Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton

Maddy summaryThis bill expands military leave protections for all employees of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, covering both unionized and non-unionized workers. It guarantees paid time off for active duty, training, and attending military schools, ensuring that this leave does not negatively impact promotions, tenure, or retirement benefits. Additionally, the legislation mandates that employees receive their regular salary for up to 30 days of military service in a year and allows them to make up missed retirement contributions while serving. The bill also provides specific provisions for healthcare-related absences for those who served in combat zones.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as "Detective Brian Simonsen's Law," requires wireless service providers to stop activating and using stolen mobile phones. To achieve this, the law mandates that carriers maintain a program to check a phone's unique identification number against an industry database of stolen devices and suspend service immediately upon receiving a verified report from a customer. Additionally, if a retailer informs a carrier that a new, unactivated phone has been stolen, the carrier must report that phone's identification number to the database to prevent its future use. The legislation directly affects wireless communication companies and aims to help law enforcement and consumers recover stolen devices by making it harder for thieves to activate them on networks.

Provides that health regulations may not be waived under the hospital-home care-physician collaboration program without publication and opportunity for public comment; prohibits waiver of an applicant's obligation to meet public need, character and competence, or financial feasibility requirements.

Provides that individuals requesting and obtaining a veteran notation on such individual's driver's license or non-driver identification card shall be advised that the department of veterans' services and local veterans' service agencies provide assistance to veterans regarding benefits under federal and state law.

Authorizes the office of court administration to pay certain judicial compensation to Hon. Joseph J. Maltese for the period of January 1, 2021 to November 7, 2021.

Establishes an advanced residential health care for aging adults medical fragility demonstration program to construct a new facility or repurpose part of an existing facility to operate as an adult residential health care facility for the purpose of improving the quality of care for aging adults with medical fragility.

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.

Authorizes the Seagate police department receive a special parking placard for the department's motor vehicles when such officers are on official business as peace officers.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the composition of the state cannabis advisory board by adding a non-voting representative from the division of service-disabled veterans' business development. The change ensures that veterans' business development interests are included in the board's discussions without granting them voting power. The new member serves alongside existing representatives from various state departments, all of whom are appointed by the governor and legislative leaders to serve three-year terms. This adjustment aims to broaden the board's perspective on cannabis policy by incorporating the viewpoint of the veterans' community.