Sen. Monica Martinez

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that the New York City Transit Authority must have at least one conductor on every subway or train, with limited exceptions for current operations. The law defines a conductor as the staff member responsible for safety tasks like opening and closing doors, distinguishing them from the driver or engineer. Proponents argue this requirement enhances passenger safety and provides a critical first responder presence to handle emergencies or potential security threats. The measure applies immediately to all passenger trains operated by the authority.

Authorizes the commissioner of transportation to execute a one-time extension of an existing lease of state-owned lands located at 1 and 2 Marriott Plaza located in the hamlet of Farmingdale, town of Babylon, county of Suffolk, state of New York.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows graduates of accredited master of social work (MSW) programs to perform supervised social work while completing their licensing process. Specifically, it authorizes these graduates to engage in supervised practice after applying for and paying fees for both licensing and a limited permit, but only for up to 90 days after graduation. The provision ensures MSW graduates can gain practical experience under supervision while meeting state licensing requirements, without extending beyond the 90-day period. It directly affects new MSW graduates seeking entry-level positions in social work.

Maddy summaryS 1181 creates a temporary 11-member task force to examine why New York City disability retirees are excluded from the Variable Supplements Fund (VSF) program, which provides retirement benefit supplements to police and fire retirees. The task force will investigate this eligibility issue, hold public hearings, and issue recommendations within one year. It includes appointments from the governor, legislature leaders, city officials, and representatives of affected retirees. The bill does not change the VSF program directly but mandates a formal review to address longstanding concerns about fairness for disability retirees.

Designates all agents employed by the city of New York police department in the titles of traffic enforcement agent I and traffic enforcement agent II as peace officers.

Maddy summaryS 4828 creates a property tax exemption for volunteer firefighters in New York school districts. It allows enrolled volunteer firefighters (and their spouses) to exempt their primary residence from school district real property taxes, provided they live in the district served by their fire company, own the home as their primary residence, and have served at least five years (or 20+ years for lifetime exemption). The exemption value is capped at $12,000 multiplied by the state equalization rate for the area. School districts must adopt a local law after a public hearing to implement the exemption, and applicants must file with the school district assessor. The bill directly affects qualifying volunteer firefighters residing in the school district where they serve.

Excludes the amount of state and local taxes and fees from the amount on which an interchange fee is charged for that electronic payment transaction by a credit or debit card network; prohibits a payment card network from altering or manipulating the computation and imposition of interchange fees.

Requires the court to consider a child's health and safety when making a decision regarding child custody and visitation; directs the court to review certain information as it relates to allegations of child abuse, domestic violence and child safety.

Increases the distribution of revenue from extending the authorization for the hotel and motel taxes in Suffolk county; provides for the support of a not-for-profit organization that manages and owns the first lighthouse built in New York, a national register of historic places site in Suffolk county that has been named a national historic landmark and is a New York state historic site.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally congratulates Cardinal Timothy Dolan on the 50th anniversary of his ordination as a priest. It recognizes his long history of service, including his leadership of the Archdiocese of New York and his participation in the recent papal election. The resolution expresses the legislative body's appreciation for his contributions to the community and directs that a copy of the text be sent to him.