Sen. Steve Rhoads

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Nassau County auxiliary police officers to carry standard police batons (24-26 inches long, ≤1.25 inches thick) when authorized by the county police commissioner. It requires mandatory training in defensive baton use and legal application of force, referencing Article 35 of the Penal Law. The bill prohibits intentional striking with a baton except when deadly force is legally authorized under Article 35. It directly affects Nassau County auxiliary police officers by expanding their authorized equipment under specific conditions.

Maddy summaryS 3471 creates tax credits for New York employers who provide or sponsor on-site or nearby child care facilities. It offers a 10% credit (up to $10,000) on eligible operating costs and a 20% credit (up to $20,000) for qualified facility construction or improvements. The bill requires facilities to be licensed, serve primarily employees' children (excluding households earning over $200,000 annually), and comply with specific reporting rules. These credits apply to business franchise, personal income, and insurance franchise taxes under New York law.

Repeals congestion pricing (Part A); directs the metropolitan transportation authority to contract with a certified public accounting firm for the provision of an independent, comprehensive, forensic audit of the authority (Part B).

Provides that where an active or retired police officer dies by suicide and is enrolled in a health insurance plan, the surviving dependents of such police officer shall be entitled to such health insurance coverage for ninety days following such police officer's death.

Authorizes local governments to opt out of mandates and benchmarks arising under the climate leadership and community protection act and associated universal electrification requirements by filing a resolution with the department of environmental conservation.

Allows a tax exemption for taxpayers in the amount of the purchase price of a fire extinguisher, fire alarm, heat alarm or carbon monoxide alarm purchased for residential use during the month of October.

Establishes the "first-time homebuyer tax credit act"; provides that a qualified taxpayer shall be allowed a credit against the taxes imposed by this article for taxes levied on the taxpayer's primary residence by or on behalf of any county, city, town, village, or school district in which such property is located.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1396) requires background checks for maintenance employees at assisted living and residential health care facilities. It defines "maintenance employees" broadly to include janitors, security, groundskeepers, and similar staff (excluding volunteers), and mandates that the Department of Health access their criminal history records. Courts must notify the health department within 7 days of any criminal conviction related to job duties. The bill also allows temporary hiring during background checks, requiring facilities to conduct direct observation of these workers until results are received. The bill is pending in the Health committee (referred January 9, 2025).

Requires the state board of parole to include at least one member who is or was a member of law enforcement and at least one member who is a crime victim or crime victim's representative.

Prohibits persons whose income is greater than one hundred twenty-five percent of the area median income from occupying certain housing accommodations.