Sen. Robert Jackson

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new criminal offense called "vehicular homicide" for drivers who cause another person's death through reckless conduct showing extreme disregard for human life. It directly affects drivers whose actions - like severe speeding or ignoring traffic signals - result in fatalities, even if they didn’t intend to cause death. The law classifies vehicular homicide as a class B felony, the same penalty as second-degree murder in New York, making it a serious criminal charge. This change would replace or add to existing laws for deaths caused by negligent or reckless driving.

Establishes the class A misdemeanor of unlawful procurement of a firearm, for the purchase or acquisition of more than 1 firearm during any period of 30 days.

Maddy summaryS 2455 establishes the New York State Worker Protection and Labor Enforcement Fund, which will use money paid by employers who violate labor laws (such as wage theft or safety rules) to boost the Department of Labor's enforcement efforts. The fund collects penalties and damages from violations of specific labor law sections (including those covering wages, safety, and discrimination) and uses these funds - on top of existing budgets - to hire more enforcement staff and investigate violations. The Department of Labor must report annually on how the fund's money was spent, including the number of cases handled and personnel supported. This bill takes effect April 1, 2026, and directly affects employers who breach labor laws and the Department of Labor's ability to enforce them.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies how "floor area" is measured for residential buildings under New York's Multiple Dwelling Law. It specifies that spaces with higher ceilings (e.g., over 12 feet) count multiple times toward total floor area, while excluding cellars, low attics, mechanical equipment spaces (except as noted), and outdoor features like balconies. Developers, building inspectors, and property owners using these measurements for compliance will be directly affected. The changes focus solely on standardizing calculation rules, not altering building requirements or regulations.

Relates to establishing integrated community mental health clinics to provide services to address mental health issues, anger management issues, substance abuse issues and isolation issues.

Requires child protective services to orally and in writing disclose certain information to parents and caretakers who are the subject of a child protective services investigation; requires such oral and written disclosure to contain certain information regarding the rights of the person under investigation.

Relates to the regulation of street vendors in cities with a population of one million or more by authorizing such cities to adopt a program to regulate street vendors; requires street vendors to obtain a permit; provides for penalties for failure to comply with such regulations.

Relates to clarifying which entities handle the reporting of pregnancy loss; the responsibilities of health care providers and penalties for not protecting the identities of individuals who suffered a pregnancy loss.

Relates to the standards of monthly need for persons in receipt of public assistance; provides for an increased monthly allowance for persons and families residing in shelters.

Maddy summaryBill S 3554 increases the amount of personal savings individuals can have and still qualify for Medicaid benefits, directly affecting those seeking medical assistance. It changes the current savings exemption rule from a variable formula to a specific, fixed amount. Under this bill, the maximum savings amount for Medicaid eligibility, including for certain disabled individuals, would be set at $300,000. This change is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, provided there is federal financial participation.