Sen. Robert Jackson

Amends the real property tax exemption for surviving spouses of volunteer firefighters or volunteer ambulance workers killed in the line of duty to permit continuation of such exemption for volunteer members with service between two and five years.

Authorizes the removal of police officer candidates from an eligible list when such candidate does not meet psychological fitness requirements or lacks good moral character standards.

Provides that students who receive a high school diploma from an online high school program located within the United States that is accredited in accordance with the Job Corps Policy and Requirements Handbook shall be eligible for admission to colleges and financial aid.

Requires the board of elections in a city with a population of one million or more to notify by mail state and county party committees and certain elected officials prior to a change of polling place.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how New York property taxes are calculated for solar and wind energy systems. It requires tax assessors to use a new discounted cash flow method that accounts for regional costs and includes specific expenses like community benefit payments, decommissioning costs, and subscriber management fees. Federal tax credits and renewable energy credits (like clean energy certificates) are no longer counted as income when valuing these systems. The law directly affects property owners with solar/wind systems, local assessors, and communities receiving benefit payments. It aims to create fairer tax assessments by reflecting actual system costs and revenue streams.

Maddy summaryBill S 3655 establishes a new 25-year retirement plan for firefighters employed by the Division of Military and Naval Affairs. This plan allows eligible firefighters, including airport firefighters and training and safety officers, to retire after completing 25 years of creditable service. Upon retirement, these members would receive a retirement allowance equal to one-half of their final average salary. The bill specifies that creditable service includes time in their DMNA firefighter roles, service as a paid firefighter in other departments, and certain wartime service. Members have one year from the effective date to elect to join this new plan.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies valid reasons for obtaining absentee ballots in school district elections where poll registration isn't used. It updates requirements for voters to state specific, good-faith reasons for needing an absentee ballot, including being absent from their county, unable to vote due to illness or caregiving duties, hospitalized, or detained in jail (excluding felony convictions). Voters must now provide detailed information about their circumstances, such as specific absence dates or locations for travel, and sign a declaration confirming the accuracy of their statements. The changes apply directly to school district voters seeking absentee ballots under current law.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 8175) updates court procedures to allow electronic delivery of legal documents (like court notices) in surrogate's court cases, alongside existing methods like mail or in-person delivery. It specifically adds "electronic means" as an official service option, defined by existing law, and clarifies when courts may approve alternative service methods (such as publication in newspapers or delivery to consular officials). The change directly affects individuals and legal professionals involved in court cases requiring service of process, making document delivery more flexible. It does not alter substantive legal rights but streamlines how courts handle administrative service requirements. The bill was signed into law in November 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill moves the Amistad Commission from the State Department to the State Education Department. The commission, which focuses on promoting education about the African slave trade, slavery in America, and African-American contributions, will now be managed by the Education Department rather than the State Department. This transfer shifts administrative responsibility for the commission's work - such as developing educational resources, recognizing schools teaching African-American history, and advising on curriculum - to the Education Department. The bill is now law (Chapter 542, signed November 21, 2025).

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Jonathan Montalvo to be placed on the eligible list for employment as a full-time university police officer with the State University of New York (SUNY) Police, bypassing standard civil service law requirements like age limits. It specifically waives provisions of New York's civil service law that would otherwise prevent his inclusion on the eligible list, contingent on Montalvo scoring sufficiently on the required civil service examination. The bill does not guarantee employment but ensures Montalvo meets the eligibility criteria for consideration, subject to all other merit-based hiring standards. This is a targeted exception for one individual, not a broad policy change.