

Establishes the universal child care act to provide for the establishment and funding of universal child care in the state of New York; establishes a universal child care taskforce to help implement universal child care in the state and repeals certain provisions of the social services law relating thereto; establishes the permanent child care workforce pay equity fund; establishes a universal child care public option pilot program to provide universal child care in at least twenty locations throughout the state; makes an appropriation therefor.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow individuals to claim a federal tax deduction of up to $1,000 for costs related to fertility preservation services, specifically including the collection, freezing, preservation, and storage of eggs. It directly affects people who pay for these services, such as those undergoing fertility treatments before medical procedures or for personal preservation. The deduction applies to expenses that would otherwise count toward federal adjusted gross income, with the provision taking effect for taxable years beginning January 1, 2025. The bill defines "fertility preservation services" narrowly to cover only egg-related preservation methods.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $500 state tax credit for individuals who permanently relocate to the state to provide or receive reproductive care or gender-affirming care. It applies to healthcare providers moving from states with more restrictive abortion laws or gender-affirming care access, as well as patients (or their parents/guardians) relocating for the same reasons. The credit is available for tax years beginning January 1, 2025, and can be claimed on individual income tax returns. The credit cannot reduce tax liability below zero, but any excess is refundable. The bill defines "healthcare provider" to include licensed physicians, nurses, physician assistants, and pharmacists.

Relates to special provisions for the operation of bicycles when approaching stop signs and traffic-control signals including steady circular red signals and red arrow signals.

Provides for a deduction against personal gross income in an amount equal to fees, costs and expenses paid or incurred including legal fees and agency costs in connection with the adoption of a child.

Requires health insurance policies to include coverage of optional anesthesia for certain contraceptive and menstrual health procedures including, but not limited to, loop electrosurgical excision procedure, colposcopy, ablation, and intrauterine device insertion.

Establishes the commission for agricultural education excellence to assist in developing a statewide plan for increasing agricultural literacy and supporting agricultural education; provides for the membership and powers and duties of such commission; requires the commission to file an annual report with the governor and the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow New York SNAP (food stamp) recipients to use their benefits to purchase menstrual products like tampons, sanitary napkins, and panty liners. It requires the state to apply for a federal waiver or authorization within 90 days to make this change, as current federal rules currently restrict SNAP use to food items. The policy directly affects low-income New Yorkers who rely on SNAP benefits for basic needs. The change would take effect only after federal approval is secured.

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.

Directs the New York state thruway authority to establish an electronic toll collection device for motor vehicles used by farms which grants a discount for use of the thruway.