Sen. Mario Mattera

Relates to the passing of stopped school buses on divided highways; provides that vehicles traveling in the opposite direction of a school bus on such highway shall not have to stop if a physical barrier is present between the different directions of travel.

Authorizes electronic court appearances for criminal matters, excluding jury trials, in all counties in the state; authorizes electronic appearances for criminal matters where the court determines a personal appearance would be impractical, unsafe or excessively burdensome; authorizes sentencing to a period of incarceration to be conducted via electronic appearance for defendants who are already incarcerated.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes permanent disability benefits for volunteer firefighters who develop heart or coronary artery conditions related to their service. It removes an expiration date (previously set for June 30, 2025) from existing provisions in the volunteer firefighters' benefit law. The change directly affects volunteer firefighters who become disabled due to heart disease or coronary artery issues while serving, ensuring they continue to qualify for these benefits without time limits.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1866) establishes a statewide "green alert" system for missing military members who have opted in and suffer from mental health conditions like PTSD or traumatic brain injury. It requires law enforcement to verify a member's military status, condition, and safety risk before activating the alert, which would then be broadcast through media and highway signs. The system includes privacy safeguards under HIPAA, an opt-out option for military members, and mandates coordination between state agencies and law enforcement. Alerts remain active only until the member is found or the designated notification period ends.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts health care employers from requiring nurses or health care workers (excluding doctors, residents, and security staff) to work more than their regularly scheduled hours, except in specific emergencies or during ongoing surgical procedures. It defines "regularly scheduled work hours" to include pre-scheduled on-call time and shift report communication, and prohibits using on-call time as a substitute for mandatory overtime. Exceptions include health care disasters, official emergency declarations, unanticipated staffing emergencies, or procedures requiring continuous presence for patient safety. The law aims to protect patient care quality by limiting excessive work hours, without affecting existing rights under other laws or collective bargaining agreements.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new process for property owners to quickly remove unauthorized occupants from residential homes. It allows owners (or their agents) to submit a specific complaint to police if they've already asked the person to leave, the property wasn't open to the public, and the occupant isn't a tenant, family member, or involved in pending legal disputes. Police must verify the complaint and serve an immediate "vacate" notice to the occupant, then help restore the owner's possession - potentially including changing locks. Owners face liability for false claims, including triple damages and attorney fees if sued. The law does not replace existing trespass laws but offers a streamlined option for unlawful residential occupants.

Requires the superintendent of financial services to examine the Green Bank at least once every calendar year; requires that a copy of such examination shall be furnished to NYSERDA, the state comptroller, the senate and the assembly.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 2710, changes retirement rules for New York City police officers by reducing the required service time for full retirement benefits from 22 years to 20 years. It specifically applies to members of the New York City Police Pension Fund, allowing them to retire with full benefits after 20 years of service instead of the previous 22-year requirement. The bill amends three sections of the retirement law to update definitions, benefits, and eligibility, ensuring NYC police officers can access normal retirement benefits at the 20-year mark. This is a direct policy change affecting NYC police officers' retirement timelines, with no broader application to other public safety workers.

Enacts "Lorraine's Law"; increases from twenty-four to sixty months, the time for which reconsideration for parole for a violent felony offense shall be determined.

Maddy summaryS 7083 prevents local governments (counties, cities, towns, or villages) from creating rules that restrict voting rights granted under state election law. It specifically prohibits municipalities from amending charters or passing local laws that would deny registration or voting access to people who qualify under state law. The bill adds two clear provisions to election law: one stating that only those with state-granted voting rights can vote in local elections, and another banning local actions that "abridge" voting rights. This directly affects voters who might otherwise face local barriers to voting and ensures municipal election rules align with state law. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.