Sen. Andrew Gounardes

Maddy summaryThis bill makes certain higher personal income tax rates permanent for New York taxpayers, replacing temporary rates that were set to expire. It directly affects residents in multiple income brackets, including those earning over $17,150 (single filers), $12,800 (married filing jointly), and $8,500 (head of household). The key mechanism updates tax brackets to permanently apply specific rates - such as 5.30% on income between $27,900-$161,550 for single filers - while repealing previous sunset provisions. The policy change ensures these rates remain in effect indefinitely, rather than expiring after 2033.

Requires social-media platforms to prevent, detect, and remove fraudulent advertisements and to establish advertiser-vetting obligations; requires reporting to the attorney general.

Maddy summaryS 8596 prohibits civil arrests (such as for debt collection) of voters while they are traveling to, at, or returning from polling places in New York, directly affecting voters during election activities. The bill requires law enforcement to obtain a judicial warrant for any arrest in these situations and mandates that officers identify themselves and provide warrants to polling staff if entering a polling place. It also creates reporting requirements for law enforcement actions near polls and allows voters to sue for violations, with courts empowered to issue protective orders.

Relates to certain crimes of interference with health care services or access to places of religious worship; expands interference to include groups of two or more people demonstrating or preparing to demonstrate twenty-five feet outside of reproductive health care facilities and places of religious worship.

Relates to the calculation of credits for certain household and dependent care services necessary for gainful employment; removes some references to provisions in the federal budget reconciliation act of 2025.

Prohibits local, state and federal law enforcement officers from wearing any mask or personal disguise while interacting with the public in the performance of their duties; excludes certain protective masks.

Prohibits a cause of action for defamation where the subject of such action includes an allegation made to an employer regarding an unlawful discriminatory practice or act of retaliation.

Suspends the registration of a vehicle which has been documented multiple times within a period by a photo violation monitoring device for failure to comply with traffic-control indications.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets mandatory targets for transitioning medium- and heavy-duty vehicle fleets to zero-emission models in New York. It requires fleet operators (particularly large "high priority fleets" with $50M+ revenue or 50+ vehicles over 8,500 lbs GVWR) to gradually shift their fleets: 50% zero-emission by 2032, 80% by 2037, and 100% by 2042. Fleet operators must also submit detailed annual reports on their vehicle types, usage, and zero-emission progress to the state environmental department. The law directly affects commercial trucking, delivery, and logistics companies operating these vehicles in New York.

Requires colleges and universities to report to the commissioner of education certain information relating to admission plans including early action, early decision and general admission.