Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton

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.

Requires the superintendent of state police to develop, maintain and disseminate to all members of the division of state police a critical incident leave policy requiring critical incident paid leave for any members directly involved in a critical incident; prohibits such superintendent from taking any punitive administrative action against any member of the division of state police granted critical incident leave solely on the basis of the provision of such leave.

Requires public notice and public engagement when a general hospital seeks to close entirely or a unit that provides maternity, mental health or substance use care.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 7314) changes New York City police pension rules to allow surviving spouses of police officers to keep accidental death benefits even after remarrying. It amends the definition of "eligible beneficiary" for NYPD pension fund members (section 501(g)), removing the previous rule that terminated benefits upon remarriage. The key change directly affects surviving spouses of NYC police officers who would have lost benefits if they remarried under prior law. The policy update applies to police pension beneficiaries as of the bill's effective date, ensuring continued access to benefits regardless of marital status.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3318) extends paid leave for New York public employees who serve in the military. It increases the maximum annual paid leave from 30 days to 60 days (or 22 to 52 work days) per year for time spent on military duty, including travel to and from duty. The change directly affects state and local government workers called to active military service. The policy modifies existing law to provide longer paid absence coverage without creating new programs or eligibility requirements.

Relates to certain provisions on elevator licensing and temporary elevator mechanics; relates to civil penalties for unlicensed mechanics; clarifies inspection 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.

Relates to provisions governing contracting between state agencies and not-for-profit organizations including new, renewal, and extension contracts and advance payments and interest for such contracts; repeals provisions relating to interest payments.