Asm. Joe DeStefano

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a constitutional process allowing voters to remove elected state officials through a recall petition. To initiate a recall, voters must gather signatures equal to 12% of the last vote for the office (with at least 1% from five counties), certified by the secretary of state within 160 days. If a majority votes to remove an official in a special election (held 60-80 days after signature certification), the official is removed and replaced by the candidate with the most votes, unless consolidated with a regular election. The bill also requires the legislature to create detailed procedures for petitions, elections, and local recall processes, while prohibiting new recalls for six months after a vote.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amending the state constitution to allow municipalities to authorize specific games of chance (like bingo or lotto) operated exclusively by legitimate religious, charitable, or veteran non-profit organizations. It requires all net earnings from these games to fund the organization's lawful purposes only, prohibits non-members from managing operations, and limits single prizes to $250 and total prizes per event to $1,000. Municipalities cannot create their own rules for these games - state legislation must govern them strictly to prevent commercial gambling and ensure funds are used appropriately. The proposal must be approved by voters and passed by the legislature before taking effect.

Prohibits the governor, the legislature and state agencies from imposing residential housing zoning requirements on local governments without approval from the local government.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 7.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for specific human services programs effective April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026. It directly affects providers of mental health, developmental disability, and addiction services (including clinics, residential programs, and outpatient care) by requiring them to use the COLA funds to provide at least a 2.6% targeted salary increase for eligible staff. The COLA applies to programs funded or certified by the Office of Mental Health, Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, and Office of Addiction Services and Supports. This adjustment is inclusive of other inflation factors for the specified period, excluding federal pandemic relief programs.

Requires the same benefits and services for post-traumatic stress disorder for emergency dispatchers and correction officers as are afforded police and firefighters.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a pilot program requiring New York state health programs to pay no more than the lowest price for certain prescription drugs in Canada. It sets maximum prices based on the most recent drug pricing lists from Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, and Alberta, starting with the five most expensive drugs. State agencies and health plans must pay these Canadian-based rates for covered drugs, and any savings generated must be passed directly to consumers through reduced costs. The program applies only to state-funded health plans and agencies purchasing drugs for state programs, excluding Medicaid.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (K 861) requests Governor Hochul to officially designate January 2026 as "Thyroid Disease Awareness Month" in New York State. It does not create new laws or policies but aims to raise public awareness about thyroid conditions, which affect an estimated 20 million Americans and include disorders like hypothyroidism and thyroid cancer. The resolution cites New York-specific statistics, noting approximately 3,100 women and 1,000 men are diagnosed with thyroid cancer annually in the state. It encourages public education efforts, such as regular neck checks and risk factor awareness, to support early detection. As a symbolic gesture, this resolution has no direct regulatory impact but seeks to promote community health awareness.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a New York State program allowing small businesses (with 1-100 employees) to offer employees a payroll-deducted savings option for child and dependent care expenses. Employees can contribute pre-tax income through their employer’s payroll system, with contributions limited to IRS Section 125/129 guidelines. Businesses must set up a payroll arrangement for employees to enroll, choose contribution amounts (as a percentage or fixed dollar amount), and allow annual enrollment changes. The program is administered by the state comptroller and labor commissioner, aiming to provide a low-cost, portable savings tool for small business employees.

Permits the principal of any high school to allow any local fire department, upon request, to enter the school for the purpose of fire department junior recruitment, including, but not limited to: making presentations; disseminating literature; and answering questions by students.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits "prop bets" in New York's licensed sports wagering, meaning operators cannot offer wagers on specific in-game events like player performance, referee decisions, or timing. It directly affects licensed sports betting platforms, casinos, and mobile wagering apps operating in New York. The key provision bans all proposition bets - defined as wagers on outcomes other than the final score or winner - and restricts betting to only the final result, score, or winner of a sporting event. Violations could result in fines up to $100,000 per incident, license suspension, or voided wagers.