Establishes a procedure for the creation of new counties; outlines population and area requirements; requires a feasibility study, petition and referendum; makes related provisions.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1195) requires voting machines to automatically reject ballots that include a vote for a candidate who withdrew from the election before the voting date. It directly affects voters who accidentally select a withdrawn candidate and election systems that must implement this rejection feature. The key mechanism mandates that machines notify voters immediately upon rejection, stating the candidate's name is no longer on the ballot and directing them to complete a new ballot. The rule takes effect January 1, 2027, with the State Board of Elections authorized to create implementation rules.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) companies to waive sovereign immunity for any legal claims against them in New York courts. It mandates that these railroads comply with key federal railroad laws, including the Railway Labor Act, Federal Employers Liability Act, and safety regulations. The waiver applies retroactively to all ongoing lawsuits involving these railroads. The bill directly affects employees who could pursue legal claims against Metro-North or LIRR under these federal protections.
Provides that any person interested in the grant or denial of discretionary release shall have the right to submit a written statement of views in support of or in opposition to the granting of discretionary release which the parole board may consider.
Relates to procedures relating to driving while ability impaired by drugs; defines impairment and intoxication; updates procedures for field testing of drivers suspected of being under the influence of drugs to include the use of oral/bodily fluid tests; provides that refusal to submit to such field tests is specified to be a traffic infraction; makes related provisions.
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.
Enacts "Peanut's law: humane animal protection act" to provide humane treatment, safeguard animal welfare and strengthen the rights of animal sanctuaries and responsible owners in retaining custody, implementing due process safeguards, and guaranteeing public safety while an appeal is pending; requires an administrative hearing before the seizure or euthanization of an animal under the care of a wildlife sanctuary, unless there is documented evidence that the animal presents an immediate threat to public safety; further provides that any animal seized by the department of environmental conservation for testing or public concerns is subject to a 72-hour waiting period prior to euthanization; makes related provisions.
Maddy summaryThis bill makes personnel records for police officers, firefighters, correction officers, and probation officers confidential by default. It prohibits public access to these records (used for performance reviews or promotions) without the officer's written consent, except under strict court orders. Judges must review requests for access, require a clear factual showing, and allow affected officers to be heard before granting access. The law explicitly allows prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, and courts to access records for official duties without consent.
Relates to the disclosure of law enforcement personnel records; provides that law enforcement personnel records shall be considered confidential and not subject to inspection or review without the express written consent of such law enforcement officers except as mandated by lawful court order.
Requires that a claimant alleging that the contents of a website or mobile application that describes goods and services provided at a place of public accommodation constitutes an unlawful discriminatory practice against visually and hearing impaired individuals serve written notice on the owner and provide 60 days to cure the alleged violation prior to commencing an action.
