Sen. Simcha Felder

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the sales tax exemption threshold for clothing and footwear from $110 to $200 per item. It means shoppers will not pay sales tax on individual clothing items, shoes, or repair components costing less than $200. The change applies to new purchases and items used to repair clothing. The law will take effect on September 1, 2025.

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.

Authorizes drivers to disobey a traffic-control device or signal, after exercising reasonable care, in order to yield the right of way to an authorized emergency vehicle.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4820) removes fixed minimum charges for water usage in New York City. It changes billing rules so that customers with water meters only pay for the actual amount of water they use, rather than a set minimum fee regardless of consumption. The law directly affects all residential and commercial customers served by the New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority and the New York City Water Board. Key provisions amend city code and state law to eliminate minimum charges, requiring payment solely based on metered usage. The bill does not affect annual service fees or existing billing exceptions.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill with policy changes) memorializing Governor Hochul to officially recognize April 2025 as Sikh Awareness Month in New York. It asks the Governor to issue a proclamation highlighting Sikh contributions to New York's cultural and economic life, including historical context like Sikh immigration patterns and the significance of Vaisakhi and Guru Nanak's birthday in April 2025. The resolution directly affects all New Yorkers by promoting awareness of Sikh history and community contributions through state recognition. It has no binding policy impact but serves as a symbolic gesture to honor Sikh Americans.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 753) symbolically recognizes a planned event celebrating the Dominican community's cultural contributions in Albany on April 9, 2025. It acknowledges the event hosted by the state legislature's Dominican Delegation, which aims to empower the community, strengthen civic engagement, and honor the Dominican diaspora's role in New York. The resolution does not create new laws, allocate funds, or directly affect any individuals or policies - it simply directs the legislature to pause its work to honor this cultural celebration.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 573 honors the first responders who battled the March 8, 2025, brush fires in Suffolk County, Long Island, which burned 400-600 acres. It specifically recognizes over 80 fire departments, 10 ambulance crews, and multiple state agencies - including the New York Air National Guard and Suffolk County Police - for their coordinated efforts in containing the fires and creating fire breaks. The resolution serves as a formal legislative expression of gratitude without creating new laws or policy changes. It was adopted on April 2, 2025, and directs a copy to the Suffolk County Department of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 595 requests Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 6-12, 2025, as Crime Victims' Rights Week in New York State, aligning with National Crime Victims' Rights Week. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws or alter existing policies but aims to raise public awareness about crime victims' rights and the support services available to them. It highlights the impact of crime on individuals and communities while acknowledging efforts to provide trauma-informed, culturally relevant assistance. The resolution is addressed to the Governor as a formal request for a ceremonial proclamation.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a formal Senate resolution (J 149) commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 2025. It recognizes these pivotal 1775 events as the start of the American Revolutionary War and highlights their historical significance to New York State, including local connections like the origin of "Yankee Doodle" in Rensselaer. The resolution serves only as a symbolic gesture - pausing legislative business to honor this anniversary - and does not create new laws, allocate funding, or affect any policies or individuals. It is purely ceremonial, acknowledging historical events without implementing concrete changes.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 545 co-names a section of Presidents Street in Brooklyn as "Lubavitcher Rebbe Way" to honor Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson's life and legacy. The resolution recognizes his work as a spiritual leader who emphasized kindness, community outreach, and Jewish education, with the street renaming event celebrating his teachings on "routine acts of kindness." Adopted by the Senate on March 25, 2025, it serves as a symbolic tribute rather than a policy change.