Sen. Rob Rolison

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1376) encourages farmers' markets selling farm products in state parks, provided they don't harm the park's environment. It directly affects state parks, farmers' markets operating there, and state agencies like the Department of Agriculture and Markets. Key provisions require parks to post market locations/times online, identify new park locations for markets, and coordinate with agencies like Empire State Development. The law, now effective (signed September 26, 2025), aims to expand access to local food while protecting park integrity.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds a voluntary contribution option to New York dog license applications. Dog owners applying for or renewing licenses can choose to make a separate, clearly marked donation to their municipality's animal pound or shelter (or a contracted provider). The contribution appears as a distinct field on the application form, with suggested amounts but no requirement to contribute. It directly affects dog owners during license processing and provides a new funding mechanism for municipal animal shelters.

Maddy summaryS 1349 requires all public school districts to provide parents or guardians with information about drowning prevention, water safety, and healthy swimming practices when a student enrolls. For students aged 18 or older, the information must be given directly to them. School districts must make this information available electronically or in paper form, and provide translations into 12 common non-English languages upon request. The health commissioner will develop the materials, which must also be published on school websites in an accessible location. This applies to all students entering school districts starting in the 2026-2027 school year.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 7699) designates a specific segment of State Route 208 in Orange County - stretching from Schipps Lane in Montgomery to Otter Road in Hamptonburgh - as a ceremonial dedication to Jack Barletta. It requires the installation of signage reading "Highway Dedicated to Jack Barletta" but explicitly states this does not change the official highway name or affect commerce. The bill is purely commemorative, with no policy or funding changes, and was signed into law (Chap. 403) on September 10, 2025.

Relates to the membership and purposes of the Volunteer and Exempt Firemen's Benevolent Association of Coldenham Inc.; changes the name of the association to the "Volunteer and Exempt Firefighter's Benevolent Association of Coldenham, Inc"; updates the purposes of such association and the use of taxes received by such association.

Authorizes the town of Union Vale, county of Dutchess, to alienate and discontinue the use of certain parklands and to lease the lands to Homeland Towers, LLC for the placement and operation of a wireless communications tower.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1648) would have amended New York's criminal procedure law to allow bail for defendants charged with "aggravated cruelty to animals" under Agriculture and Markets Law § 353-a. It specifically added this offense to existing bail eligibility provisions that previously included firearm-related crimes (like third-degree weapons possession). The bill was defeated in the Codes committee on May 5, 2025, and did not become law. It directly affected individuals charged with severe animal cruelty offenses by changing their bail eligibility under state law.

Maddy summaryS 8321 extends the existing authorization for Putnam Valley (in Putnam County) to collect an occupancy tax, which is used to fund local services like tourism promotion or infrastructure. The bill amends a 2023 law by removing its 4-year expiration date, making the tax authority permanent starting immediately. This directly affects Putnam Valley residents and businesses that pay or benefit from the occupancy tax. The change is procedural, with no new tax rates or policies introduced - only the continuation of an existing local tax authority.

Extends the one percent increased county sales tax for Putnam county for two years; requires one-ninth of such one percent increase in sales tax be allocated to towns and villages in such county.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends Dutchess County's authority to impose a local sales tax for an additional two years, from March 2023 through November 2027. It allows the county to maintain a combined tax rate of 3.75% (3% state rate plus 0.75% local rate) on qualifying purchases within the county. The extension directly affects residents and businesses in Dutchess County by preserving the existing local tax structure without changing the rate or scope of the tax. The bill amends the tax law to update the expiration date, ensuring continuity of the county's local revenue authority.