Asm. Brian Manktelow

Maddy summaryBill A 2335 proposes that, starting January 1, 2026, the Governor of New York's net salary will be withheld if the state budget is not legislatively passed by the first day of the fiscal year. The bill specifies that "net payment" refers to gross salary minus standard deductions like taxes and insurance. Once the legislature passes the budget and the state comptroller determines it is sufficient for state operations, the accrued, withheld salary will be promptly paid to the Governor.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 18-member task force to review and improve safety in school transportation. The task force, appointed by state leaders and including education stakeholders, school bus drivers, and agency heads, will study existing safety laws, bus stop practices, pedestrian safety, and protocols for drivers (including substitutes). It must issue recommendations within 18 months on measures like retrofitting buses, using sensor technology, and curbing illegal passing of school buses. The bill does not implement new safety rules but establishes a review process to inform future policy. (Procedural bill; expires 24 months after enactment.)

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the permissive use of marijuana for volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services (EMS) employees who perform safety-sensitive tasks, such as driving fire apparatus, rescue operations, or providing emergency medical care. It requires fire agencies to implement drug testing (including preemployment, random, and cause-based tests) to ensure these employees are not impaired by cannabis, following federal standards. Additionally, volunteer firefighters or EMS staff using medical cannabis must immediately report prescriptions to their agency, which will then assess their fitness for duty with a medical director. The law directly affects volunteer safety personnel in fire and EMS agencies, prioritizing public and workplace safety by restricting cannabis use in critical roles.

Maddy summaryBill A-154 provides a 100% real property tax exemption for agricultural lands used to grow bio-energy crops (specifically crops for cellulosic ethanol processing) for alternative fuel. It directly affects farmers who produce these designated crops, exempting their land from local taxes (village, town, city, county, or school district) based on assessed value. To qualify, landowners must submit proof to the taxing authority showing compliance, and applications must be filed by the taxable status date. The exemption expires five years after the law takes effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the legal classification of "criminal possession of a firearm" from a class E felony to a class D felony under New York law. It directly affects individuals convicted of possessing a firearm without proper registration, as defined in the penal law. The key mechanism is amending the penal law to downgrade the felony level, which typically results in reduced sentencing severity. This policy change modifies the criminal penalty structure for this specific offense without altering the underlying conduct or registration requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the New York State Power Authority to permit certain state and local governments, as well as non-profit corporations, to bundle electrical services with other utility offerings. It specifically allows counties, municipalities, school districts, fire districts, and similar entities to combine electricity purchases with other services through the Power Authority. The law changes the Power Authority’s existing authority to enable this bundling option, which could simplify procurement for eligible public and non-profit organizations. This is a direct policy change affecting how these entities manage their electricity contracts.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 13 as "K9 Veterans Day" in New York State, adding it to the official list of commemorative days in the executive law. It formally recognizes the service of K9 units and their handlers without creating new programs, funding, or policy changes. The designation applies annually and aligns with other state-recognized observances.

Maddy summaryBill A 2697 requires public school students participating in interscholastic athletics to provide a yearly cardiac fitness certificate. This applies to students in seventh grade or those who will turn thirteen during the school year. The certificate must be signed by a licensed medical professional and include the results of an electrocardiogram or echocardiogram. It must also describe the student's cardiac fitness and state if any heart conditions could lead to severe adverse health outcomes during athletic activity.

Establishes a high school robotics grant program; provides funding to high schools for participation in robotics competitions; sets forth eligibility requirements; provides for the application and awards process.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new crime in New York law: "harassment of a first responder," punishable as a serious misdemeanor. It directly affects anyone who approaches within 25 feet of a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or emergency medical personnel (including volunteers) while they are performing their duties, after being verbally warned to stop. The law prohibits this behavior when the person intends to block the responder’s work, threaten them with harm, or repeatedly cause them serious emotional distress without a legitimate reason. The penalty applies to actions that interfere with critical emergency services during active operations.