Asm. Dave McDonough

Establishes the crime of coordinated petit larceny; permits a principal to be eligible to be held on bail for coordinated petit larceny; directs the division of criminal justice services to conduct a public awareness campaign on larceny.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all voting systems in New York to use durable paper ballots that withstand recounts without damage and retain voter marks for the full retention period. It mandates that every polling place must offer voters either a hand-marked paper ballot or a nontabulating ballot marking device (which doesn’t record votes electronically). The bill explicitly bans voting machines with wireless capabilities, internet connectivity, or encoded marks like QR/barcodes that require special devices to read. These provisions ensure voter-verifiable paper records remain the standard for audits and recounts.

Allows a licensed psychologist to apply to the department of education for conditional prescribing certification if the psychologist meets certain requirements; allows the department of education to waive certain requirements for an applying psychologist; provides that a conditional prescribing certification shall be valid for a period of two years.

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.

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.

Directs the New York state energy research and development authority to conduct a feasibility study and prepare a report on the benefits and implementation of sewage thermal energy.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $250 fine for anyone who interferes with the transport of a vehicle after a repossession is complete. It directly affects individuals who obstruct repossessors (like tow truck drivers) once they've legally taken control of a vehicle. The key provision defines "repossession complete" as when the repossessor gains entry, connects the vehicle to a tow, moves it, or takes control, and prohibits interference during transport to a storage facility, auction, or dealer. The law requires repossession notices to police and vehicle offices within 24 hours but focuses on penalizing interference after repossession is finalized.

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.

Maddy summaryBill A 4158 establishes procedures for police to seize vehicles used in illegal street races, speed contests, or exhibitions. Owners must provide proof of registration, pay storage and towing costs, and resolve related criminal charges to reclaim a seized vehicle. If not claimed within 30 days after notification, vehicles are forfeited to local authorities, with exceptions for stolen vehicles or short-term rentals (30 days or less). This directly affects drivers involved in illegal racing and local police departments handling impoundments.