Sen. Pete Harckham

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 7533) extends the expiration dates for specific provisions in a 2009 law that removed special powers granted to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (SPCC) under New York's Family Court Act and Social Services Law. It changes the expiration of Sections 8 and 10 from 2025 to 2027, while Section 13 (already expired in 2017) is not affected. The bill does not alter the core policy of removing the SPCC's special powers but delays when those provisions would automatically end. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Provides protections for telecommunications tower technicians, including requiring certain trainings during work hours without a loss of pay; requires certain reporting by bidders for telecommunication contracts.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the deadline for New York's mercury thermostat collection program from January 1, 2026, to January 1, 2027. It directly affects the mercury thermostat collection act, which governs the safe disposal of mercury-containing thermostats. The key provision simply changes the expiration date in the law to provide an additional year for the program to operate. The bill does not alter the program's requirements or scope.

Amends provisions relating to creating a presumption relating to certain lung disabilities incurred by volunteer firefighters, in relation to the effectiveness of such provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state and local transportation agencies to design all new or majorly reconstructed public roads - including those funded by federal and state money - to safely accommodate all users. Specifically, it mandates considering pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, and public transit riders during planning, construction, and major rehabilitation (but not routine maintenance or resurfacing under 10 years). Agencies must incorporate "complete street" features like bike lanes and wider sidewalks where projects meet certain thresholds, such as a 10-year service life for resurfacing. The law applies to all projects overseen by the Department of Transportation and takes effect 180 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryS 138 establishes a "Medical Aid in Dying Act" for New York, allowing terminally ill patients (with decision-making capacity and a confirmed terminal illness expected to cause death within six months) to request and self-administer medication to end their life. Key provisions require patients to make an oral and written request, receive confirmation from two physicians (an attending physician and a consulting physician), and sign a witnessed written request with two non-related, non-beneficiary adults. The bill mandates patients be fully informed of alternatives like palliative care, outlines physician responsibilities, and includes requirements for documentation, safe medication disposal, and protections for healthcare providers.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the state constitution to allow limited uses of forest preserve land while maintaining its core protection. It permits specific highway construction (up to 300 acres total), ski trail development (up to 25 miles on Whiteface, Belleayre, and Gore/Pete Gay mountains), and land exchanges with municipalities for public purposes like airport extensions, cemeteries, and water wells. The bill requires legislative approval for land exchanges and ensures the state receives land of equal value in return. It directly affects state management of forest preserve lands and local governments seeking land for public infrastructure. The bill does not address the Mount Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex, as its title suggests, but focuses on constitutional changes to forest preserve regulations.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (J 1111) honoring Russell E. Bunyea, a Mahopac, New York resident who died at age 95. The resolution expresses the legislature's condolences to his family and directs that a copy be sent to them. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it solely commemorates Bunyea's life and service to his community. The resolution was adopted by the legislature on June 5, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1100) asks Governor Hochul to officially recognize September 21-27, 2025, as Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) Awareness Week in New York State. It does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise public awareness about FTD, a terminal brain disease affecting speech, behavior, and motor skills, often misdiagnosed in people aged 40-60. The resolution highlights FTD's impact - accounting for 10-20% of dementia cases under 60 - and its high care costs, urging greater attention to the condition. This symbolic action directly affects New Yorkers living with FTD and their families by promoting community recognition.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative Senate resolution (J 1121) honoring Robert Violante, a Somers, New York resident who died on May 14, 2025, at age 45. The resolution recognizes his life as an educator, special education teacher, Dean of Students, and community coach who contributed to schools in New York and New Jersey. It formally directs the New York State Legislature to pause its proceedings in mourning and send a copy of the resolution to his family. As a procedural resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on any laws or constituents.