Proposes changes to article 9 of the constitution in relation to the formation of new towns by drawing a map and preparing a charter of the proposed town and preparing a petition relating thereto.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amending the state constitution to change how the governor and lieutenant-governor are elected. Instead of a statewide popular vote, it would establish a system where each county's voting power is based on population: every county gets two base votes plus additional votes calculated using the Huntington-Hill method, totaling 414 additional votes statewide. Voters would cast a single joint vote for both offices, with the candidates receiving the most county representation votes in each county winning. The change would directly affect all voters and election processes for these statewide offices, replacing the current at-large election method with a county-based representation system.
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.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amending the state constitution to allow municipalities to authorize specific games of chance (like bingo or lotto) operated exclusively by legitimate religious, charitable, or veteran non-profit organizations. It requires all net earnings from these games to fund the organization's lawful purposes only, prohibits non-members from managing operations, and limits single prizes to $250 and total prizes per event to $1,000. Municipalities cannot create their own rules for these games - state legislation must govern them strictly to prevent commercial gambling and ensure funds are used appropriately. The proposal must be approved by voters and passed by the legislature before taking effect.
Prohibits the governor, the legislature and state agencies from imposing residential housing zoning requirements on local governments without approval from the local government.
Limits the power of the legislature to amend a redistricting plan submitted by the independent redistricting commission where it affects more than two percent of the population of any district contained in such plan.
Maddy summaryThis bill (A 6478) requires New York State to hold separate interscholastic athletic championships for public schools and non-public schools. It mandates that the state commissioner direct athletic associations to organize distinct state championships for each school type, prohibiting combined competitions before these separate events. The law directly affects all public and non-public high schools participating in state athletic associations. It takes effect July 1st following enactment, requiring immediate rule changes to implement the separation.
Maddy summaryThis bill increases short-term disability benefits for New York workers. It phases in higher weekly benefit rates (from 50% to 67% of average weekly wage) and extends maximum leave duration (from 8 to 12 weeks) over several years, starting in 2018. The changes apply to employees needing short-term disability leave due to illness or injury, directly affecting both workers and their employers who provide these benefits. The bill maintains a cap based on the state average weekly wage and allows the superintendent of financial services to delay increases if needed.
Includes in the class E felony of vehicular assault in the second degree, the causing of serious physical injury while operating a vehicle with suspended, revoked or no license; creates the crime of vehicular homicide.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires businesses selling goods or services in New York to clearly display the total price - including all mandatory fees - before a consumer pays. It defines "mandatory fees" as charges consumers can’t easily avoid (like default add-ons), while excluding taxes, delivery costs based on consumer choice, and optional extras. Businesses must show this total price prominently in ads and during checkout, ensuring it stands out from other text. Violations could lead to fines up to $1,000 per incident, enforced by the Attorney General, with exemptions for certain financial services and federal-compliant broadband/cable providers.
