Sen. Jamaal Bailey

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4393) proposes a constitutional amendment to allow all qualified voters to request mail-in ballots without needing to provide a specific reason, such as being away from their county or having a disability. It would remove the current requirement that voters state a "cause" (like absence or illness) to qualify for absentee voting. The change would make mail-in voting accessible to any eligible voter, streamlining the process and expanding voting options. The bill is currently under review by the Judiciary committee and awaiting an attorney general opinion.

Amends the constitution to delete the requirement that registration for purposes of voting be completed at least ten days before election day; provides that laws be made to adequately safeguard against deception in the exercise of the right of suffrage.

Relates to granting certain individuals youthful offender status; adds a new category of individuals eligible for young adult offender status; provides for process and sentencing requirements related to such statuses.

Requires the office of children and family services to promulgate regulations for training requirements for child protective services workers assigned to a multidisciplinary investigative team; amends the effectiveness of certain provisions relating thereto.

Prohibits unfair residential real estate service agreements which are certain service agreements which are not to be performed within two years following the time such agreement is entered into.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New York's veterans tuition awards program by allowing qualified veterans to transfer unused education benefits to eligible family members. It directly affects veterans who served at least 10 years (with exceptions for certain discharges) but didn't use their full tuition benefit, enabling them to transfer it to a spouse, child, or surviving financial dependent who lives in New York. Key provisions include requiring children receiving transfers to be under 26, capping annual transfers at 100, and establishing application rules for the transfer process. The bill repeals outdated language about "survivor" definitions and updates eligibility terms to clarify who qualifies for these transferred benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the required uninsured motorists coverage for Transportation Network Company (TNC) drivers, like those for Uber or Lyft, to $1.25 million per incident for bodily injury or death. It directly affects TNC drivers and passengers by mandating higher insurance limits to cover accidents involving uninsured drivers. The key provision amends existing law to require this specific $1.25 million coverage amount for bodily injury claims, separate from other insurance requirements. This change ensures stronger financial protection for people injured in accidents caused by uninsured drivers operating TNC vehicles.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 1472 formally commends Gabriella Scheer for receiving the New York State Senate Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual. The resolution specifically recognizes her heroic actions on April 28, 2025, when she performed CPR on her unconscious boss during a medical emergency, saving his life. This ceremonial resolution has no policy impact - it serves solely as a formal tribute to her selfless act of compassion.

Maddy summaryThis resolution asks Governor Hochul to proclaim February 21-28, 2026, as National FFA Organization Week in New York. It recognizes the FFA's role in supporting agricultural education, student leadership development, and career readiness for over 13,500 New York students across nearly 200 chapters. The resolution has no binding policy impact - it is a symbolic request for the governor to issue a formal proclamation.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 1488 formally congratulates the Shenendehowa High School Girls Varsity Cross Country Team and Head Coach Rob Cloutier for winning the New York State Federation Cross Country Team Championship in 2025. The resolution highlights their championship victory, academic achievements (a team GPA of 94.05 percent), and participation in the Nike Cross Nationals. Adopted by the legislature, it directs copies to the team members, coaches, and school officials as a formal recognition of their accomplishments. This is a non-binding resolution expressing legislative support, not a policy change affecting any laws or regulations.