Sen. Simcha Felder

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution requests Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 28, 2025, as Rare Disease Day in New York State. It aims to raise public awareness of rare diseases, which affect approximately 1 in 10 New Yorkers, and aligns with the national observance of Rare Disease Day to highlight ongoing efforts in diagnosis, research, and treatment support. The resolution does not create new laws but serves as a symbolic gesture to encourage broader recognition of these conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 859 (the "robocall prevention act"), limits unsolicited robocalls to New York residents and requires phone companies to provide free call-blocking technology. It bans most robocalls unless made with a resident's prior consent, for emergencies, by labor organizations to members, or as permitted by regulations. Telephone service providers must offer free call mitigation technology that blocks unwanted robocalls while allowing emergency calls to go through. The law directly affects New York residents receiving calls and all telephone service providers operating in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a mandatory licensing system for fiscal intermediaries, which are organizations that manage payments and services for individuals receiving state medical assistance. Effective April 1, 2026, these entities must obtain a license from the state commissioner to operate, with a one-time application fee of $10,000 and a review process that evaluates the applicant's character, competence, and compliance history. The legislation also requires licensed intermediaries to submit detailed annual reports on costs, service areas, and personal assistant employment, while creating a confidential registry to track personal assistants for oversight purposes. Additionally, the bill repeals previous definitions and provisions related to fiscal intermediaries to align the law with these new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill would prevent cities from requiring permits to sing the national anthem or recite the Pledge of Allegiance. It directly affects local governments by amending general city laws to ban any sanctions or penalties against individuals or groups performing these patriotic acts on public or private land. The measure ensures that no permit is needed specifically for these activities, regardless of whether the event is part of a larger performance that might otherwise require approval.

Removes the $250 amount of damage from cemetery desecration in the second degree; makes cemetery desecration in the second degree a class E felony to apply to any damage or theft regardless of value; adds crime of cemetery desecration in the first degree and makes such crime a class D felony.

Authorizes the commissioner of finance of the city of New York to establish a property tax amnesty program; provides that such program shall last for 4 months and shall forgive up to $1000 of interest on a delinquent tax bill if 100 percent of the principal bill is paid.

Amends the constitution to delete the requirement that registration for purposes of voting be completed at least ten days before election day; provides that laws be made to adequately safeguard against deception in the exercise of the right of suffrage.

Requires electronic benefit transfer systems to allow for benefit recipients to cancel or lock a credit or debit card when fraud has been suspected or reported; directs that any interactive voice response system associated with an electronic benefit transfer system which benefit recipients may call for support or assistance shall include an option for benefit recipients to report fraud and cancel, lock or unlock their electronic benefit transfer credit or debit card.

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.