Sen. Pete Harckham

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 527) changes rules for charter schools in New York by restricting how they can expand grade levels. Starting June 1, 2025, charter schools cannot apply to revise their charters to serve grades across multiple school classifications (like elementary, middle, or high school) simultaneously. The rule applies to all new charter revisions submitted after that date. It directly affects charter schools seeking to expand their grade offerings, requiring them to stay within a single classification (e.g., only elementary or only high school). The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summarySenate Bill S 1665 updates the rules for vehicle operators when overtaking bicyclists and pedestrians in New York State. Outside of New York City, drivers passing a bicycle must now use "due care," which includes moving to an adjacent lane if safe, or passing at least three feet away. Similar "due care" requirements are also established for drivers passing pedestrians in these areas. For New York City, the bill retains the existing rule for drivers to pass bicycles at a safe distance and does not introduce specific new provisions for passing pedestrians.

Enacts "Bryan Johnson's law"; includes prior convictions of operation of a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs as prior convictions of driving while intoxicated.

Maddy summaryS 1209, the "Marvin Mayfield Act," eliminates mandatory minimum sentences for felony convictions by amending sentencing laws. It requires courts to issue written sentencing decisions explaining individualized findings, rather than applying fixed minimum terms. The bill also expands pre-sentence reports to include analysis of incarceration costs and increases access to these reports for defendants and their attorneys before sentencing. This directly affects individuals convicted of felonies in New York State, shifting sentencing focus toward rehabilitation and community safety over rigid minimum terms.

Establishes the 2-1-1 essential community services hotline system; designates the office of children and family services to oversee the hotline system; establishes the availability and scope of information to be provided by the hotline system and requirements of call centers; requires the office of children and family services to collect certain data relating to the hotline system and to make annual reports to the governor and the legislature.

Relates to fair pricing for low-complexity, routine medical care to more closely align payment rates across ambulatory settings for selected services that are safe and appropriate to provide in all settings.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the rules for filing lawsuits in the Court of Claims by removing the strict requirement for detailed specificity in certain sexual offense cases. It directly affects individuals seeking legal relief for injuries caused by sexual crimes against children or adults, as well as the parties being sued. Under the new provisions, plaintiffs alleging harm from specific sexual offenses or incest no longer need to provide the same level of detailed initial information as required in other types of claims. The changes apply immediately to new lawsuits, pending cases, and some previously dismissed cases that are currently being appealed.

Maddy summaryS 703 amends New York's animal cruelty law by removing the requirement that injury must be "serious" to qualify as aggravated cruelty. This change means prosecutors no longer need to prove severe physical harm to charge someone with aggravated cruelty to animals. The bill defines "aggravated cruelty" as conduct intentionally causing extreme pain or carried out in a depraved or sadistic manner, applying to companion animals. The law directly affects individuals accused of animal cruelty, broadening the scope of what constitutes a punishable offense under this specific charge.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New York's State Board of Real Property Tax Services to study how high levels of tax-exempt property (like parks, nonprofits, or government buildings) affect local communities. The study will examine the percentage of tax-exempt land in each county, its impact on housing, small businesses, jobs, population, and parkland in counties with the highest exemption rates over five years, and explore policy changes to reduce tax burdens on taxable properties. The board must report findings and recommendations to state leaders within one year. The bill expires after two years or when the report is delivered, whichever comes first.

Restricts the performance of surgical devocalization procedures on dogs and cats; prohibited for reasons of convenience in keeping or handling a dog or cat.