Sen. Jake Ashby

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits anyone under 21 from purchasing or possessing kratom products. Businesses selling kratom must verify customers' ages using government-issued ID (like driver's licenses or passports), display a clear sign stating the age ban, and use an ID scanning system to confirm identity - without sharing scanned data with third parties. The health commissioner is also required to study kratom's health risks and benefits, reporting findings within one year. These rules directly affect underage buyers, kratom retailers, and enforcement agencies.

Maddy summaryBill S 1189 establishes new licensure requirements for entities providing fiscal intermediary services for personal assistance programs. Beginning April 1, 2027, these fiscal intermediaries must obtain a license from the commissioner, a process that includes an application fee and an assessment of their character, competence, and compliance. The bill also broadens the definition of fiscal intermediaries, modifies their annual reporting obligations, and creates a confidential state registry for personal assistants that these intermediaries must maintain. This legislation directly affects fiscal intermediaries, personal assistants, and consumers utilizing these services.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $750 annual income tax credit for retired police officers in the state who retired due to disability. It applies to resident taxpayers whose disability retirement occurred while serving as a police officer. The credit reduces taxable income starting in 2026, with any excess credit treated as a refundable overpayment (no interest paid). The provision directly benefits eligible retired disabled officers by lowering their state tax burden.

Relates to using a portion of the public safety communications surcharge to support volunteer fire department initiatives; establishes the New York state volunteer fire department auxiliary fund.

Establishes a special needs assisted living program to serve residents of certified assisted living residences with neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia or Parkinson's disease, who are experiencing behavior disturbances.

Directs the commissioner of health to contract with an independent entity to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the existing methodology used to determine payment for early intervention screenings, evaluations, services and service coordination; directs recommendations on reimbursement methodology as well as needs under the program.

Maddy summaryS 5422 exempts zero-emission school buses and all necessary parts/equipment for their operation from New York's sales and use tax. This directly affects school districts and bus purchasers by removing a cost barrier when buying or maintaining electric or hydrogen-powered school buses. The bill adds a specific tax exemption to the tax law, applying to buses defined in education law §3638. It will take effect during the first sales tax period starting after 30 days from when the bill becomes law.

Provides a state income tax exemption for volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers who have qualifying service in the taxable year for which such exemption is sought.

Establishes a childcare program to provide active duty members of the New York national guard assistance in locating, selecting, and offsetting the cost of civilian childcare when on-base childcare is not available to such members.

Establishes new targets for offshore wind electricity generation; includes the requirements that there is at least 15 gigawatts of offshore wind electricity generation by 2040, at least 18 gigawatts of offshore wind electricity generation by 2045 and at least 20 gigawatts of offshore wind electricity generation by 2050.