Asm. Joe DeStefano

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New York State Bridge Authority to install specialized fencing on all bridges it operates. The fencing must prevent climbing by using features like welded wire mesh panels, tightly spaced wires, and spike collars. It applies to all new bridge construction contracts and mandates installation within three years of the law's effective date. The measure directly affects the Bridge Authority and its contractors, focusing solely on the physical safety requirement without broader policy changes.

Requires school districts to provide instructional programming and services in reading and literacy which are evidence based and aligned with state standards; requires teachers in grades pre-K through five to attend professional development courses in reading education.

Makes the theft of a package intentionally taken from a porch, driveway, doorway or other area adjacent to the residence of another following delivery of the package to such residence by the postal service or a commercial carrier a felony.

Creates the division of regulatory review and economic growth to review regulatory processes and permit requirements in order to facilitate economic growth; imposes a two-for-one rule reduction requirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's correction law to standardize how courts determine sex offender registration levels and classifications. It requires courts to use specific risk assessment tools to decide if a sex offender (released on probation, conditional discharge, or with a fine) must register long-term, be classified as a sexual predator/violent offender, or receive higher community notification. The process includes mandatory hearings where the district attorney must prove classifications with clear evidence, offenders can present evidence, and courts must provide written notices explaining the classification's impact on registration duration and public disclosure. The bill also ensures confidentiality for board recommendations and guarantees legal representation for financially unable offenders.

Directs the coordination of policies and services of the traumatic brain injury program with the office for the prevention of domestic violence; includes the executive director of the office for the prevention of domestic violence on the traumatic brain injury services coordinating council.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New York State laws to officially recognize threats or harm to animals as a form of coercive control used in domestic violence situations. It directly affects legal proceedings by requiring specialized training for mental health professionals and social workers who evaluate child custody cases involving domestic abuse. The training curriculum will include specific instruction on how abusers use animal cruelty to intimidate victims and manipulate family court outcomes. By integrating this definition into existing statutes, the legislation ensures that judges and evaluators better understand the full scope of abusive tactics when making custody decisions.

Relates to youth programs sponsored by fire departments; provides that participants may respond to an emergency or hazardous activity, but shall remain in an appropriate and safe designated area that has been established by the chief or officer in charge; provides such participants cannot respond to an emergency on a vehicle using lights and/or sirens; provides such participants may not enter a burning structure; protects volunteer fire departments and fire companies from certain criminal and civil liability potentially arising from the operation of a youth program.

Provides that only automated clearing houses or electronic funds transfers from such authorized sports bettor's personal bank account, wire transfers from an authorized sports bettor's personal bank account, personal checks delivered to the operator, a debit card issued by a financial institution that draws directly from such authorized sports bettor's personal bank account only and not a prepaid debit card, or in-person cash deposits at a casino or other approved location, may be used to fund mobile sports wagering accounts.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially declare April 2026 as Bullying Prevention Month in New York State. The resolution highlights the serious impact of bullying on students and the importance of raising public awareness about the issue. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal statement to encourage kindness and support anti-bullying efforts. The measure is symbolic and does not change any existing policies or procedures.