Sen. Bill Weber

Relates to requiring the use of project labor agreements for large scale construction projects under the state university construction fund; provides an exception to such requirement may be granted; provides that the fund may require every contractor become party to a project labor agreement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school districts in Westchester, Putnam, Nassau, and Suffolk counties to follow the disciplinary procedures agreed upon in collective bargaining contracts when punishing bus drivers and their assistants. Under the new rules, districts must generally respect existing union agreements before taking adverse action against these employees, unless a superintendent certifies that the behavior involved egregious misconduct posing a clear and present danger to student safety. In cases where such a certification is made, the bill mandates an expedited fact-finding process that must be completed within five business days. Additionally, if a driver or assistant is later found innocent or if the superintendent's decision was improper, they are entitled to punitive damages for any lost wages incurred during the process.

Relates to establishing a twenty year retirement plan for members or officers of law enforcement; includes every non-seasonally appointed sworn member or officer of the division of law enforcement in the department of environmental conservation, a forest ranger in the service of the department of environmental conservation, a police officer in the department of environmental conservation, the regional state park police, and university police officers in such twenty year plan.

Provides parity to durable medical equipment providers by requiring Medicaid managed care organizations to reimburse such providers at no less than one hundred percent of the medical assistance durable medical equipment and complex rehabilitation technology fee schedule for the same service or item.

Authorizes the town of Orangetown to establish community preservation funds; establishes a real estate transfer tax with revenues therefrom to be deposited in said community preservation fund; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.

Maddy summaryThis bill grants Raymond Ruckel, a correction officer employed by the Rockland County Sheriff's Office, retroactive membership in the New York State and Local Employees' Retirement System. It allows him to be treated as if he joined the Tier IV retirement plan on August 1, 1990, the date he was originally eligible but missed joining due to circumstances beyond his control. To receive these benefits, Ruckel must submit an application to the state comptroller within one year of the bill becoming law, and the Clarkstown Central School District will cover all associated past service costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Staff Sergeant Alex R. Jimenez New York State Military Immigrant Family Legacy Program within the Department of Veterans' Services to assist military members, veterans, and their families with immigration matters. The program creates a network of liaisons who will connect eligible individuals with legal resources to help them secure immigration status, including citizenship, and will coordinate efforts with various government agencies and community organizations. Additionally, the bill requires these liaisons to maintain a resource clearinghouse and submit annual reports detailing the program's activities and the demographics of those assisted.

Requires electronic benefit transfer systems to allow for benefit recipients to cancel or lock a credit or debit card when fraud has been suspected or reported; directs that any interactive voice response system associated with an electronic benefit transfer system which benefit recipients may call for support or assistance shall include an option for benefit recipients to report fraud and cancel, lock or unlock their electronic benefit transfer credit or debit card.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially recognize June 2024 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in New York State. The measure does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a formal acknowledgment of the community's history and achievements. It highlights key milestones such as the 55th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots and recent legal victories for LGBTQIA+ rights. The bill is purely ceremonial and affects only the state's official calendar and public recognition of the month.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally recognizes former Senator Neil D. Breslin as the recipient of the President Pro Tempore and Senate Majority Leader's Legislative Legacy Award. The document highlights his extensive career in public service, including his 13 terms in the New York State Senate, his leadership roles in ethics and insurance committees, and his advocacy for vulnerable populations. It also lists specific laws he sponsored that improved access to healthcare and prescription drug coverage for New York residents. The resolution concludes by directing that a copy of the text be sent to Senator Breslin to honor his contributions to the state.