Sen. George Borrello

Maddy summaryS 4681 would repeal Section 581-d of New York's Labor Law, which required an interest assessment surcharge. This surcharge was a fee added to interest payments under labor law enforcement, likely affecting employers or workers involved in cases involving unpaid wages or penalties. The bill eliminates this specific fee from the law, removing a financial obligation previously applied to certain interest assessments. The repeal would directly impact entities subject to labor law interest assessments where this surcharge was enforced.

Establishes the school safety specialist act; establishes a certification and training program for school safety specialists; outlines the roles and duties of school safety specialists.

Extends eligibility for the farm employer overtime tax credit to certain professional employer organizations that are in a contractual relationship with an eligible farm employer.

Allows for investment advisers and firms to disclose potential financial exploitation of elderly and vulnerable adults to the commissioner of the department of financial services and to halt disbursements from an account if an adviser or firm believes that financial exploitation is occurring.

Requires electors to vote for the presidential and vice presidential candidates in a manner representing the plurality of votes in each congressional district; provides that two electoral votes shall be given to the statewide winner and one electoral vote shall be given to each congressional district based on the plurality of votes in such district.

Directs the division of criminal justice services to establish the safer communities grant program making grants available to investigative or prosecutorial entities involved with cases of homicides, rapes, sexual assaults, kidnappings, and non-fatal shootings; requires a report to the legislature; makes an appropriation therefor.

Establishes the school mental health services program coordinator to provide qualifying public and nonpublic schools with mental health services professionals.

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.

Creates a tax credit for small businesses that sell a certain percentage of products produced in New York state; provides such small businesses include independently or privately-owned cafes, restaurants, eateries, bars, pubs, breweries, distilleries, orchards, food trucks, retail stores, farm stands, hotels, or motels.

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.