Asm. Scott Bendett

Maddy summaryThis bill extends Columbia County's existing authority to impose an additional real estate transfer tax for two more years, changing its expiration date from December 31, 2025, to December 31, 2027. It directly affects property buyers and sellers within Columbia County who would pay this extra tax during real estate transactions. The key mechanism is a simple amendment to the tax law's expiration date, maintaining the current tax structure without altering the tax rate or eligibility. The bill does not create new taxes or change who qualifies for the tax, only prolonging the current authority. This is a procedural extension of an existing local tax policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how New York property taxes are calculated for solar and wind energy systems. It requires tax assessors to include community benefit payments, decommissioning costs, and solar management expenses as deductible costs when valuing these systems. Crucially, it also specifies that federal tax credits and renewable energy credits (like those for clean energy production) must be treated as intangible assets - not counted as income - when determining a system's taxable value. This directly affects property owners with solar/wind installations and local assessors who calculate their taxes under the new rules. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Directs the commissioner of the office of general services to erect a monument to be known as the "New York state Holocaust memorial" in the Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza to memorialize the victims of the Holocaust and to educate the public about the history of the Holocaust and the dangers of antisemitism, racism, and all manifestations of intolerance.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans to cover backup cochlear implant devices for patients who need them, including during device upgrades or replacements after the initial implant. It directly affects patients with cochlear implants who currently lose access to backup equipment after 3-5 years, as insurers only cover backups at the time of initial surgery. The law mandates that insurance must cover the backup device (external components like a processor) whenever prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider, as long as the patient is using the implant. Coverage will follow standard insurance terms like deductibles and copays but must remain available throughout the patient's need for the device, effective January 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state fund to reimburse property owners and septic system installers for "enhanced septic system projects" in New York. An enhanced system is defined as one that reduces nitrogen in wastewater to 19 mg/l or significantly lowers environmental/public health risks from pollutants like phosphorus or PFAS. Property owners can receive up to 75% of costs (capped at $25,000 per property) for these systems, compared to 50% (capped at $10,000) for standard systems. The program applies to projects with a county participation agreement signed on or after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends Columbia County's authority to collect an additional 1% sales tax for two more years, until November 2027. It directly affects residents and businesses in Columbia County who pay this local sales tax. The key change modifies existing tax law to extend the period during which the county may impose this additional tax, maintaining the current 1% rate on top of the existing 3% state rate. The bill does not create new taxes or alter tax rates - it only prolongs the existing authorization period.

Directs counties, in coordination with their regional emergency medical services councils, to develop and maintain comprehensive county emergency medical system plans that provide for coordinated emergency medical systems within such counties.

Authorizes Justin Finkle to take the competitive civil service examination for the position of police officer and be placed on the eligible list for employment as a full-time police officer for the Albany county sheriff's office; requires that Justin Finkle be otherwise subject to the merit and fitness provisions of the civil service law applicable to full-time police officers.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill) congratulating the Hoosic Valley Odyssey of the Mind Team for winning first place in Problem 3, Division III at the New York State Odyssey of the Mind Championship on April 5, 2025. It honors the team members (Isabella Schmidt, Evan Antolick, Anna Grace Macica, Sophia Wilson, Julia Mastromarchi, Amelia Stannard) and their coach, Kyle Schmidt, for their state championship victory and subsequent fourth-place finish at the World Finals. The resolution formally expresses legislative congratulations and will send copies to the team and coach. It has no policy impact or legal effect - it is purely a symbolic recognition of student achievement.

Maddy summaryBill K 446 is a resolution that memorializes Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 7, 2025, as School Nurse Day in the State of New York. This action aims to acknowledge the vital role and contributions of school nurses in caring for students and promoting health in educational settings.