Asm. Steve Hawley

Directs the department of public service to promulgate rules, regulations and model policies regarding setback requirements for the siting of battery energy storage systems; requires minimum setback requirements for commercial energy storage systems, with a capacity of three megawatts or greater, of no less than seven hundred fifty feet from residential property and no less than three hundred feet from residential property located in a city with a population of one million or more inhabitants; requires public hearings prior to the approval of an application for a permit for such systems.

Directs the commissioner of education to develop curriculum for firearm safety classes in schools; provides for schools to be able to provide firearm safety instruction which can be used to obtain a hunting license.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amending the state constitution to require that only U.S. citizens may vote in elections. It would replace the current voting eligibility language with a specific provision stating "Only citizens shall be entitled to vote," while maintaining existing requirements that voters must be at least 18 years old and residents of the state and their local area for 30 days prior to an election. The key change directly affects voting eligibility by restricting the right to vote to citizens, removing any existing non-citizen voting provisions. If passed, this would be a constitutional change, not a temporary law, requiring approval through the standard amendment process.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the constitution to establish a specific process for filling vacancies in the comptroller and attorney-general offices. It requires the legislature to appoint an interim official to serve until the next general election (occurring at least three months after the vacancy), which coincides with the governor's election cycle. The bill ensures these positions are only filled during regular governor elections, eliminating separate elections for these roles.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to explicitly state that "the right of the people to keep and bear arms cannot be infringed." It would directly affect all residents by enshrining this right in the state constitution, making it harder for future laws to restrict firearm ownership. The amendment would be added to Article 1 of the constitution as a new Section 20, following standard procedures for constitutional changes. The bill is currently under review by the Judiciary Committee after receiving an opinion from the Attorney General.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the state constitution to establish clear rules for filling vacancies in federal elected offices, primarily affecting U.S. House and Senate seats. It requires special elections for House vacancies occurring before July 1st of the final year of a term, to be held 70-80 days after the governor’s proclamation, and specifies that Senate vacancies must be filled by temporary appointment until a designated date (e.g., January 3rd following the next even-numbered year). If a special election isn’t held as required, the vacancy is filled at the next general election. These changes ensure consistent timelines for federal office vacancies while aligning with existing election schedules.

Prohibits certain borrowing arrangements; relates to the authorization for the contracting of debt; relates to the manner by which payments are appropriated and paid.

Requires the legislature to provide funding to reimburse localities for the costs associated with expenditures made as a requirement of any law which mandates the undertaking of a new program or increases the level of service of an existing program by a locality; requires the legislature to establish procedures for the allocation of funds among the local governments.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a constitutional process allowing voters to remove elected state officials through a recall petition. To initiate a recall, voters must gather signatures equal to 12% of the last vote for the office (with at least 1% from five counties), certified by the secretary of state within 160 days. If a majority votes to remove an official in a special election (held 60-80 days after signature certification), the official is removed and replaced by the candidate with the most votes, unless consolidated with a regular election. The bill also requires the legislature to create detailed procedures for petitions, elections, and local recall processes, while prohibiting new recalls for six months after a vote.

Proposes a constitutional amendment to divide the state into three autonomous regions; the New Amsterdam Region, the New York Region and the Montauk Region; provides regional governors and regional legislators; provides only for a state sales tax; divides various departments and agencies; provides for separate court systems and prison systems.