Sen. Pete Harckham

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New York public school districts (except New York City) to employ certified school psychologists and licensed school social workers to provide mental health services. It amends education law to mandate these professionals as part of required school mental health services, including evaluations, assessments, and interventions for students' mental health needs. The law specifies these roles must be in addition to staff required under federal special education law (IDEA), directly affecting every public school district and all students attending those schools. The bill defines the scope of services, including confidentiality protocols and school environment recommendations, without altering existing health service requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill permanently authorizes photo radar cameras to monitor speed violations in highway construction and maintenance work zones on freeways. It increases the maximum number of camera locations from 20 to 40 on controlled-access highways (including the Thruway, where it rises from 10 to 20 locations). The commissioner of transportation and Thruway Authority chair must select sites based on speed data, crash history, and road design, while avoiding exit ramps. The program requires a public hearing and board approval before implementation.

Relates to motions to vacate judgment; authorizes filing motions to vacate judgment due to a change in law; authorizes motions to vacate judgment to be filed at any time after entry of a judgment obtained at trial or by plea; relates to the requirements of discovery.

Requires the addition of fog lines on all state highways and other public ways under the jurisdiction of the department of transportation when such highway or public way is repaved.

Maddy summaryThis bill defines a "film zone" as a 25-mile radius around Columbus Circle in Manhattan and excludes this area from eligibility for the Empire State Film Production Credit. It directly affects film productions in Manhattan that would otherwise qualify for the credit, as they can no longer claim the tax benefit for activities within this defined zone. The credit remains available for productions in specified upstate counties and areas outside the film zone, provided they meet budget and location requirements (e.g., $500,000 minimum budget, principal photography in eligible counties). The bill amends tax law to clarify these geographic boundaries for the credit program.

Requires that public schools provide instruction on climate change, including but not limited to identifying the causes and impacts of climate change on individuals, environments and communities, and learning to evaluate solutions.

Relates to providing net revenues from utility-owned large-scale renewable generation projects to low-income customers; authorizes utility companies to own such projects; provides that the commission shall require labor agreements and labor peace agreements.

Maddy summaryS 4890 creates a new crime for incarcerated individuals who harass facility employees. It specifically prohibits: (1) displaying or touching intimate body parts in view of an employee, (2) causing an employee to be visible while doing so, or (3) threatening to expose bodily fluids. This applies to employees at correctional facilities, parole offices, mental health facilities, probation departments, or police officers. The offense is classified as a class B misdemeanor, punishable by fines or up to 90 days in jail.

Prohibits the operation of establishments where animals and/or fowls are slaughtered or butchered for food; establishes a task force on public health risks and animal welfare concerns of slaughterhouses.

Establishes the crimes of assault on a child protective services worker, aggravated assault on a child protective services worker and menacing a child protective services worker.