Asm. Dave McDonough

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.

Requires specific review procedures for approval of development projects in marshlands by the city planning commission including site plans, surveys, environmental review and community hearings and input.

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 requires New York school districts to create standardized digital site maps for emergency response, directly affecting schools and law enforcement. The maps must include detailed floor plans, school grounds, surrounding roads, and specific labels (like exits, hazardous materials, and emergency equipment), formatted to work with existing police software without requiring new purchases. It also allocates state funding to reimburse schools for creating these maps, ensuring compatibility with law enforcement systems and annual accuracy verification through walkthroughs.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that when raffle tickets are sold online, the sale is considered to occur at the physical location of the authorized organization (or its games of chance lessor), not where the buyer is located. It updates existing rules to ensure online raffle sales comply with the requirement that raffles must be conducted within a municipality where the organization is based or in a contiguous county. The bill directly affects authorized organizations selling raffles online, requiring them to operate within the geographic restrictions tied to their physical base. It does not change the underlying rules for raffle locations but specifically addresses the jurisdiction for internet sales. The policy change takes effect immediately upon enactment.

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.

Prohibits discrimination against and harassment or bullying of students by employees or students on private, religious or denominational school property or at a school function; provides immunity from civil liability for a person making a good faith report of discrimination, harassment or bullying to authorities.

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that the state police conduct annual active shooter drills in the state Capitol building and the legislative office building. All occupants of these buildings - including staff, legislators, and visitors - must participate in the drills. The requirement applies to both locations and specifies that drills must occur at least once each year, with no additional details on drill structure or frequency beyond the annual minimum.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York's Department of Environmental Conservation to create rules for gas flow meters at natural gas well sites. It directly affects natural gas well operators and gas companies, mandating they install electronic flow meters with test ports and shutoff valves, and follow specific installation standards (based on American Gas Association guidelines). Operators must conduct monthly testing during initial production (first three years) and routine testing thereafter, using approved third-party contractors, with results reported to state agencies and royalty owners. The rules aim to ensure accurate measurement of gas production for regulatory and royalty purposes.

Provides that no class or any other course of instruction shall be held in any institution within the state or city university on those days of religious observance known as Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur.