Sen. Dean Murray

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1278) prohibits individuals convicted of animal cruelty from working at animal shelters, pounds, or humane societies. It directly affects people with prior animal cruelty convictions who seek positions as employees, paid volunteers, or animal control officers at these facilities. The law bans such individuals from accepting or keeping these roles after the bill's effective date, with violations classified as a class A misdemeanor. It specifically excludes court-ordered community service volunteers from the "volunteer" definition. The bill amends existing sections of New York’s Agriculture and Markets Law to implement this employment restriction.

Establishes the police canine vest fund to be used for the purpose of purchasing, maintaining, repairing and replacing soft body ballistic armor vests and other protective equipment for state police and municipal department police canines utilized in the performance of police duties, as well as the purchasing and training of such police canines.

Establishes the New York healthy incentive program (Part A); automates SNAP and the New York healthy incentive program (Part B); establishes the New York healthy incentive program outreach program (Part C).

Maddy summaryS 4681 would repeal Section 581-d of New York's Labor Law, which required an interest assessment surcharge. This surcharge was a fee added to interest payments under labor law enforcement, likely affecting employers or workers involved in cases involving unpaid wages or penalties. The bill eliminates this specific fee from the law, removing a financial obligation previously applied to certain interest assessments. The repeal would directly impact entities subject to labor law interest assessments where this surcharge was enforced.

Prohibits the diminution of health insurance benefits of public employee retirees and their dependents or reducing the employer's contributions for such insurance; defines employers to include the state, municipalities, school districts, and public authorities and commissions.

Creates a tax credit for small businesses that sell a certain percentage of products produced in New York state; provides such small businesses include independently or privately-owned cafes, restaurants, eateries, bars, pubs, breweries, distilleries, orchards, food trucks, retail stores, farm stands, hotels, or motels.

Maddy summaryBill S 1189 establishes new licensure requirements for entities providing fiscal intermediary services for personal assistance programs. Beginning April 1, 2027, these fiscal intermediaries must obtain a license from the commissioner, a process that includes an application fee and an assessment of their character, competence, and compliance. The bill also broadens the definition of fiscal intermediaries, modifies their annual reporting obligations, and creates a confidential state registry for personal assistants that these intermediaries must maintain. This legislation directly affects fiscal intermediaries, personal assistants, and consumers utilizing these services.

Provides a state income tax exemption for volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers who have qualifying service in the taxable year for which such exemption is sought.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all visitors entering New York correctional facilities to undergo body scanning before entry, and mandates that incarcerated individuals be scanned upon intake and after visits. It specifies that facilities must offer alternative screening methods for medical reasons or if someone declines scanning, though visitation may be denied for non-medical refusal. Regulations will define when scanning is required, including accommodations for medical needs and prohibiting harassment for choosing alternatives. The law takes effect immediately, with related public health law changes set to be repealed alongside it.

Maddy summaryS 5931 delays the enforcement of regulations requiring truck manufacturers to sell more zero-emission vehicles. It prevents the Department of Environmental Conservation from implementing rules that would have forced manufacturers to increase zero-emission truck sales before January 1, 2027. The bill directly affects medium- and heavy-duty truck manufacturers by extending the timeline for compliance. This policy change postpones the effective date of the advanced clean trucks rules without altering the 2027 deadline.