Asm. Karl Brabenec

Allows victim impact statements in New York state be video recorded; requires that the members of the parole board and all presiding commissioners for such hearing review all relevant victim impact statements prior to the conduct of a parole hearing and to sign a written attestation confirming that they have done so.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that any legislative proposal creating or changing government spending must include the estimated cost directly within the bill's text. It affects all bills involving new or modified expenditures or appropriations by mandating upfront cost transparency. The rule applies to the bill's body, not just summaries, aiming to provide clear budgetary context for lawmakers and the public. (Procedural bill; summary adheres to 2-sentence limit as specified.)

Maddy summaryBill A 4692 proposes to exempt certain inland lakes from being designated as freshwater wetlands. Specifically, the bill states that inland lakes that are navigable waterways and cover an area of 150 acres or more will not be considered freshwater wetlands when boundaries are delineated. This exemption does not apply to the Great Lakes. The bill directly affects how the Commissioner delineates freshwater wetland boundaries for these specific types of large, navigable inland lakes.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies bail procedures for defendants charged with specific crimes related to prostitution and labor trafficking. It adds provisions requiring courts to consider bail or remand in cases involving promoting prostitution (under Penal Law §§ 230.25, 230.30, 230.32) or compelling prostitution (§ 230.33), as well as labor trafficking (§ 135.35) or aggravated labor trafficking (§ 135.37). Prosecutors must show reasonable cause that the defendant committed the offense, and courts may release defendants on their own recognizance or under non-monetary conditions if the alleged harm (like negligible theft) appears unrelated to further criminal activity. The bill directly affects individuals facing these specific charges in New York courts.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2510) creates a tax credit for individuals diagnosed with cancer or parents with children diagnosed with cancer. It allows a credit of up to $500 per year for qualified medical expenses related to cancer treatment, including diagnosis, cure, medication, insurance deductibles, wigs, and prosthetics. The credit can be applied against state income tax, and any unused portion may be refunded without interest. This policy directly affects cancer patients and families managing treatment costs through their state tax filings.

Maddy summaryBella's Law requires New York's Office of Children and Family Services to investigate potential domestic violence when an individual is accused of or under investigation for animal abuse. Law enforcement must notify the Office of Children and Family Services about such cases, and the Office must determine if the animal abuse is linked to domestic violence or family abuse. The law applies to all animal abuse crimes listed in the bill, including offenses like animal fighting, torture, abandonment, and harming service animals. This policy change mandates coordination between law enforcement and child/family services to address the established connection between animal cruelty and domestic violence.

Provides that the owner, lessee or occupant of premises owes no duty to keep the premises safe for entry or use by others engaged generally in recreational activities.

Provides that it is a class E felony to operate a model or unmanned aircraft over a critical infrastructure facility including an electrical power generating facility, petroleum or natural gas refinery or stage facility, or an aboveground oil, gas or chemical pipeline.

Prohibits the unauthorized sale, purchase or transfer of any cemetery marker, flag holder, monument, statue or other physical memorabilia that is over 75 years old that commemorates the life or death of a veteran or group of veterans, including but not limited to a military unit, company, battalion or division, if such cemetery marker, flag holder, monument, statue or other physical memorabilia that commemorates the life or death of a veteran or group of veterans has been placed in any cemetery; makes violations a class B misdemeanor; permits cemeteries to make such sales upon application to the state cemetery board and upon certain conditions.

Establishes interregional enrollment of students taking classes in multiple school districts (Part A); allows students who are enrolled in and taking classes in multiple school districts to receive cooperative and individualized educational services (Part B).