Asm. Jodi Giglio

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the definition of "aggravated cruelty to animals" by removing the requirement that physical injury must be "serious" to qualify. It now covers intentional killing or causing any physical injury to companion animals when done with extreme pain or in a depraved/sadistic manner. The law directly affects individuals who commit animal cruelty, lowering the threshold for prosecution by no longer requiring severe injury. The key change is simplifying the legal standard to focus on the perpetrator's intent and method rather than the severity of the injury.

Restores judicial discretion relating to bail reform; provides that when the defendant is charged with a felony, the court shall request of the applicable county pre-trial services agency a risk and needs assessment be conducted on the eligible defendant for the purpose of determining whether such defendant should be released on the defendant's own recognizance, released under non-monetary conditions or, where authorized, bail or commit the defendant to the custody of the sheriff; defines risks and needs assessment; makes related provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the methodology for calculating education funding by replacing outdated references to the 2000 census with current data sources. It revises definitions of "census count" and "poverty rate" to use the most recent federal decennial census data and a three-year average of small area income estimates, rather than relying solely on a single-year census. School districts, particularly those classified as "high-need" based on student poverty levels, will have their state education funding recalculated using these updated metrics. The change ensures funding formulas reflect more current socioeconomic conditions in communities. The bill takes effect April 1 following enactment.

Provides judges with more discretion to impose bail on principals charged with a felony, principals charged with a misdemeanor when awaiting trial for another crime, principals who are a threat to the safety and security of the community, principals charged with a felony serving a sentence of probation or while released to post release supervision; requires principals who have been charged with an offense related to three separate alleged instances of criminal activity are committed to the custody of the sheriff.

Relates to protecting the communication rights of individuals with disabilities; provides that each person with a disability has the right to communicate in their preferred manner.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the maximum jail term for certain misdemeanors from 364 days to one full year. It directly affects individuals convicted of Class A misdemeanors and unclassified misdemeanors under New York's penal law. The key change amends specific sections of the penal law to update the sentencing limit, allowing courts to impose sentences up to one year for these offenses. The bill repeals a prior subdivision that previously capped sentences at 364 days for these categories.

Decreases the distance from the high water mark certain lands under water of Gardiner's and Peconic bays have to be ceded to a county from one thousand feet to five hundred feet.

Provides a credit against unemployment fund contributions for employers who employ persons in a recovery program by the office of addiction services and supports.

Requires each school district to provide interventions and special curricula for children with dyslexia or other phonological learning differences or disabilities.

Prohibits the comptroller from using environment, social, and governance criteria as a screening method for selecting companies and funds to invest the state pension fund in.