Sen. Brian Kavanagh

Maddy summaryThis bill makes the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) and the Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) permanent in New York State. These programs currently protect eligible tenants in rent-regulated or rent-controlled apartments from paying increased rent due to inflation or property tax changes. By removing the existing expiration date, the legislation ensures that low-income seniors and people with disabilities can continue to benefit from these rent freezes indefinitely. The change directly affects current and future applicants for these exemptions who rely on them to keep their housing affordable.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies state tax laws to exempt the sale and installation of residential and commercial geothermal heat pump systems from sales and use taxes. It defines these systems as equipment that uses ground or groundwater to provide heating, cooling, or hot water for buildings, while explicitly excluding recreational facilities. Additionally, the legislation grants local governments the option to opt out of these state-level tax exemptions if they choose to impose their own taxes on such equipment. By removing the tax burden on these specific green energy components, the bill aims to encourage the adoption of geothermal technology in both homes and businesses.

Prohibits requiring that an individual have a court proceeding initiated against him or her in order to qualify for a rent arrears grant or ongoing rental assistance.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor of New York to officially declare May 12-18, 2024, as Fibromyalgia Awareness Week. The resolution highlights the challenges faced by people with fibromyalgia, a chronic condition causing widespread pain and fatigue, and notes the need for better medical understanding and support. It also acknowledges the work of the Fibromyalgia Task Force of New York State in advocating for improved diagnosis and treatment. The bill is a symbolic gesture intended to increase public awareness rather than changing specific laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially recognize May 14, 2024, as Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Day in New York. The resolution highlights the widespread impact of domestic violence across various demographics and emphasizes the need for increased awareness and prevention efforts. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a formal statement to honor the issue and support ongoing advocacy work.

Maddy summaryThis bill congratulates the 2024 New York State Senate Women of Distinction, a group that honors women who have made significant contributions to the state. The legislation does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a formal recognition of these individuals' achievements. It is a ceremonial measure intended to acknowledge their service and impact within the legislative body.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the two-year anniversary of the 2022 mass shooting at Tops Friendly Markets in Buffalo, New York. It formally honors the victims, survivors, and their families while acknowledging community events like the 5/14 Blue Flag Initiative and a remembrance ceremony. The measure expresses the state's solidarity with Buffalo and condemns racism and domestic terrorism, with a copy sent to the survivors and families of the victims.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Governor of New York to officially recognize April 28, 2024, as Workers' Memorial Day. The resolution commemorates the date the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act took effect and honors workers who have been injured or killed on the job. It does not create new laws or change workplace regulations but serves as a symbolic gesture to acknowledge the importance of worker safety. The measure is a formal proclamation that will be sent to the Governor for her signature.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally congratulates Braidon Woodward for winning the 170-pound Division Wrestling Title at the NYSPHSAA Boys Wrestling Championships on February 24, 2024. The measure recognizes his athletic achievement and honors the support he received from his coach, parents, and school district. It directs that copies of the resolution be sent to Woodward, his head coach, the athletic director, and the school superintendent. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or alter existing policies but serves to acknowledge the student-athlete's success.

Allows access to juvenile delinquency records for the purposes of a firearm background check; authorizes the denial of a firearm license for an applicant who is under the age of thirty and who as a juvenile was adjudicated delinquent for an offense which, if committed by an adult, would constitute a felony or serious offense.