Asm. Joe DeStefano

Allows victim impact statements in New York state be video recorded; requires that the members of the parole board and all presiding commissioners for such hearing review all relevant victim impact statements prior to the conduct of a parole hearing and to sign a written attestation confirming that they have done so.

Prohibits the DEC from restricting the burning of garbage, refuse or rubbish in an open fire on land possessed by a single family or any part of a farm under certain circumstances; provides for the repeal of such provisions under the expiration thereof.

Maddy summaryBill A 4692 proposes to exempt certain inland lakes from being designated as freshwater wetlands. Specifically, the bill states that inland lakes that are navigable waterways and cover an area of 150 acres or more will not be considered freshwater wetlands when boundaries are delineated. This exemption does not apply to the Great Lakes. The bill directly affects how the Commissioner delineates freshwater wetland boundaries for these specific types of large, navigable inland lakes.

Relates to the proper venue for an impounding organization to file a petition for a security to be paid by the owner of a seized animal currently in the care of such organization.

Requires electric companies to provide alternative measures to ensure customers with documented need for essential electricity for medical needs have access to electricity during power outages; requires electric companies to provide generators or lodging for such individuals and transportation for medical devices.

Maddy summaryBill A 5039 requires New York State to reimburse municipalities and fire departments for costs incurred when firefighters (both paid and volunteer) are injured during mutual aid calls - where fire departments assist other jurisdictions in emergencies - or for overtime costs related to such calls. It covers medical treatment, lost wages, and other direct costs tied to injuries or the mutual aid response itself, with reimbursement limited to actual expenses. Fire departments must submit claims using state-approved forms and follow specific rules set by state insurance and labor officials. This policy change applies to mutual aid calls occurring on or after the bill's effective date.

Provides that candidates who have provided firefighting service may deduct up to a maximum of six years from their age for purposes of meeting the age requirements.

Directs the commissioner of the division of homeland security and emergency services to conduct an after-action review study on the state's COVID-19 pandemic response; directs the commissioner to submit a report on such study after 1 year and make such report publicly available on its website, and share such report with the CDC.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's penal law to define "person" in homicide cases as "a human being who has been born and is alive." It specifically names this definition "Mya's law" and applies it to homicide prosecutions. The change modifies existing legal language without creating new penalties or programs, directly affecting how homicide charges are legally interpreted in court.

Maddy summaryBella's Law requires New York's Office of Children and Family Services to investigate potential domestic violence when an individual is accused of or under investigation for animal abuse. Law enforcement must notify the Office of Children and Family Services about such cases, and the Office must determine if the animal abuse is linked to domestic violence or family abuse. The law applies to all animal abuse crimes listed in the bill, including offenses like animal fighting, torture, abandonment, and harming service animals. This policy change mandates coordination between law enforcement and child/family services to address the established connection between animal cruelty and domestic violence.