Sen. Mario Mattera

Provides that for taxable years beginning on and after January first, two thousand twenty-six, a resident taxpayer who serves as an active volunteer firefighter or as a volunteer ambulance worker shall be allowed a credit against the tax imposed equal to eight hundred dollars; provides for a real property tax exemption under certain circumstances to an enrolled member of an incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department or incorporated voluntary ambulance service residing in such city, village, town, school district, special district, fire district or county.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a pilot program allowing the Town of Huntington to manage deer populations through controlled culling by qualified specialists. It requires the town to demonstrate deer are causing property damage, health risks, or other nuisances before applying for a state-issued cull permit. The permit process mandates specific requirements for specialists (including marksmanship, insurance, and reporting), a detailed site-specific management plan, and coordination with local law enforcement. The program amends existing wildlife laws to permit these activities under strict conditions, while maintaining broader hunting regulations for other areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New York's definition of "period of war" in the real property tax law to expand eligibility for the alternative veterans' exemption. It adds specific recent military conflicts to the existing list, including the Global War on Terrorism (September 11, 2001, through end of hostilities), and NATO combat operations in Somalia (1992-1994), Bosnia (1995-2004), and Kosovo (1999-1999). Veterans who served during these newly included periods will now qualify for the tax exemption. The change directly affects veterans whose service falls within these defined modern conflicts, ensuring they meet the eligibility criteria under current law.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3053) requires the New York State Bridge Authority to install specific climb deterrent fencing on all bridges it manages. The fencing must include features like welded wire mesh panels, tightly spaced wires, and spike collars to prevent climbing and grip. It applies to all bridges under the Authority’s jurisdiction and mandates this installation in construction contracts for new bridge work. The law takes effect three years after enactment, with immediate rule changes permitted to implement it.

Relates to the sale and possession of self-defense spray devices in the state; removes the requirement that only authorized dealers and pharmacists could sell such devices; provides that no more than two self-defense spray devices may be sold at any one time to a single purchaser; repeals certain provisions of law relating thereto.

Provides that individuals may receive breast cancer screenings under an insurance plan when such individual has a second degree relative with a prior history of breast cancer.

Requires towers to clean up any debris in the surrounding area resulting from the vehicles they are towing and tow trucks to be equipped with the appropriate equipment for such clean up efforts.

Requires that the state university of New York's board of trustees and the city university of New York's board of trustees shall each adopt a policy requiring all state university of New York, city university of New York, college, and community college campuses that offer membership programs to the general public for the use of fitness and aquatic facilities, to permit disabled veterans to obtain a membership for the use of fitness and aquatic facilities upon the same terms and conditions as apply to the general public, but without payment of any fees or other charges, or at a discounted rate; defines "disabled veteran".

Maddy summaryThis bill requires individuals or government departments inspecting abandoned or vacated properties to check for any companion animals that may have been left behind. If an animal is found during these inspections, the person or department must immediately contact animal control, police, or a humane society to retrieve or care for the pet, while explicitly stating they do not become the animal's owner. The legislation also imposes fines of up to $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for subsequent offenses on anyone who fails to conduct these required inspections. Additionally, the law mandates that if a tenant is present, at least seven days of notice must be given before entry, except in cases of emergency repairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates September 22 as "Veteran Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day" in New York State. It adds this date to the state's official list of commemorative days under Section 168-a of the executive law, joining other recognized observances. The bill does not create new programs, funding, or requirements - it solely establishes a designated day for remembrance.