Sen. Steve Rhoads

Ensures that color vision requirements for appointment of police officers are tailored to only eliminate individuals with extreme color vision deficiencies from eligibility; provides methods under which an individual can meet such requirements after failing to meet an initial color vision standard.

Maddy summaryThis law updates the maximum amount the state can reimburse veterans' organizations for funeral and burial costs. Starting in 2025, the reimbursement limit will automatically increase each year based on changes in the consumer price index, with the rise capped between one and four percent. The state agency responsible for veterans' services must publish the new annual limit by February 1st. This change directly affects congressionally chartered veterans' groups that currently receive state funds for these services.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the "Our Schools Our Rules Act," aims to prevent the state from forcing local school districts to create regionalization plans that share resources or administrative duties. It directly affects school districts, particularly those on Long Island, by prohibiting the education department and the board of regents from mandating such plans or enforcing related regulations. The law explicitly states that while districts cannot be compelled to join these programs, they remain free to voluntarily enter into partnerships with other schools or organizations. Additionally, any existing state rules requiring regionalization plans are declared null and void, ensuring local control over governance and budgeting decisions.

Requires insurance coverage of sonograms and other diagnostic procedures used to detect breast cancer for covered persons with a prior history of breast cancer or who have a first degree relative with a prior history of breast cancer.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new $1,000 supplemental Empire State Child Tax Credit for the 2024 tax year and future years. It directly affects taxpayers who have a newborn child that qualifies as a dependent under federal tax rules. The credit is issued by the state tax commissioner and can be applied to reduce taxes owed or refunded if the credit amount exceeds the tax liability, though no interest will be paid on any refund. To receive the payment, individuals must have filed their tax returns on time, including any approved extensions. The law is scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2025.

Authorizes municipalities to offer a real property tax exemption to certain volunteers who live in that municipality but who serve in neighboring municipalities.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Seaford Fire District in Nassau County to apply for a retroactive real property tax exemption for a specific parcel of land located at 3844 Waverly Avenue in Hempstead. The legislation authorizes the county assessor to review and approve the application for the 2021-2022 tax period, treating it as if it had been submitted on time. If approved, the district may receive a refund of any taxes already paid on that property, and any associated fines, penalties, or liens will be cancelled. The law takes effect immediately upon signing.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Nassau County Assessor to accept a tax exemption application from the Friendship Engine and Hose Company for its property located at 14 Meadowbrook Road in Merrick. The legislation specifically covers real property taxes for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 assessment periods, allowing the fire company to seek relief from both general and school taxes if it qualifies under existing laws. If the exemption is approved by the county legislature, the bill provides for the refund of any taxes already paid along with the cancellation of any fines, penalties, or liens associated with the property.

Authorizes the John Theissen Children Foundation, Inc. to receive retroactive real property tax exempt status for a parcel located at 1492 Wantagh Avenue, hamlet of Wantagh, town of Hempstead, county of Nassau.

Authorizes a retroactive real property tax exemption for Hicksville United Methodist Church in the county of Nassau for general taxes years 2022 and 2023 and school taxes years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023.