Sen. Steve Rhoads

Creates an in vitro fertilization treatment tax credit for up to three cycles of in vitro fertilization treatment for expenses related to treatment for infertility.

Relates to warning labels on cannabis products; includes advertising, deceptively advertising, branding, marketing, packaging, displaying, labelling, offering for ingestion outside of packaging, or administering cannabis products in contravention of a certain section of the cannabis law or rules and regulations in the criminal sale of cannabis in the first degree.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) companies to waive sovereign immunity for any legal claims against them in New York courts. It mandates that these railroads comply with key federal railroad laws, including the Railway Labor Act, Federal Employers Liability Act, and safety regulations. The waiver applies retroactively to all ongoing lawsuits involving these railroads. The bill directly affects employees who could pursue legal claims against Metro-North or LIRR under these federal protections.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 25% tax credit for homeowners who install fire sprinkler systems in their residences. It directly affects residential property owners in municipalities that do not already require sprinkler systems. The credit covers 25% of labor and material costs, with a maximum annual credit of $5,000. The credit can be carried forward if it exceeds current tax liability but cannot reduce tax below the minimum amount required. The program begins for taxable years starting January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3454) creates new criminal offenses specifically targeting abuse of elderly and disabled individuals in New York. It defines "vulnerable elderly" (60+ with age-related functional limitations) and "disabled" (with substantial life activity impairments), and establishes two key offenses: abandonment (a class E felony) and endangerment of welfare (a class A misdemeanor) when caregivers fail to prevent harm. The bill also includes a legal presumption that offenders intentionally targeted victims due to their age or disability. These provisions directly affect caregivers, family members, and others legally responsible for the care of vulnerable seniors and disabled adults.

Provides that any person interested in the grant or denial of discretionary release shall have the right to submit a written statement of views in support of or in opposition to the granting of discretionary release which the parole board may consider.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New York City public school buildings and grounds from being used to house migrants, either permanently or temporarily. It requires school districts to establish a formal policy banning such use under New York State education law. The law directly affects NYC public schools and their operations, preventing the repurposing of school facilities for migrant housing. The policy takes effect immediately but is set to expire when the relevant education law section reverts, per the bill's language.

Relates to procedures relating to driving while ability impaired by drugs; defines impairment and intoxication; updates procedures for field testing of drivers suspected of being under the influence of drugs to include the use of oral/bodily fluid tests; provides that refusal to submit to such field tests is specified to be a traffic infraction; makes related provisions.

Enacts the "credit for rural broadband act"; provides for a refundable tax credit for costs paid for new construction of new broadband networks to residences and small businesses located in rural, unserved areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates all fees for volunteer firefighters to obtain distinctive license plates. It removes both the one-time $15 service charge and the annual $31.25 fee that previously applied under vehicle law. Volunteer firefighters directly benefit by avoiding these costs when getting their special plates. The change takes effect immediately upon enactment.