Enacts "Tucker's law"; removes the provision that provides that any term of imprisonment for a violation of aggravated cruelty to animals may not exceed two years.
Requires that the state fund any program which imposes a mandate upon municipal corporations or school districts; establishes criteria for any exemption from such law if such mandate is ordered by the judiciary, pursuant to an executive order or requested by the locality; establishes the New York state mandate review council.
Maddy summaryS 3639, "Nick's Law," increases penalties for drivers who flee the scene of an accident resulting in death. It upgrades the offense to a class B felony (with fines of $2,000-$30,000) instead of a lower misdemeanor, directly affecting drivers who leave such accidents without reporting. The bill also adjusts court procedures for adolescent offenders charged with this specific hit-and-run, requiring additional factors to be considered before transferring cases to family court. These changes aim to strengthen accountability for leaving death-related accident scenes.
Maddy summaryS 1664 provides officers from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) with access to live scan fingerprinting systems. This change allows SPCA officers to independently complete arrests by taking fingerprints using this technology. The bill directly affects SPCA officers and individuals they arrest, enabling these officers to process arrests without needing assistance from other law enforcement agencies for fingerprinting.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates the laws governing wrongful death lawsuits in the state to clarify which types of financial compensation families can receive when a loved one dies due to someone else's actions. It explicitly allows juries to award damages for specific losses, including funeral costs, medical bills incurred before death, emotional grief, and the loss of financial support, guidance, and companionship. The legislation also defines exactly who is eligible to receive these funds, such as spouses, domestic partners, children, and individuals who acted as parents to the deceased, while establishing a legal process to divide the money fairly among them based on their specific relationship to the decedent. Additionally, the bill adjusts the time limit for filing these lawsuits to three years generally, with a shorter deadline for cases related to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Permits the principal of any high school to allow any local fire department, upon request, to enter the school for the purpose of fire department junior recruitment, including, but not limited to: making presentations; disseminating literature; and answering questions by students.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors the memory of Salvador Vizcarrondo Jr., a community leader from Endicott, New York, who passed away in October 2025. The bill formally acknowledges his lifelong dedication to education and youth development, particularly his long service with the Upward Bound program at Binghamton University. By adopting this resolution, the legislative body pauses its proceedings to express condolences and transmits a copy of the tribute to Vizcarrondo's family.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes the New York State 4-H organization for hosting its 91st Annual Capital Days event in Albany from May 17 to 19, 2026. The bill does not create new laws or change policies; instead, it serves as a ceremonial gesture to honor the program's nearly century-long history of teaching youth leadership and civic skills. By adopting this resolution, the legislature expresses its appreciation for the volunteers and staff who support the event, which brings young people from across the state to learn about government and community service.
Maddy summaryThis bill officially recognizes May 2, 2026, as "I Love My Park Day" throughout New York State. It encourages residents to participate in volunteer cleanup and restoration events at public parks and beaches on that date. The resolution serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of an existing community stewardship program rather than creating new legal requirements.
Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially recognize August 15, 2026, as India Independence Day within New York State. The resolution highlights the historical significance of India gaining independence from British rule in 1947 and the subsequent adoption of its constitution. By passing this measure, the legislature intends to honor Indian heritage and educate residents about the country's struggle for self-determination. Copies of the resolution will be sent to the Governor, the Consul General of India, and local Indian organizations.
