Asm. Karl Brabenec

Maddy summaryBill A 952 provides a New York State tax credit to volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers. This tax credit is equal to the cost of a fishing license and a small and big game hunting license. The bill amends existing environmental conservation law to include this new provision, directly affecting these volunteers by reducing the cost of these specific licenses through a tax credit.

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.

Increases reimbursement rates paid by the state to cities for repair and maintenance of state arterials; provides rate would be raised to one dollar and eighty cents from eighty-five cents per square yard of the pavement area that is included in the state highway system and an additional twenty cents, up from ten cents, per square yard of such pavement area where such pavement area is located on any elevated bridge.

Prohibits utilities from raising rates while reporting high profits; requires utilities to reinvest revenues into New York's energy infrastructure, safety, and reliability; requires the submission to the public service commission of a compliance report.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state income tax credit for taxpayers who pay for necessary expenses related to service dogs, such as food, veterinary care, training, and boarding. It allows a credit of up to $1,000 per year against income tax for qualified service dog costs, as defined by civil rights law. Unused portions of the credit can be carried forward to future tax years, but the annual limit remains $1,000. The credit applies to taxable years beginning January 1, 2025, and directly affects residents who rely on service dogs for disability-related needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 5317) requires building owners, tenants, or occupants to safely remove icicles hanging over sidewalks, entrances, or commonly used pathways within three days of forming. It directly affects property owners and managers of buildings adjacent to paved sidewalks. Violations incur escalating penalties: $300 for the first offense, $500 for the second, and misdemeanor or felony charges for repeated violations (third or more) or if the icicles cause injury or property damage. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Requires the notification of a public utility company's or municipality's customers when the supply rate increases by at least forty percent and to notify such customers of bill assistance programs by posting on the utility company's website.

Extends the maximum number of months for the reconsideration of denied applications by the parole board for parole for certain violent felony offenses from 24 months to 60 months.

Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts minimum wage credits for farm workers who receive meal, lodging, or utility benefits. It requires the department to update these credit amounts annually based on cost-of-living increases, using a standardized calculator. The first update must be published by December 1, 2025, with subsequent updates every five years. These changes directly affect farm workers receiving in-kind benefits, ensuring their credits keep pace with inflation. The policy modifies existing wage credit calculations without creating new benefits or altering eligibility.