Sen. Mario Mattera

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 50% property tax exemption on the primary residence of surviving spouses whose police officer spouse died while performing duty. It directly affects surviving spouses of officers killed in the line of duty, providing immediate tax relief on their home. The exemption applies to the assessed value of the primary residence, with local governments allowed to reduce the percentage. The law requires local authorities to adopt specific resolutions to implement the exemption and establishes documentation standards through the state's criminal justice and tax services divisions.

Maddy summaryS 6997 requires utility companies and contractors to electronically submit detailed information about pole attachments (including equipment ownership, work dates, and contractors) to a central database. It creates a public complaint system for safety issues like unsafe attachments or violations of industry standards, with inspectors required to investigate within two weeks. Violations can result in fines up to $50,000 for repeat offenses, and the commission must publish semiannual lists of repeat violators. The bill also adds new disclosure requirements for contractors working in public rights-of-way when applying for permits.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New York's veterans tuition award program to allow qualified veterans to transfer unused benefits to their spouse, child, or survivor. It defines "qualified veteran" as someone who would qualify for the award if they met enrollment requirements, and specifies who counts as an "eligible immediate family" member. Veterans can transfer all or part of their unused award, with transfers limited to children under 26 who meet service requirements (e.g., veteran served 10+ years unless discharged due to death or specific conditions). The bill caps annual transfers at 100 and requires veterans to designate beneficiaries via a form before the program's effective date in 2026.

Authorizes municipalities to offer a real property tax exemption for active military service members who at any time during the taxable year performed active duty in the armed forces in a combat zone; defines terms; makes related provisions.

Relates to prevailing wage requirements applicable to brownfield remediation work performed under private contract as it relates to certain remediation activities, for sites that are seeking or have received a determination that the site is eligible for the tangible property credit component of the brownfield redevelopment tax credit, and the work is paid for in whole or in part by public funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4423) clarifies the types of damages survivors can recover in wrongful death cases in New York. It specifically allows recovery for funeral expenses, medical costs related to the injury causing death, emotional distress (grief/anguish), loss of financial support or inheritance, and loss of guidance or companionship. The damages would go directly to the decedent's spouse, children, parents, or others in a parental role (like a guardian), with distribution based on proven financial losses. The bill was vetoed by the governor on December 5, 2025, so it did not become law.

Amends the real property tax exemption for surviving spouses of volunteer firefighters or volunteer ambulance workers killed in the line of duty to permit continuation of such exemption for volunteer members with service between two and five years.

Maddy summaryS 7885 extends the deadline for the Town of Huntington to complete improvements on state-owned property it plans to acquire. The bill amends a 2018 law to change the timeframe from seven to eight years after the law's effective date for the town to apply for the property transfer and make required improvements. If the town fails to make improvements within this eight-year period, the property reverts to the state. This directly affects the Town of Huntington and the State Commissioner of Transportation, who manages the property conveyance process.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Suffolk County to sell a specific parkland parcel (described in Section 3, approximately 0.23 acres in Smithtown) to Russel and Deana Galindo for residential development. In exchange, the Galindos must transfer another designated parcel (described in Section 4, approximately 0.24 acres) to the county to become new parkland, with the county ensuring the fair market value of the new land equals or exceeds the value of the sold land. The bill requires the county to use any value difference to acquire additional parkland or improve existing facilities and includes federal compliance requirements if federal funds were involved. It directly affects Suffolk County, the Galindos, and future parkland users through this specific land exchange.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1515) changes how local governments in New York calculate property tax levies by removing costs for emergency medical services (EMS) from the tax levy cap. It directly affects cities, towns, and counties that provide EMS, allowing them to fund these services without counting those expenses toward their annual property tax limit. The key provision adds a new exemption (subparagraph v) to the tax levy calculation, explicitly excluding EMS expenditures from the cap. This is a technical adjustment to the tax formula, not a new funding source or policy shift for EMS services themselves.