Sen. Pete Harckham

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 8276) removes a residency requirement for the position of assistant county attorney in Rockland County, New York. It allows a person who lives in Rockland County, any county in New York's Ninth Judicial District, New York City, or an adjoining county to hold this role, even if they are not a resident of Rockland County itself. The change specifically applies only to Rockland County's assistant county attorney position and does not affect residency rules for similar roles in other counties. The bill amends state law to exempt this position from standard residency requirements for county officials.

Requires school districts to conduct mandatory early screening for dyslexia for all children commencing in pre-kindergarten or kindergarten and continuing thereafter on an annual basis until each child successfully completes second grade; requires school districts to designate an individual to maintain complete and accurate records containing early screening reports for each child, and to provide resources and materials to the parent and/or guardian of any child who displays indications of dyslexia.

Establishes a long-duration energy storage procurement target in New York state of three thousand megawatts by December thirty-first, two thousand thirty.

Relates to not requiring a prior authorization determination for certain categories of cancer treatments based on National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines.

Maddy summaryBill S 7614 modifies the eligibility requirements for cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for New York public retirement systems. Effective September 1, 2025, it lowers the age requirement for general pensioners to receive a COLA from age 62 to age 55, provided they have been retired for five years. The bill also streamlines eligibility for disability pensioners and accidental death benefit recipients, who will continue to be eligible after five years regardless of age. These changes apply to various state and New York City retirement systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures students with disabilities attending non-public schools in New York have the same due process rights and access to special education services as students in public schools. It requires school districts to provide these services upon written request from parents or guardians by specific deadlines, with exceptions for students identified with disabilities after certain dates. School districts must develop a personalized education plan for each student and allow parents to challenge decisions through due process procedures if they disagree with service recommendations or evaluations. The bill applies to all non-public school students with disabilities in New York and mandates equitable service provision compared to public school students.

Prohibits proceeds from the auction or sale of carbon dioxide emission allowances pursuant to New York's participation in the regional greenhouse gas initiative (RGGI) from being transferred into the state general fund; provides that if such proceeds are transferred to the state general fund, they shall be used for the purposes directed by the RGGI.

Decreases the frequency of lock-down drills in schools; directs that such drills shall be implemented with a trauma-informed approach; permits parents to opt their children out of such drills.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 2043 formally congratulates 52 individuals who have been named the 2026 New York State Senate Women of Distinction. This ceremonial resolution recognizes these women for their professional achievements and personal contributions to their communities. The Senate will send copies of the resolution to each honoree as a gesture of appreciation. The bill does not create new laws or change existing policies, but rather serves to honor these individuals for their impact on New York State.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution congratulates the Marlboro High School Boys Bowling Team and their coach for winning the 2026 New York State Public High School Athletic Association Division II State Championship. The bill formally acknowledges the team's 15-1 season record and their status as back-to-back state champions, highlighting the contributions of the players and their support network. It directs that a copy of the resolution be sent to the team members, the head coach, and the athletic director as an official commendation. No new laws or funding are created; the measure serves solely as a ceremonial recognition of the team's athletic achievement.