Sen. Bill Weber

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New York municipalities to choose whether to offer a 5% property tax exemption on qualifying residential properties owned by active or retired National Guard members and military reservists. To qualify, the property must be the owner’s primary residence (with exceptions for medical reasons), and the applicant must submit an annual application with a U.S. Department of Defense "twenty-year favorable service letter." The exemption applies only to the residential portion of the property and cannot be stacked with existing military tax benefits. Municipalities must adopt local ordinances to implement this option, which takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes a $10 one-time service fee for veterans applying for special license plates that recognize military service. Currently, veterans pay this $10 charge in addition to standard registration fees, but the bill eliminates it entirely. The change applies to all veteran-specific plates covered under state law, including those for organizations like the American Legion or VFW. Veterans will now only pay standard registration fees when obtaining these plates, with no additional charge. The bill does not alter eligibility requirements or introduce new benefits.

Relates to additional credit allowed veterans in competitive examinations; expands the definition of "veteran" and "non-disabled veteran" to include the spouse and/or children of a member of the armed forces of the United States who served therein in time of war and was subsequently killed in the line of duty.

Enacts the "educational equity and choice act"; requires nonpublic schools to provide the same services that public schools currently provide to nonpublic schools; provides that such costs shall be approved by the commissioner of education and borne by the state; makes related provisions.

Provides that in the design, construction, maintenance, or renovation of any transit facility, transportation facility, or equipment of the metropolitan transportation authority, work shall take place over a continuous period of time until such point at which the project has been completed.

Permits alternate members of certain planning boards and zoning boards of appeals for any reason the town board deems necessary pursuant to local law, rule, regulation or ordinance.

Provides for the initiation of treatment for COVID-19, influenza, and pharyngitis resulting from a Group A streptococcal infection by a licensed pharmacist in certain circumstances.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special "No Hate NY" license plate, requiring a $25 annual fee from vehicle owners who choose it. The entire fee funds the "No Hate NY fund," managed by the state division of human rights, to support hate crime awareness and prevention programs. Counties can request these funds for local initiatives, and unclaimed money after five years is redirected to hate crime victim compensation. The fund requires annual reporting on how money is spent and ensures all collected fees directly support hate crime prevention efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes state-supported housing navigation services for New York residents with intellectual or developmental disabilities. It requires the state to create individualized housing plans, assist with housing programs, coordinate transitions, and develop sustainability strategies to help these individuals secure stable housing. The law mandates a statewide training curriculum for housing navigators and creates a multi-agency task force - including housing experts and state agency representatives - to implement and evaluate the program. The services will become operational starting April 1, 2027, with the task force required to report on progress and recommend improvements.

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.