Sen. James Skoufis

Maddy summaryThis bill makes it a felony to possess a flamethrower, defined as a device projecting burning fuel at least three feet. It specifically excludes inoperable displays, historical flamethrowers (constructed before 1966 with at least five key functional parts), and devices used for agriculture or construction. The law also does not apply to flamethrowers owned before the law takes effect or to modifying components like fuel cells. It directly affects individuals owning modern flamethrowers not covered by the exemptions, while protecting collectors of historical models and certain professional uses.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York elementary schools to schedule daily recess for all kindergarten through fifth-grade students. Schools must provide either one 30-minute period or two 15-minute periods of unstructured physical activity each school day, held outdoors when reasonable. The recess time cannot overlap with scheduled lunch periods or physical education classes. The law applies to all public elementary schools and takes effect for the school year starting July 1 following its enactment.

Relates to the completion of and information contained in heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems assessments as part of building condition surveys for purposes of grant eligibility; requires such assessments to include a report containing specific information and includes qualification requirements for the person completing the report.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's town law to explicitly allow watershed protection improvement districts to pursue "preservation of development rights" as part of their work. It adds this provision to the list of activities districts may undertake, alongside existing projects like stormwater treatment and wetland construction. The change directly affects local watershed districts established under the law, giving them new authority to support land conservation efforts. The bill does not create new requirements but expands existing options for districts to protect water quality through land use strategies. This is a technical update to district powers, not a new policy mandate.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows renewable energy projects (like solar or wind farms) to connect directly to higher-voltage utility transmission lines (sub-transmission level) instead of only lower-voltage distribution lines. It applies to projects already classified as "distributed generation" under existing state rules, provided they meet all state and federal requirements. The interconnection process must follow the same procedures used for standard transmission-level connections. This change simplifies grid access for renewable projects, directly affecting energy developers and utility companies managing grid connections.

Relates to the creation of a department of corrections and community supervision identification form; relates to the use of such form as proof of identity for individuals applying for a non-driver identification card or certain driver's licenses.

Prohibits industrial development agencies from incentivizing movements within the state where any plant, facility, or personnel of the project occupant are abandoned or removed.

Requires operators of bicycles, skateboards, inline skates and scooters who are under eighteen years of age to wear protective headgear; increases the age requirement from fourteen years to eighteen years.

Relates to protecting wildlife and maintaining safety; necessitates written notification before a nuisance wildlife control operator undertakes any control measures.

Relates to creating a separate tax on inheritance income, creating a separate tax on gift income, the computation of the estate tax, and creating a gift tax.