Repeals the requirement that the senate vote to confirm the appointment of certain chief executive officers within a certain time period; amends certain provisions of law relating thereto.
Sen. James Skoufis
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill expands the legal definition of enterprise corruption to include animal fighting. By adding this specific offense to a list of serious crimes, the legislation allows prosecutors to charge individuals who organize or profit from animal fighting rings with enterprise corruption. This change directly affects people involved in running or funding illegal animal fighting operations, potentially increasing the severity of penalties they face. The law takes effect ninety days after it is signed into force.
Establishes the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology ("FIRST") robotics competition; creates a grant program to fund high school participation in the competition and to encourage study in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific stretch of State Route 28 in the village of Herkimer as the "War Dog Memorial Highway." The legislation requires the commissioner of transportation to install and maintain signs for this designation while clarifying that the change is ceremonial and does not alter the route's official legal name. This action serves to honor war dogs by giving a specific section of the road a commemorative title without disrupting traffic or commerce.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for how industrial development agencies are structured and defines what counts as a labor organization. It clarifies that a labor organization is any group formed to negotiate with employers or handle employment issues, excluding company-run unions. The law also sets the size of these agencies between three and seven members, who are appointed by local government officials and must include representatives from local businesses, schools, and labor groups. While members can serve without pay, they are allowed to claim necessary travel expenses for their work. Finally, the changes will not take effect until 180 days after the bill is signed into law.
Permits the state board of elections to join certain multistate voter list maintenance organizations and provide such organizations with certain voter information; requires the state to join a multistate voter list maintenance organization on or before July 31, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits insurance companies from denying homeowners or renters insurance, canceling policies, or charging higher rates based solely on a person owning a specific dog breed. It also bars insurers from limiting coverage for these policies if the only reason is the type of dog the policyholder has. The law applies to all insurance contracts issued, renewed, or modified after the bill takes effect, ensuring that breed alone cannot be used as a basis for discrimination in pet-related insurance decisions.
Requires that nuisance wildlife control operators disclose to the client, in writing, that euthanasia may be used to resolve a wildlife related problem.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the state education commissioner to create uniform guidelines for diapering and toileting students in public schools. The new rules would require schools to provide safe, accessible facilities and necessary supplies to maintain a sanitary environment for these activities. The legislation applies to a wide range of institutions, including public school districts, special education schools, and private schools serving students with disabilities. The changes are set to take effect eighteen months after the bill becomes law, allowing time for schools to prepare.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors Jillian Hanesworth and Augustus Clarke for winning the 2024 Sports Emmy Award in the Short Film category. The bill formally recognizes their work on the film "Still Here," which highlights the resilience of Buffalo following the 2022 mass shooting and blizzard. It directs the legislative body to pause its proceedings to acknowledge their achievement and mandates that a copy of the resolution be sent to them. The measure serves as a public commendation of their specific contribution to the NFL 360 series rather than altering any laws or policies.