Asm. Lester Chang

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates a life imprisonment sentence without parole for specific murder convictions. It directly affects defendants convicted of first-degree murder involving the killing of a first responder, certain second-degree murders, or aggravated murder. The law requires courts to impose this sentence automatically in these cases, removing judicial discretion for these offenses. It does not apply to defendants under 18 at the time of the crime, who may still receive other sentencing options.

Provides that a member of a public retirement system of the state may obtain a total not to exceed three years of service credit for up to three years of military duty if the member has completed a term of state service, under orders from the governor of the state of New York, and as certified by a letter of release from such orders issued by the state division of military and naval affairs.

Authorizes local municipalities and political subdivisions to have final say on if a renewable energy power plant can be sited in such municipalities' or political subdivisions' jurisdiction; establishes conflict of interest standards for approving the siting of a renewable energy power plant in a local municipality or political subdivision; requires the office of renewable energy siting and electric transmissions establish a database to collect and display host agreements and land contracts for renewable energy power plants; establishes contract standards concerning the forfeiture of mineral rights for the siting of renewable energy power plants; regulates the conduct of businesses engaged in the conduct of selling renewable energy power plants.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 4932) designates January 30th each year as "Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution" in New York State. It adds this date to the state's list of official commemorative days, honoring Fred Korematsu - a Japanese American whose legal challenge to WWII internment policies became a landmark civil liberties case. The bill has no legal effect beyond recognizing this day for public observance. It is purely ceremonial, with no new requirements or direct impacts on residents or government operations.

Provides protections for telecommunications tower technicians, including requiring certain trainings during work hours without a loss of pay; requires certain reporting by bidders for telecommunication contracts.

Authorizes the department of transportation to establish and implement a state memorial sign program to memorialize persons who died due to injuries sustained in a fatal motor vehicle crash on state highways.

Relates to veterans' health care; creates a veteran health care review to ensure veterans and their families have access to health and mental health treatment, including for post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, military sexual trauma, reproductive and mental health conditions, and suicide prevention.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New York City to sell or lease approximately 77 acres of parkland within Flushing Meadows Corona Park to Queens Future, LLC for development including a gaming facility, commercial spaces, and related infrastructure. It requires the city to dedicate funds equal to the land's market value toward new parkland or improvements in Queens, specifically mandating at least 20 acres of new parkland (including a north-south connection) within the park. The bill excludes Citi Field from the affected area. The law was enacted in June 2025 (Chapter 138).

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New York's veterans tuition awards program to allow qualified veterans to transfer unused benefits to their spouse, child, or eligible survivor. It defines key terms like "qualified veteran" (a veteran who would qualify for the award) and "eligible immediate family" (spouse, child, or survivor meeting specific marriage or family conditions). Veterans can transfer all or part of their unused award to family members, with children needing to be under 26 and the veteran having served at least 10 years (with exceptions for certain separations or deaths). The bill also limits transfers to 100 per year and takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans to cover backup cochlear implant devices for patients who need them, including during device upgrades or replacements after the initial implant. It directly affects patients with cochlear implants who currently lose access to backup equipment after 3-5 years, as insurers only cover backups at the time of initial surgery. The law mandates that insurance must cover the backup device (external components like a processor) whenever prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider, as long as the patient is using the implant. Coverage will follow standard insurance terms like deductibles and copays but must remain available throughout the patient's need for the device, effective January 2027.