Sen. Leroy Comrie

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 1909 formally recognizes the 100th anniversary of the Harlem Globetrotters, a professional basketball team founded in 1926 that is known for its unique blend of athletic skill and entertainment. This resolution does not change any laws or allocate funding; instead, it expresses the state legislature's appreciation for the team's cultural contributions and historical significance. The bill directs the legislative body to pause its proceedings to honor the organization and authorizes sending a copy of the resolution to the Harlem Globetrotters.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Department of Public Service to assign a specially trained administrative law judge to oversee settlement negotiations during rate increase cases for major electric, natural gas, water, and steam utilities. The assigned judge will manage the negotiation process to ensure it is consistent, fair, and efficient for all parties, while also having the option to act as a mediator on specific topics if requested. Additionally, the department must create and share public standards to guarantee that the settlement process remains predictable and does not depend on the individual judge assigned. These changes apply to proceedings initiated after the bill takes effect, aiming to bring more structure and transparency to utility rate negotiations.

Prohibits public employers from diminishing health insurance benefits provided to Medicare-eligible retirees and their Medicare-eligible dependents or the contributions such employer makes for such health insurance coverage below the level of such benefits or contributions made on behalf of such retirees and dependents by the public employer as of December 31, 2021.

Requires the department of public service to assign an administrative law judge to oversee the process in policy proceedings before the public service commission; provides that the department of public service shall be considered a party in policy proceedings.

Relates to strengthening of utility storm response and compliance by reviewing mitigating factors including but not limited to mitigating factors and the specifics surrounding the violation or violations.

Increases the number of entities to whom the New York state energy research and development authority must submit an annual report; requires the report to include a brief summary of all proceeds collected and administered by the authority pursuant to an order of the public service commission or pursuant to regulation, including, but not limited to, assessments, fees, taxes, transfers, corporate income or surcharges imposed on energy consumers or power generators.

Enacts the New York agricultural investment task force act; establishes the New York task force on agricultural investment to study and assess the future of agriculture in the state.

Prohibits recording of the entrance or exit of a school ground or the entrance or exit to a property that contains school grounds within its boundaries.

Relates to parole eligibility for certain incarcerated persons age fifty-five or older if they have served at least fifteen years of their sentence or sentences.

Establishes a program to develop microgrids that are capable of providing an uninterrupted supply of power to one or more community outage assets through an extended electric distribution outage.