Temporary title #3163

Expanded opportunities for veteran-owned business enterprises, and gave them free access to cabins in parks. Created a veterans’ clearinghouse for purposes of identifying veterans eligible for benefits; requires the division of veterans’ affairs to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the US department of veterans’ affairs that allows sharing of information; requires entities of the state and political subdivisions thereof to report information regarding veterans receiving aid to the clearinghouse; provides that such entities make such reports on a quarterly basis; provides that disclosure of any information held by the clearinghouse comply with article 6-A of the public officers law; provides that collection and maintenance of such information comply with HIPAA; provides that the director of veterans’ affairs shall promulgate rules and regulations to implement the clearinghouse. Established the veterans’ memorials preservation act. Authorized the creation and issuance of a distinctive license plate for fire & police. Gave state income tax credit to volunteer firefighters and members of a volunteer ambulance corps in good standing up to $2500; must be in good standing for a minimum of five years and maintain continued eligibility. Increased civil service credits given to veterans currently returning from service. Designated September 11th as a public holiday to be known as September 11th Memorial and Remembrance Day. Made life imprisonment without parole mandatory for defendants convicted of murder in the first degree or second degree and the victim is a police officer, peace officer, first responder or correctional officer.

Prohibited campaign contributions to candidates for state senate and assembly by certain members of the legislative ethics commission; provides an exemption that permits present members of the legislature to make campaign contributions; imposes penalties. Required a valid government issued photo identification card be presented when casting a ballot; provides for persons eligible for Medicaid to receive identification cards.

Required the court to consider a child’s health and safety when making a decision regarding child custody and visitation; directs presumptions that may be made by the court and admissibility of certain evidence in such cases; requires court officials to take part in training to handle such cases regarding domestic violence and child abuse. Created a new class D violent felony offense of endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree; converts the current offense of endangering the welfare of a child to a second degree crime.

Permitted the legislature to modify provisions or directives contained within executive orders through legislative action other than concurrent resolution; permits restaurants to remain open until midnight notwithstanding executive order 202 of 2020 during the pandemic shutdowns ordered by Governor Cuomo. Established the NY food insecurity, farm resiliency and rural poverty initiative to provide financial assistance in the form of matching grants, hiring assistance, purchasing assistance, tax credits, tax exemptions, and reimbursements.