Establishes the rural equity assistance program to promote and facilitate community and economic development in the small towns and rural areas of the state.
Relates to payments of grants to farm operations by NYSERDA; provides that payment of such grants shall be made no later than ninety days after notification.
Relates to providing loan forgiveness for agriculture educators who provide didactic instruction to students about agriculture, food, and natural resources.
Establishes interregional enrollment of students taking classes in multiple school districts (Part A); allows students who are enrolled in and taking classes in multiple school districts to receive cooperative and individualized educational services (Part B).
Includes retirement plans in the exemption for pensions and annuities for certain persons; increases such exemption to one hundred thousand dollars as adjusted by the consumer price index annually.
Authorizes school districts to submit an opt-out waiver to the commissioner of education authorizing such districts to opt-out of certain zero-emission school bus requirements.
Requires the forfeiture of benefits to be paid pursuant to a service awards program to volunteer firefighters who have been convicted of felonies committed against a volunteer fire department, volunteer fire company, fire district, or fire protection district.
Permits local boards of education to enter into contracts with a drive-sharing network of persons for reimbursement of transportation expenses for the conveyance of pupils residing in such school districts; authorizes the commissioner of education to promulgate any necessary rules and regulations; outlines certain requirements to which the local board of education shall adhere; makes related provisions.
Prohibits the governor, the legislature and state agencies from imposing residential housing zoning requirements on local governments without approval from the local government.