Sen. Rachel May

Enacts the "parks are growing act"; directs the commissioners of parks, recreation and historic preservation, agriculture and markets, and environmental conservation to conduct a land assessment of suitable areas of land for establishing floral and vegetable garden plots and introducing pollinator-friendly species, and to develop and implement a plan pursuant to such land assessment.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides state funding to cities, towns, villages, or fire districts where tax-exempt property (like schools or government buildings) makes up over 35% of total property value, as this reduces local tax revenue. The state will pay eligible areas a sum based on two equal parts: 50% distributed by population proportion and 50% based on each area's share of tax-exempt property value. Payments require annual budget appropriations and apply to property assessments after the bill's effective date. It directly affects local governments struggling with revenue shortfalls due to high concentrations of tax-exempt land.

Establishes energy efficiency measures by the public service commission and NYSERDA including requiring utilities to hire and train employees who are from priority populations or living in areas designated as environmental justice communities.

Enacts "local control for speed limits"; authorizes cities, villages, and towns to adjust the speed limit to lower than fifty-five miles per hour, but not less than twenty-five miles per hour, for portions of state highways that are particularly dangerous.

Establishes the "division of research and analysis" which is a part of the legislative library and assists members of the legislature by providing research and analysis on policy.

Authorizes the department of health to implement a community food security, empowerment and economic development program (SEED) to help meet the food needs of low-income people and promote comprehensive responses to local food, farm and nutrition issues; provides grants for the cost of program projects which will be available to non-profit organizations and local governments, with limited partnership with for-profit enterprises; makes related provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill would impose a new tax on New York State residents with $1 billion or more in net assets (total wealth minus debts), calculated as if they sold all assets at market value on December 31, 2024. Taxpayers would pay the resulting tax over 10 years with an annual interest-like fee, or in full for the 2025 tax year. It includes credits for taxes paid to other states on assets accumulated before New York residency, and excludes certain assets like gifts made within five years. The tax applies only to New York residents meeting the $1 billion threshold, with the first payment due for the 2025 tax year. The bill is currently pending in the Budget and Revenue committee.

Relates to funds concerning state university health care facilities; prohibits the use of such funds for payment of certain debts related to a state university health care facility.

Requires high schools in grades nine through twelve to provide a course in financial literacy; requires students to complete such course as a condition of graduation.

Requires the commissioner of education, in consultation with any appropriate agency, to develop and implement an expanded curriculum or instruction for school districts on the history of organized and unorganized labor in the United States.