Asm. Angelo Morinello

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the New York State Power Authority to permit certain state and local governments, as well as non-profit corporations, to bundle electrical services with other utility offerings. It specifically allows counties, municipalities, school districts, fire districts, and similar entities to combine electricity purchases with other services through the Power Authority. The law changes the Power Authority’s existing authority to enable this bundling option, which could simplify procurement for eligible public and non-profit organizations. This is a direct policy change affecting how these entities manage their electricity contracts.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new crime in New York law: "harassment of a first responder," punishable as a serious misdemeanor. It directly affects anyone who approaches within 25 feet of a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or emergency medical personnel (including volunteers) while they are performing their duties, after being verbally warned to stop. The law prohibits this behavior when the person intends to block the responder’s work, threaten them with harm, or repeatedly cause them serious emotional distress without a legitimate reason. The penalty applies to actions that interfere with critical emergency services during active operations.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 50% property tax exemption for real estate used as a licensed child day care facility, as defined by state social services law. The exemption is optional for local governments - counties, cities, towns, or school districts must pass a local law to adopt it after a public hearing. Property owners operating qualifying day cares would see their tax bill reduced by half, but the exemption ends if the property stops being used for child care. Localities may also choose to limit the exemption to less than 50% through separate local laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 6850) increases the tax credit for New York manufacturers from 20% to 100% of real property taxes paid on manufacturing facilities. It directly affects qualified New York manufacturers who own property primarily used for manufacturing. The key provision allows these businesses to apply the full amount of qualifying property taxes toward their business franchise or personal income tax credit, instead of just a portion. The change takes effect for taxable years beginning January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryBill A 5187 expands the definition of hate crimes to include offenses committed against law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services personnel. It amends existing law to classify an offense as a hate crime if the perpetrator intentionally targets an individual based on their actual or perceived employment in these roles. This means that crimes motivated by bias against these public safety workers could be prosecuted as hate crimes. The bill also provides specific definitions for who qualifies as a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or emergency medical services personnel.

Relates to ethics reform, term limits on certain positions in the legislature, limits on campaign contributions, directing stare funds, and creating a database of state contracts.

Creates a police safety equipment grant program to provide for services and expenses related to police safety equipment; directs a sum of $30,000,000 to be appropriated to such program.

Creates the presumption of intent to sell when a person is in possession of forty or more individual packages containing heroin with an aggregate weight of 4.0 grams.