Sen. Joe Addabbo

Directs the department of veterans' services to conduct pre-release briefings for incarcerated veterans regarding available federal and state benefits available to veterans and their families and how to apply for such benefits.

Imposes a moratorium on the issuance of permits for new data centers; requires the public service commission to issue an order or orders to minimize the impact of new data centers on electricity and gas rates for residential, commercial, and industrial users; clarifies that certain provisions are applicable to the Long Island power authority.

Maddy summarySenate Bill S 1665 updates the rules for vehicle operators when overtaking bicyclists and pedestrians in New York State. Outside of New York City, drivers passing a bicycle must now use "due care," which includes moving to an adjacent lane if safe, or passing at least three feet away. Similar "due care" requirements are also established for drivers passing pedestrians in these areas. For New York City, the bill retains the existing rule for drivers to pass bicycles at a safe distance and does not introduce specific new provisions for passing pedestrians.

Enacts "Bryan Johnson's law"; includes prior convictions of operation of a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs as prior convictions of driving while intoxicated.

Enacts the manufacturer disclosure and transparency act requiring prescription drug manufacturers to notify the attorney general of arrangements between pharmaceutical manufacturers resulting in the delay of the introduction of generic medications.

Maddy summaryS 703 amends New York's animal cruelty law by removing the requirement that injury must be "serious" to qualify as aggravated cruelty. This change means prosecutors no longer need to prove severe physical harm to charge someone with aggravated cruelty to animals. The bill defines "aggravated cruelty" as conduct intentionally causing extreme pain or carried out in a depraved or sadistic manner, applying to companion animals. The law directly affects individuals accused of animal cruelty, broadening the scope of what constitutes a punishable offense under this specific charge.

Provides for automatic voter registration and pre-registration for persons applying for certain department of motor vehicles documentation, and for persons applying for or re-enrolling in Medicaid; allows individuals to decline such automatic registration and pre-registration.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Medical Psilocybin Act, would create a regulated program allowing the use of psilocybin, a compound found in certain mushrooms, to treat specific medical conditions. It directly affects qualified patients diagnosed with issues such as treatment-resistant depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorders, end-of-life care, or cluster headaches, as well as healthcare providers and businesses that produce or administer the substance. The legislation establishes a framework where licensed producers grow and prepare the medication, while licensed healthcare providers or trained supervisors determine appropriate dosing and oversee its administration in safe settings. Key provisions include creating a registry for patients and caregivers, setting strict safety and testing requirements for products, and providing exemptions from criminal penalties for the legal medical use and possession of psilocybin. The bill also mandates that the Department of Health develop detailed rules for licensing, training, recordkeeping, and monitoring to ensure the program operates safely and effectively.

Directs that moneys in the veterans' home services fund shall be payable on vouchers certified by the commissioner of veterans' services; directs a report to be submitted by such commissioner; directs that moneys in the military family relief fund shall be payable on vouchers certified by the commissioner of veterans' services.

Maddy summaryBill S 7614 modifies the eligibility requirements for cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for New York public retirement systems. Effective September 1, 2025, it lowers the age requirement for general pensioners to receive a COLA from age 62 to age 55, provided they have been retired for five years. The bill also streamlines eligibility for disability pensioners and accidental death benefit recipients, who will continue to be eligible after five years regardless of age. These changes apply to various state and New York City retirement systems.