Sen. Shelley Mayer

Establishes the electric landscaping equipment rebate program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and reduce noise pollution by promoting the adoption of quieter, zero-emission landscaping equipment; provides for rebates at the point of sale for applicants purchasing or leasing certain equipment; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof.

Maddy summaryS 3276 changes New York State's highway law to make the state liable for damages caused by potholes or other defects on state highways, but only if the state received actual or constructive notice of the problem. It removes a previous seasonal exception (previously limiting liability between May 1 and November 15) and clarifies that the state remains liable for defects in maintained highway sections where notice was given. The bill does not apply to defects in bridges the state doesn't control or to damages occurring outside the state's maintained highway sections. This directly affects drivers or property owners injured by unaddressed potholes on state roads after the state was notified of the hazard.

Establishes the "earned time act" providing for time allowances against the term or maximum term of sentences imposed by the court to be credited on an annual pro rata basis.

Relates to the calculation of past service credit for members in the title of deputy sheriff who provided police protection or correction officer service transferring between the New York state and local employees' retirement system to the New York state and local police and fire retirement system.

Provides that in any rate proceeding, any party may seek to sever from consideration in the settlement process or inclusion in any joint proposal any substantive issue that it discussed in its direct testimony.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially designate April 2026 as Arab American Heritage Month in New York State. The resolution highlights the historical contributions and cultural significance of Arab Americans within the state, noting that New York is home to over 300,000 individuals from diverse Arab backgrounds. By directing copies of the resolution to the governor and several advocacy organizations, the measure seeks to raise public awareness and promote recognition of this community's heritage.

Requires or allows licensing entities to suspend business licenses for certain businesses that are charged or convicted of wage theft; establishes reporting requirements for wage theft convictions.

Maddy summaryBill S 5565 requires health insurance policies, including comprehensive-type coverage, and Medicaid to cover patient navigation services. This coverage is for individuals facing serious health conditions expected to last at least three months, who are at high risk for outcomes like hospitalization or physical decline. Patient navigation services include screening for nonclinical needs such as transportation or housing, connecting individuals to support services, and assisting with healthcare appointments. Reimbursement is provided to trained and certified patient navigators who work under the general supervision of a licensed healthcare provider.

Creates the "disaster preparedness and emergency planning act"; authorizes a local sales tax exemption for emergency preparedness supplies; requires the division of homeland security and emergency services, in conjunction with the department of taxation and finance, to establish, promote and publish on the web a list of eligible items; requires the division of homeland security and emergency services to create public service announcements regarding such exemption and make available to municipalities for promotion purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Department of Public Service to assign a specially trained administrative law judge to oversee settlement negotiations during rate increase cases for major electric, natural gas, water, and steam utilities. The assigned judge will manage the negotiation process to ensure it is consistent, fair, and efficient for all parties, while also having the option to act as a mediator on specific topics if requested. Additionally, the department must create and share public standards to guarantee that the settlement process remains predictable and does not depend on the individual judge assigned. These changes apply to proceedings initiated after the bill takes effect, aiming to bring more structure and transparency to utility rate negotiations.