Asm. Karl Brabenec

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's criminal procedure law to allow courts to issue lifetime orders of protection in specific cases. It directly affects victims of domestic violence where the respondent is convicted of certain felonies, including those under Penal Law articles 120, 125, 130, 135, or 263, or specific sections (255.25-255.27), or attempts to commit such felonies. The key provision changes the maximum duration for protection orders in these felony cases from fixed terms (e.g., 8 years) to "the lifetime of the defendant or the victim, whichever is shorter." This applies when courts enter protection orders following sentencing for qualifying offenses, without altering existing rules for misdemeanors or other offenses.

Provides that state departments, offices, agencies, and authorities are prohibited from imposing any fees, surcharges, or taxes that have not been approved by the state legislature.

Relates to being a good samaritan; adds "reasonable intervention" as a reason to be protected from liability; provides that a person may use physical force when and to the extent that such person reasonably believes that reasonable intervention is necessary to maintain order, but may use deadly physical force only when such person reasonably believes that reasonable intervention is necessary to prevent death or serious physical injury; appropriates $500,000 for public service announcements and community-based training programs aimed at educating people about the legal protections and responsibilities of being a good samaritan.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 24-hour, toll-free animal abuse hotline to be run by the Attorney General, who may partner with animal protection organizations to administer it. The hotline will immediately forward all reports of potential animal abuse to relevant state agencies, local law enforcement, or animal protection groups. It requires the Attorney General to publicly inform residents about the hotline's availability. The hotline must operate continuously and accept reports of incidents that could reasonably be classified as animal abuse.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates "black dirt" as New York's official state soil and identifies the black dirt region in southern Orange County as the home of the state's most fertile soil. It makes no policy changes or funding allocations - only establishes these official designations through state law. The bill directly affects the recognition of this specific soil type and geographic area within New York. It is a procedural measure with no practical impact on residents, agriculture, or land use.

Requires a certificate of merit in actions for damages, contribution or indemnity arising out of alleged negligence of a professional licensed pursuant to the education law; establishes a party in an action for medical, dental or podiatric malpractice may not omit the name of certain experts in responding to a request; limits judgments for past and future damages in an action to recover damages for dental, medical or podiatric malpractice; limits compensation for noneconomic damages suffered by an injured plaintiff in any personal injury action to $250,000.

Allows residents who are employed by employers based in another state to obtain property/casualty or liability coverage under a policy issued to their employer in that state.

Repeals certain provisions establishing a fee for background checks on certain firearm and ammunition purchases; removes such fees as a source of funds for the background check fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new statewide program allowing local communities in New York to form regional partnerships to design their own broadband expansion plans, replacing the previous state-managed approach. It directly affects residents in areas with inadequate internet speeds (under 25 Mbps) and local governments like counties, cities, and towns. The program provides state funding for infrastructure projects like fiber networks or mobile hotspots, with local groups selecting internet service providers. The state will review plans to ensure full coverage for all residents in each region, prioritizing access over speed or reliability.

Enacts "Jessica Lunsford act" relating to enhancing the class A-II felony of predatory sexual assault against a child by expanding the acts to which such offense applies; establishes a mandatory sentence of 25 years to life term of imprisonment; requires electronic monitoring of incarcerated individuals upon release from prison.