Sen. Dean Murray

Provides that family members of paid professional firefighters who died in the line-of-duty may obtain a "Survivor of the Bravest" license plate; provides for the annual service charge collected to be deposited into the department of motor vehicles distinctive license plate development fund.

Maddy summaryS 1285, the "Tiarah Poyau Act," allows juries in criminal trials to request written instructions about legal requirements (such as offense elements or defenses) during deliberations. The bill requires courts to provide these written instructions upon request, after giving attorneys a chance to review and comment on them. This change aims to clarify legal standards for juries without altering substantive law. It directly affects juries, judges, and defense/prosecution attorneys in criminal cases. The bill passed the Senate in April 2025 and is now in the Assembly.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the legal definition of "victim of a sexual offense" to include individuals who are victims of the unlawful dissemination or publication of intimate images. It directly affects people whose private images are shared without consent, ensuring they are covered under existing protections for sexual offense victims. The key change amends New York's Executive Law to add this specific scenario to the definition, aligning it with related penal law provisions. This update provides a clearer legal framework for supporting victims of non-consensual image sharing.

Includes instances of sexual conduct against a child less than seventeen years of age to certain sex offenses; removes the time limit to bring subsequent sexual offenses.

Maddy summarySenate Bill S 3071 establishes an 18-member task force focused on reviewing and promoting safety in school transportation. This task force will include education stakeholders, parents, teachers, administrators, and school bus personnel, along with state commissioners. Its duties involve studying current state laws, regulations, and programs related to school bus safety, pedestrian safety for students, and identifying best practices for bus stops and driver protocols. The task force is responsible for issuing a final report with recommendations to state leaders within 18 months, and the act itself will expire after 24 months.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new state board of parole to decide which incarcerated individuals may be released on parole and set conditions for their release. The board will have 17 members: one statewide-elected commissioner (like a governor), 11 district-elected members, and five appointed members (including one by the governor and one by each legislative leader). It directly affects incarcerated people by establishing a formal process for parole decisions, replacing current procedures with this constitutionally created board. The bill specifies the board's structure and appointment rules but does not detail parole eligibility standards or release criteria.

Relates to preferences under the affordable home ownership development program for veterans with service-related disabilities; defines "veteran with a service-related disability".

Maddy summaryS 487 designates August 31st of each year as "Overdose Awareness Day" in New York State. The bill amends the executive law to add this date to a list of established commemorative days, such as Juneteenth and Holocaust Remembrance Day. This is a symbolic designation with no new funding, policies, or direct impact on specific groups - it simply recognizes the day for public awareness purposes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1603) memorializes Governor Hochul to officially designate April 2026 as "Workplace Violence Prevention Month" in New York State. It does not create new laws but requests the Governor issue a proclamation to raise public awareness about preventing workplace violence, particularly highlighting healthcare workers' elevated risk (five times higher than other industries). The resolution references April as the nationally recognized Workplace Violence Prevention Awareness Month and directs copies to the Governor and medical associations. It is a ceremonial measure focused on awareness, not policy change.

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests Governor Hochul to designate April 6, 2026, as Tartan Day in New York State, recognizing Scottish heritage and contributions. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups, but formally asks the Governor to acknowledge Scottish-American cultural ties through a ceremonial proclamation. The resolution highlights historical connections between Scotland and New York, including Scottish roots of many early American leaders and cultural traditions like tartan. As a non-binding memorial resolution, it has no direct policy impact beyond the symbolic recognition.