Sen. James Skoufis

Relates to the purposes and powers of industrial development agencies and to improving the accountability and transparency of such agencies; makes conforming changes to the general municipal law; extends the bond issuance charge to the debt issued by not-for-profit corporations acting on behalf of the state or its political subdivisions; relates to the purposes and powers of local development corporations and certain other not-for-profit corporations thereof.

Amends provisions relating to public campaign financing; changes certain thresholds and procedures; permits retention of matching funds for future use; specifies when a candidate is opposed by a competitive candidate; requires a disclosure on political communications.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows school districts to establish seven specific cultural and religious holidays - Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Diwali, Lunar New Year, Tihar, Bandi Chhor Divas, and Onam - as official school holidays. It applies only to districts where the local school board determines there is a sizable student population observing these days. The provision gives districts flexibility to recognize these holidays without mandating statewide changes. The bill does not require any district to adopt these holidays but provides a framework for local decisions. It takes effect on July 1 following enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits data brokers from selling the personal information of current or former military members and their households without explicit consent. It defines "data brokers" as companies that collect and sell personal data from people they don't have direct relationships with, and requires clear, affirmative consent for any sale of military-related information. The law specifically bans selling "military servicemember lists" or personal data about military members or their families without permission, applying to businesses operating in New York or targeting New York residents. It excludes certain entities like financial institutions under federal law but directly affects data brokers and military households by restricting commercial use of their personal information.

Establishes the incentive evaluation act; creates the incentive evaluation commission to at least once every four years evaluate each incentive provided by the state and report to the governor and the legislature on their effectiveness and provide recommendations relating thereto.

Establishes the rental assistance payment standard pilot program where the owner of a housing accommodation shall be entitled to charge and collect a rent equal to the maximum amount that the rental assistance program prescribes for like housing accommodations, subject to rent reasonableness calculations.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the price thresholds at which food and drink sold in vending machines become subject to certain taxes. It increases the current limits from $1.50 (for coin-only machines) and $2.00 (for other payment methods) to $3.00 and $3.50, respectively. Vending machine operators selling qualifying items below these new prices will remain exempt from the tax. The change applies temporarily until May 31, 2026, and directly affects businesses operating vending machines. The policy alters the tax exemption rules for small-value snacks and beverages sold through vending.

Relates to establishing the housing access voucher program; provides that the commissioner of the division of housing and community renewal shall implement a program of rental assistance in the form of housing vouchers for eligible individuals and families who are homeless or who face an imminent loss of housing; provides that the commissioner shall designate housing access voucher local administrators in the state to administer the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4854) prohibits the manufacture, sale, and distribution of candy or confectionery products designed to look like tobacco products, such as chocolate cigarettes or gum cigars. It specifically bans packaging, branding, or marketing that mimics tobacco products (e.g., cigarette-shaped candy or tobacco-like labels). The law applies to all candy types, including gum, chocolate bars, and mints, and imposes civil fines of $100-$500 for violations. It directly affects candy manufacturers, sellers, and distributors who create or market products resembling tobacco items.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York's Department of Motor Vehicles to establish an electronic system for recording vehicle liens and titles. It mandates that lenders (like banks or credit unions) electronically submit lien information instead of using paper records, with exemptions for individuals not regularly involved in vehicle financing. Vehicle owners and lenders will no longer automatically receive physical title certificates; titles will remain electronic unless a physical copy is specifically requested. The system also changes how lien releases are processed, requiring electronic reporting when a car loan is paid off to update title records.