Sen. Robert Jackson

Maddy summaryS 8596 prohibits civil arrests (such as for debt collection) of voters while they are traveling to, at, or returning from polling places in New York, directly affecting voters during election activities. The bill requires law enforcement to obtain a judicial warrant for any arrest in these situations and mandates that officers identify themselves and provide warrants to polling staff if entering a polling place. It also creates reporting requirements for law enforcement actions near polls and allows voters to sue for violations, with courts empowered to issue protective orders.

Imposes a commercial vacancy tax on vacant or abandoned commercial storefronts located in a city with a population of one million or more of one percent of the assessed value of the property.

Directs the department of corrections and community supervision to conduct a comprehensive study on deaths in correctional facilities within New York state to provide data-driven insights and recommendations to improve prison conditions, healthcare, and policies to prevent future tragedies.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4262) increases pension benefits for New York City Police Department (NYPD) detectives, sergeants, and lieutenants who retire after meeting specific service thresholds. It adds 5% (for 25 years of service), 10% (for 30 years), or 15% (for 35 years) of the highest pay grade for their rank to their pension calculation, based on their final salary. The increase replaces any other pension adjustment under a separate provision (section 14-111). This directly affects NYPD officers retiring in these ranks with the required service years, providing a concrete, higher pension calculation.

Requires public utility companies to repair or replace all damaged residential lateral sewer and water pipes where such damage was caused by such public utility company.

Establishes in the department of agriculture and markets a program to purchase fresh produce from farms located in the state and distribute such produce to areas determined by the commissioner of agriculture and markets to be food deserts; promotes opportunities for farm ownership among under-represented farmers, including farmers who are black, indigenous, or people of color.

Imposes an additional two percent sales tax on retail sales of motor vehicles over $70,000, excluding commercial vehicles and electric vehicles, jewelry over $5,000 and articles of clothing, footwear, handbags, luggage, umbrellas, wallets or watches sold for over $1,000; provides that such tax shall be distributed equally to the credit of the state university of New York and the city university of New York.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows certain correction officers in New York's retirement system to earn service credit for unpaid leave taken for the birth or adoption of a child. To qualify, officers must file a claim by December 31, 2026 (or 90 days after leave ends), pay contributions they would have made during the leave plus interest, and have at least five years of prior service credit. The credit cannot exceed one year per leave period and applies only to retirement system members defined under specific law. Suffolk County bears all implementation costs, and the bill takes effect immediately.

Prohibits local, state and federal law enforcement officers from wearing any mask or personal disguise while interacting with the public in the performance of their duties; excludes certain protective masks.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a specialized insurance program for commuter vans operating in New York City under the city's definition (from NYC Administrative Code §19-502). It requires the state superintendent to create and manage the program, which includes licensing a dedicated insurance company, setting eligibility rules for van operators, and monitoring coverage affordability. The program directly affects van operators who transport passengers for hire, aiming to provide them with accessible insurance through this structured framework. The bill mandates implementation within 90 days of becoming law.