Sen. Andrew Lanza

Provides that when an appointment to an office by the governor by and with the advice and consent of the senate is communicated, in the form of a written nomination of a person for the office, the senate shall wait at least thirty days to confirm or reject such nomination from the date such written nomination was received; makes related provisions.

Creates a homeowners' bill of rights; directs the superintendent of financial services to issue a consumer guide on insuring against catastrophic losses.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3730) amends New York's animal cruelty law to define and increase penalties for "aggravated cruelty" to companion animals (like pets). It makes it a crime to intentionally kill or cause serious injury to a pet without justification, or to recklessly act with "depraved indifference" that creates a grave risk of harm. The law specifically defines "aggravated cruelty" as conduct intended to cause extreme pain or done in an especially sadistic manner. This directly affects individuals who commit severe acts of animal cruelty, elevating such offenses to a higher criminal classification.

Maddy summaryThis bill reclassifies rape in the first degree as a class A-I felony under New York's penal law, making it one of the most serious criminal offenses. It mandates life imprisonment without parole for anyone convicted of this specific crime, removing eligibility for parole or conditional release. The law directly affects individuals convicted of rape in the first degree, requiring judges to impose this sentence without discretion. This change updates sentencing requirements to align with the severity classification of the crime.

Relates to requiring the commissioner of the department of civil service to prepare a report on civil service titles which require an appointee to possess a license and current registration as a mental health practitioner in one or more professions under article 163 of the education law.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits parking any vehicle over 60 inches (5 feet) tall within 15 feet of an intersection, except for temporary loading/unloading. It directly affects drivers of tall vehicles like trucks, RVs, or oversized vehicles. The law requires local authorities to set penalties for violations, which may include towing costs. Municipalities can create their own specific local rules to enforce this restriction.

Establishes a claim for strict liability against the state for any injury caused by the administration of an immunization which is mandated by a state law; gives the court of claims the power and jurisdiction to hear such a claim.

Clarifies the extension of uniform land use review procedures to any not-for-profit organization or corporation proposing to provide shelters to the homeless irrespective of any declaration of an emergency or a finding of need for immediate action.

Relates to price gouging; defines unconscionably excessive price for the purposes of prohibiting price gouging during abnormal disruption of the market.

Maddy summaryThis bill grants peace officer status to court reporters working in the first and second judicial departments (New York City courts). It specifically clarifies that this status does not authorize them to carry or possess firearms without first obtaining the required license under existing penal law. The bill amends the criminal procedure law to add this provision, with no new requirements for firearm licensing beyond current standards. It directly affects court reporters in those specific departments by formally recognizing their peace officer status for certain duties.