Sen. Joe Addabbo

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for theft and fraud targeting individuals aged 60 or older, classifying these crimes as Class B felonies. It directly affects elderly victims (60+) and perpetrators of such offenses, including common scams like identity theft or fake tech support calls. The law creates two new criminal provisions: Section 165.80 for theft against elderly persons and Section 190.91 for fraud against elderly persons, both elevating penalties from lesser offenses. This change reflects legislative intent to address a 14% rise in elder fraud complaints (2023) and $77.7 billion in global fraud linked to elderly victims annually.

Relates to protecting the communication rights of individuals with disabilities; provides that each person with a disability has the right to autonomously communicate in their preferred manner and utilize any validated communication supports that meet their needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires insurance companies, health service corporations, and medical expense indemnity corporations to cover medically necessary diagnostic testing and FDA-approved treatments for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The coverage applies to all medical, major medical, or comprehensive-type insurance policies issued, renewed, or modified on or after the bill's effective date. Insurers must allow licensed physicians to determine the necessity of these treatments and cannot use step therapy to delay or deny coverage for FDA-approved medications prescribed to slow disease progression. The law directly affects individuals with Alzheimer's or related conditions who have health insurance in the state, ensuring their access to approved treatments without additional hurdles.

Maddy summaryS 6639 increases the percentage of overtime pay excluded from retirement benefit calculations for public employees from 15% to 30% of their regular wages. It directly affects state and local government workers covered by retirement systems using "final average salary" calculations. The bill changes the threshold so more overtime pay will now be included in determining retirement benefits, rather than excluded.

Maddy summaryBill S 7777 mandates triennial lead testing of potable water in all school districts and boards of cooperative educational services. If lead contamination exceeds action levels, affected schools must implement a "filter-first drinking water management plan" by December 2026. This plan requires installing filtered bottle-filling stations (one per 100 occupants) and filtered faucets where stations are not feasible, along with regular filter replacement and shutting off unfiltered outlets for human consumption. Schools must also provide safe drinking water until remediation is complete, notify parents of test results, and make all testing data publicly available.

Maddy summaryBill S 2289 expands the eligibility for veterans' preference in Mitchell-Lama housing projects. Currently, this preference is available to veterans who served during a time of war. This bill removes that wartime service requirement, making the housing preference available to all veterans and their surviving spouses as defined by the civil service law. This change applies to projects with open waiting lists and will be implemented when closed lists reopen. The bill also maintains that current residents have first priority for internal transfers within their existing projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially recognize March 2026 as Youth Art Month in New York State. It does not change laws or create new programs, but rather designates a specific month for public awareness of art education. The resolution highlights the importance of visual arts in schools and encourages community support for art programs. It is a ceremonial measure that directs the governor to issue a proclamation for the observance.

Establishes a mandatory statewide, classroom-based water safety education program; provides that the commissioner of education shall work with New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance certified educators to develop and promulgate a statewide, age-appropriate, classroom-based water safety education guidance document; provides that within twenty-four months of the effective date of the bill, the department of education shall initiate statewide implementation of water safety education; provides that instruction shall be classroom-based and waterless and shall not require student access to aquatic facilities, swimming instruction, or in-water assessment.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor of New York to officially designate March 23, 2026, as Pakistan-American Heritage Day in the state. It directly affects the Pakistani-American community in New York by creating a formal day to recognize their cultural contributions and heritage. The resolution directs copies to the Governor, the Pakistani Consulate in New York City, and the American Pakistani Advocacy Group for their records. This is a ceremonial measure that does not change laws or require funding, but rather serves to acknowledge and celebrate the Pakistani-American community's presence and achievements in New York State.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially declare March 15-21, 2026, as Agriculture Week in New York State. The resolution recognizes the importance of farming to the state's economy and food supply, and it aligns with National Agriculture Week celebrations. It does not create new laws or change existing policies, but rather serves as a formal acknowledgment of agriculture's contributions to New York. The bill is a ceremonial measure intended to honor farmers and promote awareness of the agricultural industry.