Sen. Mario Mattera

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school districts in Westchester, Putnam, Nassau, and Suffolk counties to follow the disciplinary procedures agreed upon in collective bargaining contracts when punishing bus drivers and their assistants. Under the new rules, districts must generally respect existing union agreements before taking adverse action against these employees, unless a superintendent certifies that the behavior involved egregious misconduct posing a clear and present danger to student safety. In cases where such a certification is made, the bill mandates an expedited fact-finding process that must be completed within five business days. Additionally, if a driver or assistant is later found innocent or if the superintendent's decision was improper, they are entitled to punitive damages for any lost wages incurred during the process.

Establishes the clean fuel standard of 2024; provides such standard is intended to reduce greenhouse gas intensity from the on-road transportation sector, with further reductions to be implemented based upon advances in technology.

Maddy summaryThis bill protects libraries in New York by prohibiting restrictive clauses in contracts between publishers and libraries regarding electronic books and audiobooks. It directly affects public, school, academic, and research libraries by ensuring they can license digital materials without limitations on core functions like lending, setting loan periods, or using technological protection measures. The legislation declares contracts containing these prohibited provisions unenforceable and allows libraries or the attorney general to seek legal remedies, including fines, against publishers who violate the rules.

Provides that the superintendent of financial services shall establish standards for hurricane windstorm deductibles, creating uniformity in the operation of such deductibles with respect to the triggering event.

Prevents the displacement of call center workers who provide call center services for the government in certain circumstances; provides protections for call center workers when contracts with call center contractors are terminated; requires new call center contractors to hire existing call center workers; protects collective bargaining agreements.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially recognize June 2024 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in New York State. The measure does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a formal acknowledgment of the community's history and achievements. It highlights key milestones such as the 55th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots and recent legal victories for LGBTQIA+ rights. The bill is purely ceremonial and affects only the state's official calendar and public recognition of the month.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally recognizes former Senator Neil D. Breslin as the recipient of the President Pro Tempore and Senate Majority Leader's Legislative Legacy Award. The document highlights his extensive career in public service, including his 13 terms in the New York State Senate, his leadership roles in ethics and insurance committees, and his advocacy for vulnerable populations. It also lists specific laws he sponsored that improved access to healthcare and prescription drug coverage for New York residents. The resolution concludes by directing that a copy of the text be sent to Senator Breslin to honor his contributions to the state.

Relates to increasing the earnings limitation for positions of public service; increases the earnings limitation from $35,000 to $50,000 in 2024 and thereafter.

Provides an option for beneficiaries of NYC transit authority members to receive a lump sum equal to the pension reserve where a member who is eligible for a service retirement dies prior to filing for retirement.

Establishes the power plant tax assessment challenge reserve fund to prevent increases in the Northport-East Northport union free school district's real property tax levy and/or tax rate resulting from decreases in revenue or taxes or a significant shift in tax liability due to a tax certiorari settlement or judgment; defines terms; makes related provisions.