Sen. Pete Harckham

Requires the state police to have a local liaison within the New York state intelligence center who alerts municipalities of certain suspected domestic extremism threats and receives information from local law enforcement regarding domestic extremism.

Relates to pretrial mental health and substance abuse evaluations and treatment for certain defendants; establishes the pretrial mental health and substance abuse services bail fund.

Establishes the "New York public banking act"; authorizes municipal and other local governments to form and control public banks through the ownership of capital stock or other ownership interests, and to loan or grant public funds or lend public credit to such public banks for the public purposes of achieving cost savings, strengthening local economies, supporting community economic development, and addressing infrastructure and housing needs for localities.

Maddy summaryBill S 2240 removes the lifetime ban that prevents individuals with felony convictions from serving on a jury. It amends existing judiciary law to eliminate the automatic disqualification for past felony convictions. However, the bill clarifies that anyone currently serving a term of incarceration for a felony would still be excused from jury service while incarcerated. This change allows eligible citizens who have completed their sentences to participate in jury duty.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 6328) changes how New York school districts allocate prekindergarten funding starting in the 2025-2026 school year. It requires districts to prioritize funding for full-day prekindergarten programs for four-year-olds who qualify for free/reduced-price lunch or are multilingual learners, allocating $17,500 per eligible student annually (adjusted for inflation). Districts cannot exceed their 2024-2025 funding levels unless new money is appropriated. The policy directly affects school districts and ensures resources target high-need students in prekindergarten programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a New York State 1332 innovation program under a federal waiver, providing health insurance coverage for New Yorkers under age 65 with household incomes between 133% and 250% of the federal poverty level who don't qualify for Medicaid or employer-sponsored insurance. It requires coverage for essential health services, including access to cancer centers (at Medicaid reimbursement rates), dental, vision, and support for chronic illnesses. Eligibility excludes those eligible for Medicaid, the Child Health Insurance Program, or affordable employer coverage. The program is subject to federal approval and aims to fill coverage gaps for this specific income group.

Requires the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices if a driver accumulates eleven or more points on their driving record during a 24 month period, or receives 6 speed camera or red light camera tickets during a twelve month period.

Enacts the climate and community investment act; prioritizes the allocation of public investments in disadvantaged communities; addresses climate change challenges through the expansion and growth of clean and renewable energy sources; adopts best value requirements for the solicitation, evaluation and award of renewable energy projects; establishes a community just transition program; establishes a climate pollution fee and a household and small business energy rebate; creates the climate and community investment authority.

Prohibits the diminution of health insurance benefits of public employee retirees and their dependents or reducing the employer's contributions for such insurance; defines employers to include the state, municipalities, school districts, and public authorities and commissions.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the commercial import, possession (with intent to sell), or sale of any kangaroo product, including skin, meat, or bones, for any business or profit-related activity. It directly affects businesses and individuals involved in trading kangaroo-derived goods, such as leather products or wildlife souvenirs. The law imposes civil penalties of up to $1,000 for first offenses and $5,000 for repeat violations, while clarifying it supplements existing animal welfare laws and doesn’t restrict lawful disposal of deceased kangaroos. It specifically covers four kangaroo species (red, eastern grey, western grey, and common wallaroo) and defines "commercial purposes" as any activity advancing economic gain.