Sen. Dean Murray

Maddy summaryS 1181 creates a temporary 11-member task force to examine why New York City disability retirees are excluded from the Variable Supplements Fund (VSF) program, which provides retirement benefit supplements to police and fire retirees. The task force will investigate this eligibility issue, hold public hearings, and issue recommendations within one year. It includes appointments from the governor, legislature leaders, city officials, and representatives of affected retirees. The bill does not change the VSF program directly but mandates a formal review to address longstanding concerns about fairness for disability retirees.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's criminal procedure law to clarify how courts assess whether a defendant has the mental capacity to stand trial. It requires psychiatric examiners to specifically evaluate whether "restoration services" (such as medication support, competency training, or symptom management) could reasonably restore a defendant's capacity within a set timeframe, and include this assessment in their reports. The bill directly affects defendants in criminal cases who may lack mental capacity due to illness or disability, ensuring their evaluation process considers potential treatment pathways. Key provisions define "restoration services" and mandate that examiners' reports detail the feasibility of such services before a court decides on next steps.

Maddy summaryS 4828 creates a property tax exemption for volunteer firefighters in New York school districts. It allows enrolled volunteer firefighters (and their spouses) to exempt their primary residence from school district real property taxes, provided they live in the district served by their fire company, own the home as their primary residence, and have served at least five years (or 20+ years for lifetime exemption). The exemption value is capped at $12,000 multiplied by the state equalization rate for the area. School districts must adopt a local law after a public hearing to implement the exemption, and applicants must file with the school district assessor. The bill directly affects qualifying volunteer firefighters residing in the school district where they serve.

Excludes the amount of state and local taxes and fees from the amount on which an interchange fee is charged for that electronic payment transaction by a credit or debit card network; prohibits a payment card network from altering or manipulating the computation and imposition of interchange fees.

Requires the court to consider a child's health and safety when making a decision regarding child custody and visitation; directs the court to review certain information as it relates to allegations of child abuse, domestic violence and child safety.

Prohibits the use of intoxication of the victim as a defense in sex crimes where the victim is under the influence of any drug, intoxicant, or other substance to a degree which rendered the victim temporarily incapable of appraising or controlling such person's conduct and such condition was known or reasonably should have been known to a person in the actor's situation.

Increases the distribution of revenue from extending the authorization for the hotel and motel taxes in Suffolk county; provides for the support of a not-for-profit organization that manages and owns the first lighthouse built in New York, a national register of historic places site in Suffolk county that has been named a national historic landmark and is a New York state historic site.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally congratulates Cardinal Timothy Dolan on the 50th anniversary of his ordination as a priest. It recognizes his long history of service, including his leadership of the Archdiocese of New York and his participation in the recent papal election. The resolution expresses the legislative body's appreciation for his contributions to the community and directs that a copy of the text be sent to him.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that officially designates May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month throughout New York State. It aims to honor the historical contributions of Jewish Americans to the state's culture, civil rights, and economy while acknowledging the ongoing challenges of antisemitism. The resolution does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a formal declaration to recognize and celebrate Jewish heritage. Once adopted by the legislature, the text is sent to the Governor for official acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the life and public service of Carl L. Marcellino, a former New York State Senator and community leader from Syosset. The document formally acknowledges his career achievements, including his work as an educator, town clerk, and legislator who championed environmental laws and education funding. It concludes by directing the legislative body to pause its proceedings to mourn his passing and instructs that a copy of the resolution be sent to his family.