Asm. Steve Hawley

Maddy summaryThis bill requires life imprisonment without parole for individuals convicted of murder in the first degree, aggravated murder, or specific types of murder in the second degree. It eliminates parole eligibility for these offenders, mandating they serve their entire sentence in prison with no possibility of release. The law applies to all such convictions under the defined legal standards, removing alternative sentencing options like fixed prison terms. Additionally, the bill includes similar life without parole requirements for certain terrorism and chemical weapon offenses, but the primary focus centers on murder sentencing reforms.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2343) exempts New York State residents who are veterans aged 85 or older from paying state income tax on their gross income. It directly affects qualifying veterans who are at least 85 years old as of December 31 of the tax year, regardless of their federal tax status. The law changes the tax code to automatically exclude their income from state taxation starting in 2027, applying to all taxable income without requiring additional federal tax considerations. The exemption becomes effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2027.

Directs the public service commission to conduct a full cost benefit analysis of the technical and economic feasibility of renewable energy systems in the state of New York and to compare such directly with other methods of electricity generation; makes certain changes relating to greenhouse gas emissions limits.

Allows retired state police officers to serve as police officers for local police departments without diminution of retirement benefits; empowers the superintendent of state police to approve such service.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates new criminal offenses for drivers who enter active construction work zones carelessly or recklessly. It establishes two levels of vehicular assault (second degree for careless entry causing serious injury, first degree for reckless entry causing serious injury) and two levels of vehicular manslaughter (second degree for careless entry causing death, first degree for reckless entry causing death), all classified as felonies. The law also defines an "active work zone" as any area on public or private roads with workers present, properly marked by signs or cones. Violating the work zone entry rule (without authorization) is a class B misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $500 or up to 3 months in jail.

Enacts the "ratepayer disclosure and transparency act" which requires a monthly report that includes the estimated or actual ratepayer costs and benefits of any mandated state energy program to the governor and legislature including any New York climate leadership and community protection act compliance costs.

Provides a state income tax exemption for volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers who have qualifying service in the taxable year for which such exemption is sought.

Authorizes the abatement of real property taxes in certain cases of catastrophic loss; establishes procedures therefor; limits eligibility to one, two, or three family houses; applies to all municipal and school taxes.

Includes aggravated threat of mass harm, making a threat of mass harm, aggravated harassment in the second degree, harassment in the first degree, menacing in the third degree, menacing in the second degree, menacing in the first degree, and aggravated harassment in the first degree in being eligible for bail; makes aggravated threat of mass harm and making a threat of mass harm eligible to be considered hate crimes; increases the penalties for aggravated threat of mass harm and making a threat of mass harm.

Maddy summaryBill A 6555 requires the state to keep the identities of state lottery winners anonymous if the winner requests it. This bill allows lottery winners to prevent the public disclosure of their name, address, or other identifying information. It also prohibits the state lottery division from requiring winners to participate in public actions related to collecting their prize money. Winners must be notified of this option, and their information will not be publicly disclosed for at least 30 days after this notification if they make the request.