Sen. James Skoufis

Maddy summaryThis bill requires elections for certain judges (outside New York City) and city officials to occur in even-numbered years, instead of odd-numbered years as currently permitted. It directly affects judicial officers like supreme court justices, county court judges, and city council members in most of New York State, excluding New York City. Key provisions include mandating that vacancies for these positions be filled at the next even-numbered year election (not sooner) and extending temporary appointments until the following December. New York City remains exempt, maintaining its current system of holding elections in odd-numbered years for its judicial and municipal offices. The bill aims to standardize election timing across most of the state while preserving NYC's existing schedule.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows businesses licensed to sell alcohol for on-site consumption to stay open later than usual during a specific summer period from June 11 to July 20, 2026. Normally, these establishments must close early on Sundays and other days, but this legislation temporarily overrides those limits for the designated dates. The change applies statewide, though counties that previously enforced stricter closing times can still maintain their rules unless they choose to adopt the new extended hours. Additionally, the law permits these businesses to serve alcohol up to 30 minutes after the official start of the prohibited sale hours.

Authorizes the denial of access to certain public records which relate to civil investigations; relates to the enforcement powers of the attorney general; authorizes the attorney general to investigate and bring any civil action addressing repeated or persistent discrimination in elementary and secondary schools; requires the compromise of any claim which the state may have for care, maintenance or treatment furnished in hospitals or other such facilities to be made accordance with parameters established by the office of the attorney general; allows the commissioner of health to waive bills or compromise bills for the maintenance, care and treatment furnished to patients in medical facilities upon the prior approval of the comptroller alone.

Requires that tax amounts extended on the final assessment roll, and any interest or penalties subsequently accruing thereon, be rounded to the nearest five-cent denomination prior to inclusion on any bill or notice.

Exempts certain parcels of land from licensing restrictions prohibiting manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers of alcoholic beverages from sharing an interest in a licensed premises and from selling at retail for consumption on the premises.

Prohibits the use of electronic shelving labels, digital shelf display technology, and surveillance pricing in food retail establishments and drug retail establishments; provides injunctive relief and civil penalties.

Enacts the "fairness in cooperative homeownership act"; regulates the submission and determinations of applications for ownership of cooperative apartments.

Requires the department of corrections and community supervision to establish discharge plans and reentry services for wrongfully convicted individuals upon their discharge which includes housing needs, educational needs, employment needs, medical needs, and specific social service needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all state agencies, the legislature, and the judiciary to include locally produced alcohol in procurement for any state event where alcoholic beverages (like beer, wine, or spirits) will be served. It mandates that when purchasing alcohol for such events, the state must prioritize alcoholic products made within the state. The law applies to events held by the state or on state property and takes effect one year after enactment. This policy directly affects state entities responsible for event planning and alcohol procurement, creating a concrete requirement to support in-state alcohol producers.

Maddy summaryS 647 allows advisory committees (bodies that only provide recommendations, not make final decisions) in New York to use videoconferencing for meetings. Members joining remotely via video will count toward quorum requirements. The bill requires at least one physical meeting location to remain open to the public, meeting all accessibility standards. This change applies only to advisory committees and does not alter their decision-making authority.