Sen. Tony Palumbo

Restores the legislative checks and balances to any emergency declaration that exceeds forty-five days; ensures judicial due process rights for any action that impairs fundamental constitutional rights by limiting the powers of the governor to suspend laws during a state disaster emergency; requires a specification and explanation of which municipalities are affected by such suspension of laws.

Maddy summaryS 8108 establishes the New York Ireland Trade Commission within the Department of State to strengthen economic ties between New York and Ireland. The commission, composed of 15 appointed members (including legislative representatives and community stakeholders), will focus on advancing trade, investment, and business/academic exchanges between the two regions. It must submit annual reports to the governor and legislature detailing its activities and recommendations. The bill creates a formal structure for collaboration but does not allocate new funding or impose direct requirements on businesses or residents. The commission's work will be guided by specific goals outlined in the bill, such as promoting mutual economic support and infrastructure investment.

Maddy summarySenate Bill S 980 requires the Public Service Commission to hold public hearings before implementing any increases in utility rates, fees, or charges. These hearings must occur at least 90 days before a decision is made and within the area where the increase is proposed. The bill ensures that utility customers can provide public comments and ask questions of both the commission and the utility regarding the proposed changes. This aims to increase transparency and public engagement in decisions affecting utility costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill would grant uniformed court officers in Sag Harbor village (Suffolk County) the legal status of peace officers under New York law. It directly affects these specific village employees by expanding their authority to enforce certain laws, though they would still require separate firearm licenses under existing penal law. The key provision amends the criminal procedure law to add a new section defining their status and explicitly states they cannot carry firearms without the required license. The bill does not change existing firearm regulations but formally recognizes these officers' authority within the village.

Allows for unlicensed personnel to administer certain seizure rescue medication in schools, on school grounds and at school events; provides that such medicine may be left with a school health official to be used as needed.

Relates to creating a school resource officer program to permit the employment of retired law enforcement officers and provide grants to school districts and non-public schools for such purpose.

Grants free access and parking at state parks for active-duty military members and veterans upon showing an active-duty military or veteran's ID card.

Maddy summaryS 4681 would repeal Section 581-d of New York's Labor Law, which required an interest assessment surcharge. This surcharge was a fee added to interest payments under labor law enforcement, likely affecting employers or workers involved in cases involving unpaid wages or penalties. The bill eliminates this specific fee from the law, removing a financial obligation previously applied to certain interest assessments. The repeal would directly impact entities subject to labor law interest assessments where this surcharge was enforced.

Prohibits the diminution of health insurance benefits of public employee retirees and their dependents or reducing the employer's contributions for such insurance; defines employers to include the state, municipalities, school districts, and public authorities and commissions.

Adds an additional two non-voting members to the metropolitan transportation authority board, one who is the police chief of the MTA police department and the other who is chosen by the labor organization representing the majority of employees of the police department of the authority.