Sen. Tony Palumbo

Maddy summaryThis bill makes it a class C felony to cause someone to fall onto subway tracks through physical contact like shoving or kicking. It directly affects individuals who commit such assaults on subway platforms, increasing the legal penalty for these specific acts. The key provision defines "assault on a straphanger" as a new felony, adding it to the list of serious crimes punishable by up to 7.5 years in prison. The law applies to any physical contact resulting in a person falling onto subway tracks, aiming to protect passengers from intentional harm.

Directs the department of health to establish a right to preventative maintenance of wheelchairs program, after consultation with certain other offices, under which owners of manual and powered wheelchairs shall be entitled to reimbursement of certain preventative maintenance costs for such wheelchairs.

Permits land formerly used as an armory which was conveyed to the town of Riverhead, county of Suffolk by the state in 2011, to be sold or leased to the YMCA of Long Island.

Prohibits forensic child custody evaluators who have been terminated for cause from appearing as an expert witness in family court custody and visitation proceedings.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 6885) expands access to state funding for water quality infrastructure projects by clarifying eligibility for water utilities regulated by the Public Service Commission. It specifies that funding - capped at $5 million per entity annually - can only support infrastructure repair or compliance with water quality laws, and requires all water utility projects to serve a clear public purpose benefiting customers. The bill modifies existing laws to ensure funds are directed toward essential water system improvements while requiring tax relief from related exemptions to lower water rates. It directly affects water utilities seeking state financial assistance for critical infrastructure upgrades.

Establishes the crime of aggravated offering of a false accusation against a police officer or peace officer for knowing the information reported to be false or baseless, such person reports, by word or action, to a law enforcement officer or agency, the wrongdoing by a police officer or peace officer in the performance of such officer's duties; requires the posting of bail.

Maddy summaryThis bill permanently extends Kendra's Law, which requires court-ordered outpatient treatment for individuals with serious mental illness who have been involved in the criminal justice system. It removes the existing expiration date (June 30, 2027) from the law, making its provisions permanent. The bill directly affects people with severe mental illness who are subject to court-ordered treatment under Kendra's Law. Key provision: eliminating the temporary nature of the law, ensuring continued access to mandated outpatient care for eligible individuals without a sunset date.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new criminal offense called "vehicular homicide" for drivers who cause another person's death through reckless conduct showing extreme disregard for human life. It directly affects drivers whose actions - like severe speeding or ignoring traffic signals - result in fatalities, even if they didn’t intend to cause death. The law classifies vehicular homicide as a class B felony, the same penalty as second-degree murder in New York, making it a serious criminal charge. This change would replace or add to existing laws for deaths caused by negligent or reckless driving.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3312) allows media representatives from radio, television, newspapers, and news services to enter areas restricted during publicly declared emergencies. It directly affects journalists and media organizations seeking access to emergency zones. The key provision amends the executive law to explicitly state that media members with proper authorization cannot be barred from restricted areas during such emergencies. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires individuals arrested for specific sex offenses against children under 13 to provide a DNA sample at the time of arrest. It directly affects people charged with felonies listed in the penal law involving victims under 13 years old. Key provisions mandate DNA collection upon arrest (unless previously submitted), allow courts to order collection if refused, and establish procedures for expunging DNA records if convictions are overturned or charges dismissed. The law also creates safeguards for removing DNA profiles from the state index when legally appropriate.