Sen. Michelle Hinchey

Expands agricultural tourism to include, but not be limited to, the production and processing of grapes, grains or other crops used to create alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in an on-farm brewery, winery, cidery, meadery or distillery, the production and processing of fiber such as sheep or alpaca wool, and the production of processed food commodities, including but not limited to ice cream, jams, baked goods and similar items.

Requires the department of transportation to promulgate rules and regulations for the installation of heat safety gauges or hot bearing detectors on freight rail tracks in the state; requires the installation of positive train control systems on all freight trains operated within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Andriel Santana, a current full-time correctional officer employed by Columbia County, to take the civil service exam for deputy sheriff despite standard eligibility requirements. If Santana passes the exam, he would be placed on the eligible list for appointment as a deputy sheriff. The bill does not change standard hiring processes - he must still meet background checks and fitness standards like all applicants. It applies specifically to Santana and does not affect other civil service hiring procedures.

Requires each electric corporation to submit a storm hardening and system resiliency plan to the public service commission for review and approval; makes related provisions.

Requires stretch limousines to be equipped with roll-over protection devices such as cages or pillars and anti-intrusion bars for the purpose of protecting rear compartment passengers.

Authorizes and directs the commissioner of environmental conservation to conduct a study on food waste initiatives and to provide recommendations based on the study's findings.

Provides for a working families tax credit; directs quarterly prepayment of the credit; provides for a sliding reduction in the credit for incomes which exceed a certain threshold.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates two restrictions on New York's long-term care insurance tax credit. It removes the $1,500 annual maximum credit limit and the requirement that taxpayers must have less than $250,000 in adjusted gross income to qualify. The change applies to residents who pay premiums for qualifying long-term care insurance policies, allowing them to claim the full 20% credit on their premiums regardless of income level or premium amount. The policy takes effect for taxable years beginning January 1, 2025.

Establishes the civil right to counsel in eviction proceedings in New York state; creates the New York state office of civil representation; requires that covered individuals be given notice of such right to counsel.

Establishes a blue ribbon commission on fair competition in the outdoor recreation industry to examine, evaluate and make recommendations regarding methods to promote fair competition in the outdoor recreation industry; provides such commission shall consist of eleven appointed members; requires a report to the governor and legislature on or before December 31, 2026.