Asm. Matt Slater

Maddy summaryBill A 2557 creates the new crime of "stolen valor." This bill makes it illegal for a person to knowingly misrepresent themselves as a member or veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces or organized militia, or as a recipient of a military decoration or medal. This misrepresentation, such as wearing a uniform or medal, must be done with the intent to obtain money, property, or another tangible benefit. Individuals convicted of stolen valor would be charged with a class A misdemeanor.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's penal law to expand hate crime designations. It adds "actual or perceived employment as a law enforcement officer" as a protected characteristic, meaning attacks against police officers motivated by bias can now be classified as hate crimes. It also explicitly includes "making graffiti" (under section 145.60) as a specified offense that qualifies as a hate crime when committed due to bias against a protected characteristic. This change affects individuals who commit certain offenses (like assault or graffiti) with bias targeting law enforcement or other protected traits, potentially increasing penalties for those acts.

Exempts services provided to board an animal when rendered by a veterinarian licensed and registered as required by the education law or by a commercial horse boarding operation from sales and use taxes.

Grants each of the representatives of the counties of Dutchess, Putnam, Orange and Rockland a vote during the proceedings of the metropolitan transportation authority.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows officers from organizations that prevent cruelty to animals (society for the prevention of cruelty to animals officers) to use live scan fingerprinting systems immediately after making an arrest. It directly affects these officers by granting them independent access to fingerprint technology without requiring other law enforcement personnel. The key provision amends criminal procedure law to mandate that these officers may complete fingerprinting independently following an arrest. This streamlines their process for finalizing arrests and reduces reliance on external police assistance.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 6049) adds "October 7th Remembrance Day" to New York State's official calendar of commemorative days, to be observed annually on October 7. It directly affects the state's official observance schedule but does not create new policies, funding, or requirements for individuals or organizations. The bill amends existing law by inserting this date into a list of established commemorative days (like Holocaust Remembrance Day or Juneteenth), with no additional provisions or mechanisms. As a procedural naming bill, it has no direct impact on citizens or government operations beyond formal recognition.

Prohibits the keeping of inventory, storage, warehouse, processing, packaging, shipping or distributing of flavored vapor products near where vapor or tobacco products are sold at retail or wholesale.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires courts to consider bail for specific offenses targeting schools or students, including threats of mass harm, aggravated harassment, or terroristic threats against school districts, staff, or students. It amends criminal procedure law to mandate bail consideration when a defendant is charged with these offenses while already out on release or awaiting arraignment for a related crime. Prosecutors must show reasonable cause the defendant committed the offense, but courts may still release defendants on their own recognizance if the alleged harm (like minor property damage) is deemed negligible and unrelated to other criminal activity. The bill directly affects defendants charged with these school-targeted offenses during pretrial proceedings.

Maddy summaryThis 2004 bill requires the Public Service Commission to hold public hearings at least 90 days before deciding on utility rate increases, fees, rentals, or charges. The hearings must occur in the specific area affected by the proposed increase, allowing residents to share comments and ask questions directly to both the utility company and the commission. It applies to all utility rate changes and mandates this public input step before any approval decision. The law took effect 90 days after enactment, with necessary rule changes allowed before that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New York State parks with playgrounds to include at least one wheelchair-accessible swing set containing a platform for wheelchairs and a supportive seat by December 31, 2027. It directly affects state parks and children with disabilities, aligning with the state's definition of disability under existing law. The key provision mandates that each park's playground layout must incorporate this accessible equipment where feasible. The requirement applies specifically to swing sets, not all playground equipment, and takes effect in 2027.