Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton

Maddy summaryS 1181 creates a temporary 11-member task force to examine why New York City disability retirees are excluded from the Variable Supplements Fund (VSF) program, which provides retirement benefit supplements to police and fire retirees. The task force will investigate this eligibility issue, hold public hearings, and issue recommendations within one year. It includes appointments from the governor, legislature leaders, city officials, and representatives of affected retirees. The bill does not change the VSF program directly but mandates a formal review to address longstanding concerns about fairness for disability retirees.

Provides for adjustment of the maximum income threshold for eligibility for the senior citizen rent increase exemption (SCRIE), disability rent increase exemption (DRIE), senior citizen homeowners' exemption (SCHE), and disabled homeowners' exemption (DHE) by any increase in the consumer price index (CPI).

Maddy summaryS 1018 requires school districts in cities with at least one million residents (like New York City) to include specific worker protections in all contracts for transporting K-12 students. The bill mandates that these contracts must preserve wages, health benefits, retirement plans, seniority, and hiring preferences for school bus workers who were employed as of June 30, 2023, and became unemployed due to contract loss or service reductions. It applies directly to contractors and subcontractors providing school bus services, ensuring continuity of employment terms for affected workers. The law does not change existing bidding requirements for contracts but adds these labor protections as a condition for contract approval. This bill affects school districts, transportation contractors, and approximately 100,000 school bus workers in large urban areas.

Requires community boards to provide public notice of any planned siting and construction of battery energy storage systems and to provide for annual inspections of such battery energy storage systems; defines "battery energy storage systems"; requires operators of such battery energy storage systems to submit to the requirements of community boards regarding notice and inspection requirements.

Designates all agents employed by the city of New York police department in the titles of traffic enforcement agent I and traffic enforcement agent II as peace officers.

Requires a pharmacy benefit manager to pay a participating pharmacy at minimum at the national average drug acquisition cost (NADAC) rate, or at the pharmacy acquisition cost rate if greater or there is not a NADAC rate, plus a professional dispensing fee that is at minimum the professional dispensing fee paid under the state medical assistance program.

Requires the court to consider a child's health and safety when making a decision regarding child custody and visitation; directs the court to review certain information as it relates to allegations of child abuse, domestic violence and child safety.

Establishes penalties where a party is found to be engaged in controlling and abusive litigation against another where they have committed an act of domestic violence against the other party and in bad faith such person advances or continues litigation against the party who is the victim of the domestic violence.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally congratulates Cardinal Timothy Dolan on the 50th anniversary of his ordination as a priest. It recognizes his long history of service, including his leadership of the Archdiocese of New York and his participation in the recent papal election. The resolution expresses the legislative body's appreciation for his contributions to the community and directs that a copy of the text be sent to him.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that officially designates May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month throughout New York State. It aims to honor the historical contributions of Jewish Americans to the state's culture, civil rights, and economy while acknowledging the ongoing challenges of antisemitism. The resolution does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a formal declaration to recognize and celebrate Jewish heritage. Once adopted by the legislature, the text is sent to the Governor for official acknowledgment.