Sen. Shelley Mayer

Relates to the metropolitan commuter transportation authority establishing and implementing a policy for responsible management of vegetation and other activities that impact neighboring properties in order to preserve the safety and efficiency of commuter rail operations by implementing guidelines for removal and management policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires industrial development agencies to follow specific procedures before providing over $100,000 in financial assistance or tax exemptions for projects. Agencies must adopt a resolution describing the project, hold public hearings in the project location, and send written notices to affected local governments and school districts at least 10 days in advance. The bill also mandates a standardized application form for project requests and uniform evaluation criteria to ensure transparency and accountability. It directly affects industrial development agencies, local taxing jurisdictions, and school districts where projects are proposed. These requirements aim to increase community input and clarify processes for large financial assistance decisions.

Establishes the New York long term care trust program to provide long term care benefits for eligible residents who have paid the required premium contributions and are in need of assistance with at least two activities of daily living as determined by the department of health.

Directs the commissioner of education, in conjunction with the superintendent of state police and the commissioner of the division of homeland security and emergency services, to establish standards for the security and safety of school grounds.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 5121) removes a requirement for certain students without lawful immigration status to submit an affidavit confirming they have applied to legalize their status or will do so when eligible. It directly affects undocumented students enrolled in New York State educational institutions. The bill repeals specific sections of the Education Law (including parts of Sections 6206, 661, 6301, and 6455) that previously mandated this affidavit. The change eliminates this administrative step for affected students without altering other tuition or fee policies.

Maddy summaryS 1700 allows out-of-state wine retailers with a New York license to ship wine directly to New York residents for personal use. It permits up to 36 cases (9 liters each) annually per customer, strictly for non-resale use. The bill requires age verification (21+ with ID), special shipment labeling ("CONTAINS WINE - SIGNATURE OF PERSON AGE 21 OR OLDER REQUIRED"), and collection of New York sales taxes. Retailers must pay a $125 annual license fee and maintain detailed records for audits. This directly affects out-of-state wine businesses seeking to sell to New York consumers and New York residents purchasing wine directly from other states.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 522) amends education law to add new requirements for charter school applications in school districts where charter schools already serve over 5% of total public school enrollment. It requires that new charter school applications must demonstrate a significant educational benefit for students and secure consent from either the school district or, in large cities, the community school district. The law specifically targets districts with high existing charter school enrollment, making these two conditions mandatory for approval. This change applies only to new applications, not existing charter schools.

Ensures continuity of care for cancer patients during insurance contract negotiations by requiring insurance coverage and treatment continue until the conclusion of care.

Waives Unemployment Pandemic Benefits repayments in whole or in part if the payment of such pandemic unemployment assistance was without fault on the part of the claimant and such repayment would be contrary to equity and good conscience.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3934) defines "fentanyl analogue" as any synthetic opioid structurally similar to fentanyl through specific chemical modifications (e.g., changes to its ring structures or groups). It classifies all such analogues as Schedule I drugs under New York's public health law, treating them like the most strictly controlled narcotics. The law also removes the requirement for individuals to know a substance's chemical structure to be charged with possession or sale of these analogues. Exceptions include FDA-approved medications and substances used under investigational exemptions.