Sen. Tony Palumbo

Maddy summaryS 5007, the "Dark Skies Protection Act," requires all outdoor lighting fixtures (including those on homes, businesses, and public spaces) to be shielded by January 1, 2028, to reduce light pollution. The law aims to protect the night sky for wildlife, safety, and energy conservation while exempting essential uses like airport lighting, emergency services, and certain safety-focused fixtures. Municipalities may adopt stricter rules than the state law, and property owners face civil penalties for noncompliance (up to $1,000 for commercial properties after repeated violations). The bill directly affects all property owners and businesses using outdoor lighting across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows any town in New York with a 2020 census population between 69,000 and 69,500 to create a homestead exemption for real property taxes. It enables qualifying towns to offer an exemption similar to the existing STAR school tax relief program, capping the exemption at $50,000 in property value. Property owners must apply annually using a standard form, and the exemption applies only to eligible homes meeting the same criteria as STAR. This directly affects homeowners in qualifying towns by potentially reducing their local property tax burden.

Provides eligibility for a property tax exemption for enrolled members of a volunteer ocean rescue squad in certain municipalities upon the adoption of a local law, ordinance or resolution.

Establishes eligibility for a tax exemption on real property for enrolled members of ocean rescue squads in certain municipalities; repeals a section of law relating to the eligibility of enrolled members of Southampton Village Ocean Rescue for a tax exemption on real property.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 316 honors Mary E. Rainey, a Peekskill community leader who died on January 3, 2025, for her 40-year career at the Westchester Community Action Program, including her work with youth through the Youth Employment Program. The resolution recognizes her dedication to community welfare, civic service, and leadership at the Kiley Center. It directs that a copy be transmitted to her family as a formal tribute. This is a commemorative resolution with no policy impact or affected parties beyond honoring her legacy.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 317 honors Stony Brook Medicine for being named one of America's 50 Best Hospitals in 2025 by Healthgrades, the only Long Island hospital to achieve this ranking. The resolution recognizes the institution's top 1% national ranking for overall care excellence, based on Healthgrades' evaluation of patient safety and outcomes across multiple conditions and procedures. It celebrates Stony Brook Medicine's integrated health system, including its hospitals and community care facilities, for maintaining high standards in patient care and safety.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (J 312) is a ceremonial request for Governor Kathy Hochul to officially designate February 2025 as Black History Month in New York State. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups; instead, it asks the Governor to issue a formal proclamation recognizing the month. The resolution cites historical milestones of African American contributions to U.S. history, culture, and civil rights as context for the observance. It was adopted by the legislature on February 5, 2025, but remains a symbolic gesture without binding policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural resolution (not a bill with policy changes) memorializing Governor Hochul to proclaim June 2025 as Aphasia Awareness Month in New York State, aligning with National Aphasia Awareness Month. It requests the Governor issue an official proclamation to increase public awareness of aphasia - a communication disorder often caused by stroke or brain injury. The resolution does not create new laws or alter existing policies; it is a symbolic gesture to recognize the condition and its impact on approximately 2 million people in the U.S. The resolution was adopted by the legislature on February 4, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 298 requests Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 13, 2025, as Borinqueneers Day in New York State. This resolution honors the Borinqueneers (65th U.S. Army Infantry Regiment), a unit of Puerto Rican soldiers recognized for their service during the Korean War, including receiving numerous military honors. It aligns with the national observance established by Congress in the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, which designated April 13 as National Borinqueneers Day. The resolution serves as a commemorative recognition of the unit's historical contributions to U.S. military history.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 308) formally honors the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York for its role in celebrating Prince Hall Day 2025. It recognizes the organization's community service, charitable work, and commitment to Prince Hall's legacy of brotherhood and justice, under Grand Master Darren M. Morton. The resolution, adopted on February 4, 2025, commends the Lodge and transmits a copy to its leadership as a symbolic gesture of appreciation. It has no policy impact or direct effect on citizens, as it is a ceremonial resolution.