Asm. Gary Pretlow

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a binding law) requesting Governor Hochul to officially designate February 2025 as Black History Month in New York State. It does not create new policies or affect specific groups; instead, it asks the Governor to issue a formal proclamation recognizing the month. The resolution cites historical African American contributions as context for the observance, emphasizing its role in celebrating Black history as integral to American history. The resolution was adopted by the Assembly on February 10, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) commemorating the 40th annual observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in New York State on January 20, 2025. The New York State Legislature resolves to pause its work to honor Dr. King's legacy and contributions to civil rights. It directs the transmission of a copy of the resolution to the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus. The resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on residents or state operations, as it solely serves to formally recognize the occasion.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally elects Wayne P. Jackson as the Assembly's Sergeant-at-Arms for the 2025-2026 term. It directly affects Jackson (who gains the position) and the Assembly (which appoints its officer). The resolution's sole mechanism is the official adoption of Jackson's election, requiring no further legislative action. It is a procedural resolution, not a policy change, and does not impact any laws or constituents.

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural resolution (not a substantive bill). It requires the Assembly Speaker to appoint a two-person committee to formally inform the Senate that Carl E. Heastie has been elected Speaker of the Assembly and that the Assembly is organized and ready to conduct business. The resolution establishes a routine communication process between the Assembly and Senate chambers following leadership elections. It does not create new laws or affect any constituents.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new legal framework for nursing home operators in New York who wish to close their facilities. It requires operators to submit a detailed closure plan at least 90 days in advance, which must include steps for notifying residents, assessing their needs, and arranging transfers to alternative care settings. The plan must be approved by state health officials before any closure actions can begin, and operators are prohibited from raising fees or accepting new residents during the transition period. Additionally, the bill mandates that local officials and community boards review the proposed closure to ensure it is not motivated by unsafe conditions and that residents' medical records are preserved and accessible.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York state-owned parking facilities with at least 50 spaces to install electric vehicle charging stations in a percentage of spots ranging from 10% to 20%, depending on the facility's total size. The Office of General Services is tasked with installing and maintaining these stations, which must meet specific electrical capacity standards, and is authorized to hire licensed electricians if upgrades to the power system are needed. The law applies to public, employee, and pay-per-use parking areas and would have taken effect on April 1 of the following year. However, the bill was vetoed by the Governor in December 2024 and subsequently tabled, meaning it did not become law.

Strengthens enforcement efforts of the state's anti-slaughter of race horses and race horse breeding stock law; requires the posting of signage that states it is illegal to sell or transfer such animals for the purposes of slaughter.

Expands the definition of mental health care provider to include licensed mental health counselors and licensed marriage and family therapists, for purposes of certain sex offenses committed during a treatment session, consultation, interview, or examination.

Relates to horsemen's health, welfare, pension and administrative benefits for harness racing licensees in the absence of contractual obligations; requires that in the absence of a contract between the licensed harness racing corporation or association and the representative horsemen's organization, the state gaming commission shall as a condition of racing require an association or corporation to withhold and pay eight percent of all unpaid and existing monies and to pay such sum to the horsemen's organization quarterly at facilities located in Westchester and Nassau county.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the spending limit for regional off-track betting corporations from $15,000 to $35,000, allowing them to purchase equipment or supplies without holding public competitive bids. Under the new rules, these corporations can enter into contracts directly when the estimated cost is below the increased threshold, streamlining their procurement process for smaller purchases. The legislation also permits these entities to bypass public bidding if their governing bodies determine it serves the public interest and receive approval from the relevant county officials. This change directly affects the operational procedures of regional off-track betting corporations by simplifying how they acquire goods and services.