Sen. Andrew Lanza

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New York City and its counties to exclude estimated uncollectible real estate taxes from the annual tax limitation cap. It permits cities to set aside a reserve for taxes they anticipate won't be paid (due to inability or refusal to pay), reducing the amount counted toward the tax limit. The reserve specifically excludes abatements or exemptions authorized by existing tax laws (like those for seniors or historic properties). This change takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Relates to the imposition of securing orders for offenses committed on a peace officer, police officer, firefighter, emergency medical services professional or uniformed worker by individuals without permanent residency status; provides such individuals shall be remanded to the custody of the sheriff for the entirety of the judicial proceedings related thereto.

Relates to references by a city school district in a city with a population of one million or more to public holidays, specifically Columbus Day; provides that any literature or document created and/or distributed by such district do the same including school calendars.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 5409) strengthens penalties for individuals convicted of multiple animal cruelty offenses. It defines "aggravated cruelty" as intentionally causing extreme pain or acting sadistically toward companion animals, and specifically targets those with prior convictions for animal cruelty within the past decade. Under the bill, repeat offenders face escalating felony charges: a class E felony (up to 2 years in prison) for a second offense, class D for a third, and class C for a fourth or subsequent offense. The law explicitly excludes lawful activities like hunting, rabid animal dispatch, or approved scientific research from these penalties.

Creates a new class D violent felony offense of endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree; converts the current offense of endangering the welfare of a child to a second degree crime.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4461) changes how police handle arrests and releases for certain offenses. It replaces old rules allowing officers to issue "appearance tickets" instead of making arrests with new criteria, specifying 11 situations where an arrest is required (e.g., hate crimes, family violence, or outstanding warrants). It also creates standardized pre-arraignment bail amounts for release before court - up to $750 for class E felonies, $500 for misdemeanors - and allows credit card payments for traffic cases. These changes directly affect police officers, people charged with crimes, and court procedures in New York. The bill does not alter sentencing or penalties but modifies early-stage law enforcement and court processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes manufacturers, owners, and operators strictly liable for injuries or property damage caused by unmanned motor vehicles (like drones or autonomous cars) operating in New York State. It applies to vehicles without human operators (excluding fire/police vehicles, trailers, and flying vehicles), holding all involved parties jointly responsible without requiring proof of negligence. Owners, operators, and manufacturers are collectively liable for harm resulting from vehicle use, including when vehicles are connected in combinations (e.g., towed units). The law takes effect 180 days after enactment.

Prohibits the monitoring, collection, recording or storing of data from gas and electric meters any more frequently than on a monthly or billing cycle basis, unless the express written consent of the consumer has been provided; requires the consent of the property owner for entry upon residential property.

Provides eligibility for a real property tax exemption for current or retired military reservists based on participation in formal training activities.

Requires the education department to report the results of English/language arts and mathematics assessments to parents of pupils by the last day of classes.