Sen. Mario Mattera

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a mandatory battery storage fire training program for firefighters across counties, cities, towns, villages, and fire districts. It requires individuals seeking permanent, temporary, or probationary firefighter appointments to complete this specialized training in addition to existing basic fire training. The State Fire Administrator is tasked with developing regulations for these programs, including curriculum, instructor qualifications, and certification processes for both the programs and the firefighters.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the penalty for first-degree rape from a class B felony to a more serious class A-II felony under New York's penal law. It does not alter the definition of the crime itself, which remains based on factors like forcible compulsion, victim incapacity, or age. The change directly affects individuals convicted of first-degree rape, resulting in a higher potential prison sentence. The bill's sole modification is the reclassification of the felony level, with no other provisions or changes to the offense.

Withholds the salary of the governor and members of the legislature if the budget is late until final ratification of the budget; forfeits withheld salary.

Requires each violator of "Buster's Law" to register the violator's name and address with the division of criminal justice services; makes the registration available to the public, law enforcement entities, district attorneys, humane societies, societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals, dog or cat protective associations, animal control officers, breeders of animals, animal rescues and pet stores.

Maddy summaryS 686 requires schools to accept a standardized medical immunization exemption form for students, directly affecting students needing exemptions, their parents/guardians, and school staff. The bill mandates that the form include parent/guardian details, student information, a medical reason from a licensed provider, and a certification stating certain vaccines (like measles or polio) could be harmful. Schools and state agencies cannot impose additional requirements beyond this specific form for exemption approval. This standardizes the process, ensuring consistency in how medical exemptions are handled for school enrollment.

Enacts the utility transparency and fair billing protection act to prevent consumers from being overcharged due to misclassified utility rates by mandating proactive account reviews, automatic adjustments, and ensuring clear communication between utilities and customers.

Maddy summaryS 1434 creates a new crime called "stolen valor" by making it illegal for someone to falsely claim military service or decorations to gain money, property, or other tangible benefits. Specifically, the bill prohibits wearing military uniforms or medals to impersonate a service member or veteran, or falsely claiming to have received military medals authorized by federal or state law. Violating this law would be classified as a class A misdemeanor under New York's penal code. The bill directly affects individuals who misrepresent their military status for personal gain, not veterans or service members who truthfully claim their service.

Exempts computer hardware and software equipment and school supplies from sales tax during the seven day period commencing on the Tuesday immediately preceding the first Monday in September, known as Labor Day, and ending on Labor Day.

Provides that in the design, construction, maintenance, or renovation of any transit facility, transportation facility, or equipment of the metropolitan transportation authority, work shall take place over a continuous period of time until such point at which the project has been completed.

Establishes the crime of aggravated offering of a false accusation against a police officer or peace officer for knowing the information reported to be false or baseless, such person reports, by word or action, to a law enforcement officer or agency, the wrongdoing by a police officer or peace officer in the performance of such officer's duties; requires the posting of bail.