Sen. Pete Harckham

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) officers in New York, or their spouses, to obtain special license plates displaying "S.P.C.A." upon request. Officers must apply annually with proof of their role, and only one such plate may be issued per household (not to both the officer and their spouse). A one-time $15 service fee applies in addition to standard registration costs, with funds supporting plate design and production. The plates are issued like standard plates but require verification of the applicant's SPCA officer status.

Provides that each public elementary and secondary school building shall be equipped with at least one panic alarm for use in a school security emergency including, but not limited to, a non-fire evacuation, lockdown, or active shooter situation; defines terms; makes related provisions.

Maddy summaryThis New York bill requires state health programs (like Medicaid) to cover medical marijuana as a prescription drug under specific laws, but does not mandate coverage for private insurance plans. It clarifies that medical marijuana dispensed legally should not be classified as a "drug" in school policies. The law directly affects patients using medical marijuana under New York's program and impacts coverage in state-run health programs, including Medicaid and elder care benefits. Private insurers remain free to decide whether to cover medical marijuana.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires pawnbrokers and second-hand dealers (especially those handling precious metals, electronics, or jewelry) to maintain digital records instead of physical ledgers. Key provisions mandate electronic tracking of all transactions - including item descriptions, buyer/seller details, and loan terms - for a minimum of six years. Authorities like police, the state comptroller, and consumer protection agencies can inspect these records to verify compliance. The law also establishes new electronic reporting requirements to the Secretary of State for specific high-value transactions. These changes aim to improve transparency and enforcement for businesses handling second-hand goods.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the age limit for certain education programs from 21 to 22 years for students with disabilities as defined in education law. It updates multiple sections of the education code to extend eligibility for high school diplomas (for students in state facilities or correctional settings), transportation services, and related benefits. The change specifically applies to students with disabilities covered under Section 4401 of the education law. It modifies existing eligibility rules without creating new programs or benefits.

Maddy summaryS 1528 establishes a tax on carbon-based fuels like coal, natural gas, and petroleum, imposed on fuel distributors and utilities based on carbon dioxide emissions. The tax starts at $35 per ton of carbon dioxide equivalent and increases by $15 annually to a maximum of $185 per ton. Revenue from the tax funds a dedicated "Carbon Dioxide Emissions Fund," with 60% returned as tax credits to low-to-moderate income residents (below 115% of area median income) and 40% allocated to clean energy transition, mass transit, and climate adaptation projects. The bill requires annual reporting by distributors and utilities and mandates public reporting on tax adjustments to address inflation and climate goals.

Establishes an Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) leadership institute within the state university of New York as an initiative for Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) leaders in higher education with a mission to retain and grow from within SUNY a greater proportion of Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) professionals at SUNY campuses; creates an eight member advisory council.

Relates to special provisions for the operation of bicycles when approaching stop signs and traffic-control signals including steady circular red signals and red arrow signals.

Ensures continuity of care for cancer patients during insurance contract negotiations by requiring insurance coverage and treatment continue until the conclusion of care.

Relates to permits and financial security for reclamation for salt mining beneath a lake; requires such permits to be subject to environmental quality review procedures; requires financial security to cover any damages directly or indirectly resulting from salt mining activities beneath a lake, including, but not limited to, those resulting from collapse or water contamination.