Sen. Julia Salazar

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 5851) would require elections for specific judicial and municipal officials to occur in even-numbered years. It directly affects judges of the supreme court, county courts, surrogate's courts, family courts (outside NYC), city supervisors, and county officials in cities, changing when their terms begin and end. Key provisions mandate that vacancies be filled at the next general election in an even-numbered year (held at least three months after the vacancy) and require all such officials' terms to expire at the end of an even-numbered year. The bill also specifies that temporary appointments for vacancies must last only until the next even-year election, aligning election cycles with statewide elections.

Relates to the taxation of moneys, credits, securities and other intangible personal property in the state that is not employed in carrying on any business therein.

Requires certain watercraft, aircrafts, and trains to use clean energy, including ensuring such vehicles are zero-emissions; requires NYSERDA to study zero-emission commercial vehicles, the use of renewable energy in publicly funded airports, and the use of sustainable aviation fuel; requires NYSERDA to administer a grant program to flying schools and clubs that install charging infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 160) proposes a constitutional amendment to grant voting rights to people incarcerated in state correctional facilities. It would amend the state constitution to explicitly include "any incarcerated person" among citizens entitled to vote in all elections, provided they are 18+ and meet standard residency requirements (30 days in the county, city, or village before an election). The amendment would directly affect incarcerated individuals by restoring their voting eligibility, aligning with existing constitutional provisions for other citizens. The bill requires a constitutional amendment process, including legislative approval and a public referendum after the next general election.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the state constitution to allow state legislatures to alter or repeal property tax exemptions specifically for private colleges and universities. Currently, exemptions for religious, educational, and charitable properties are protected, but this change removes that protection for private higher education institutions. It would enable lawmakers to modify or eliminate tax breaks on property owned by these schools, unlike other exempt properties. The change affects private institutions of higher education directly by making their tax exemptions subject to legislative action.

Provides that all persons have the right to grow, raise, harvest, produce and consume the food of their own choosing for their own nourishment, sustenance, bodily health and well-being, and the right to be free from hunger, malnutrition, starvation and the endangerment of life from the scarcity of or lack of access to nourishing food.

Provides that the Governor's annual budget proposal to the Legislature shall include statements of any new legislation, amendment to legislation, or limitation on the effect of any legislation contained in the budget; makes related provisions granting the legislature an equal role with the governor in the budget process.

Amends the constitution to delete the requirement that registration for purposes of voting be completed at least ten days before election day; provides that laws be made to adequately safeguard against deception in the exercise of the right of suffrage.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1117) proposes a constitutional amendment requiring the state to provide free public education for all students from pre-kindergarten through undergraduate degree programs. It would amend the state constitution to mandate that the legislature fund and maintain a system of free quality education covering all public K-12 schools and post-secondary institutions offering bachelor's degrees or certifications. The amendment must be approved by voters in a future election after a 3-month public review period, as outlined in the bill's text. Currently, the bill is under review by the Judiciary Committee following an attorney general's opinion.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits evictions from residential properties in New York State during periods of "inclement winter weather," defined as temperatures at or below 32°F (including wind chill), typically occurring from November through April. It directly affects all residential tenants in New York, with the legislature noting evictions disproportionately impact Black and Latinx households. The law amends real property law to block eviction proceedings during these cold-weather periods, citing health risks like increased mortality and homelessness linked to winter displacement. The ban aims to protect public health and safety by preventing homelessness during conditions that exacerbate exposure-related health crises.