Sen. Jose Serrano

Requires the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation to develop and approve operational safety plans prior to the deployment of any employee in hazardous conditions; requires the plan to include a comprehensive risk assessment identifying potential hazards associated with the deployment, mitigation measures to address identified risks, detailed information on team composition, identification of an on-site authorized person responsible for overseeing operations, a clear chain of command, emergency contact information for all team members, and evacuation procedures.

Directs the commissioner of parks, recreation and historic preservation, in conjunction with the department of economic development, to conduct a feasibility study and report on the potential reestablishment of the empire state summer games.

Directs the commissioner of parks, recreation and historic preservation to establish the state parks passport program allowing visitors to state parks and historic sites to log their visits to such sites in a passport book or electronic application.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts most local governments in New York State from paying the metropolitan commuter transportation mobility tax. It specifically removes counties, towns, cities, and villages (except New York City, which has over 1 million residents) from the tax's scope. The change amends tax law by adding a new exemption category to the existing rules. This directly affects local government entities that would otherwise pay this commuter-related tax. The policy change takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1224) prevents school-based health center services from being delivered to medical assistance recipients (like Medicaid beneficiaries) through private managed care insurance plans. It amends state law to require these services to continue being provided directly outside of managed care programs. The key change ensures that students receiving medical assistance can access school health services through traditional public health channels, not through private insurance networks. The bill was passed by the legislature in June 2025 but was vetoed by the governor on October 16, 2025, so it did not become law.

Requires the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to establish standards for the closing of segments of trails on the Empire state trail, and provide notice of such closings to the public.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1376) encourages farmers' markets selling farm products in state parks, provided they don't harm the park's environment. It directly affects state parks, farmers' markets operating there, and state agencies like the Department of Agriculture and Markets. Key provisions require parks to post market locations/times online, identify new park locations for markets, and coordinate with agencies like Empire State Development. The law, now effective (signed September 26, 2025), aims to expand access to local food while protecting park integrity.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds a voluntary contribution option to New York dog license applications. Dog owners applying for or renewing licenses can choose to make a separate, clearly marked donation to their municipality's animal pound or shelter (or a contracted provider). The contribution appears as a distinct field on the application form, with suggested amounts but no requirement to contribute. It directly affects dog owners during license processing and provides a new funding mechanism for municipal animal shelters.

Enacts "Francesco's law" which establishes violations for the failure to safely store rifles, shotguns, and firearms in the presence of a minor or a prohibited person; requires the office of gun violence prevention to collect and analyze statistical and other information and data with respect to injuries or deaths of minors resulting from failure to safely store a firearm, rifle, or shotgun.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 1252 is a ceremonial resolution memorializing Governor Hochul to formally recognize June 2025 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in New York State. It does not create new laws or policies; instead, it requests the Governor issue a symbolic proclamation to honor the community's history and ongoing advocacy. The resolution cites key LGBTQIA+ milestones, including the Stonewall uprising and New York's marriage equality law, to frame the recognition. This is a procedural resolution with no direct effect on residents or policy implementation.