Sen. Dean Murray

Prohibits public employers from diminishing health insurance benefits provided to Medicare-eligible retirees and their Medicare-eligible dependents or the contributions such employer makes for such health insurance coverage below the level of such benefits or contributions made on behalf of such retirees and dependents by the public employer as of December 31, 2021.

Establishes a public animal cruelty registry that requires persons over eighteen years of age convicted of animal abuse to register with the division of criminal justice services; requires such registry to contain certain information about each person registered; requires persons registered to pay an annual surcharge of fifty dollars to be used for costs and expenses associated with maintaining the registry.

Requires social services districts to, every heating season, automatically re-enroll persons or households currently receiving assistance through the low-income home energy assistance program, so long as each person or household maintains eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as "Pete's Law," removes the standard time limit for prosecuting drivers who flee the scene of an accident that results in a death. Under current rules, legal action usually must begin within a specific period, but this change allows prosecutors to file charges at any time, regardless of how much time has passed since the incident. The law specifically targets hit-and-run cases involving fatalities and applies to the state's criminal procedure code. It includes a delay in implementation, taking effect 120 days after it becomes official law.

Adds falsely reporting the use of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument as part of the crimes of falsely reporting an incident in the first and second degrees.

Establishes a private right of action for any person whose personally identifying information was intentionally disclosed by another individual, without consent, for the purpose of harassing, threatening, intimidating, or causing harm to such person, or with reckless disregard as to whether such disclosure would cause such harm; defines personal information.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge on State Route 27 in Brookhaven, Suffolk County, as a memorial to Chief John "Jack" Blaum, Sr. The legislation requires the Department of Transportation to install signs honoring the chief but explicitly states that the official name of the highway will not change. The dedication is described as ceremonial, ensuring that the change does not disrupt commerce or cause confusion for drivers. Once signed into law, the state will immediately begin the process of affixing the commemorative signage to the bridge.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Resolution that formally congratulates the Bolton Central School Boys Varsity Basketball Team, their coaches, and athletic director on winning the Class D State Championship. The resolution specifically names the individual players, Head Coach Cody Kober, Assistant Coach Angel Figueroa, and Athletic Director Mark Andrejkovics, and directs that copies of the document be sent to them. It recognizes the team's 26-1 season record and their victory over Sackets Harbor High School, highlighting the athletic achievement without altering any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits candidates from using campaign funds to pay settlement fees, fines, or penalties related to sexual harassment civil or criminal actions. The change directly affects political candidates by restricting how their campaign money can be spent on legal costs associated with sexual harassment allegations. The legislation adds a new provision to the election law that specifically bars these payments while leaving other campaign expense categories unchanged. The bill will take effect 60 days after it becomes law.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially recognize March 31, 2026, as Farmworkers Day in New York State. The resolution honors the historical contributions of farmworkers to democracy and human rights, particularly referencing the United Farm Workers movement and their advocacy for better working conditions. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a commemorative proclamation to acknowledge the legacy of farmworkers. The measure directs the governor to issue a formal statement recognizing this date and highlights New York's 2019 Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act as part of the state's ongoing support for farmworker protections.