Sen. Jim Tedisco

Establishes the rural suicide prevention council to identify barriers to mental health and substance use treatment and prevention services and other policies, practices, resources, services, and potential legislation that aim to reduce death by suicide and suicide attempts and acknowledge the demographic and cultural differences in rural communities; makes related provisions.

Enacts the "New York wildlife crossing act"; directs the department of transportation and the New York state thruway authority to identify sites along all highways, thruways and parkways in the state where wildlife crossings are most needed to increase public safety and improve habitat connectivity and create a priority list of wildlife opportunity areas where federal grant monies may be available to implement the top five projects identified.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally commends Arthur William Wilsey posthumously for receiving the New York State Senate Liberty Medal. The measure recognizes Wilsey's service as a U.S. Army veteran during World War II, where he fought in major campaigns including the Battle of the Bulge, and honors his subsequent contributions to his local community. The resolution pauses legislative proceedings to pay tribute to Wilsey and directs that a copy of the document be sent to his family. As a symbolic gesture, the bill does not create new laws or alter government operations but serves to acknowledge the recipient's heroic acts and dedication to the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new $1,000 supplemental Empire State Child Tax Credit for the 2024 tax year and future years. It directly affects taxpayers who have a newborn child that qualifies as a dependent under federal tax rules. The credit is issued by the state tax commissioner and can be applied to reduce taxes owed or refunded if the credit amount exceeds the tax liability, though no interest will be paid on any refund. To receive the payment, individuals must have filed their tax returns on time, including any approved extensions. The law is scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Village of Ballston Spa to transfer ownership of the Woods Hollow Nature Preserve to the Town of Milton. The property includes several specific parcels totaling over 150 acres, which will be used for park and recreational purposes. A key provision ensures that residents of Ballston Spa retain full access to these facilities without facing higher fees than Milton residents. Additionally, any money the village receives from the sale must be spent on improving or acquiring new park and recreational facilities. The transfer is also subject to conditions requiring the land to revert to the village if it stops being used for public recreation and compliance with any federal funding requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally commends the late Leonard F. Porcaro for receiving the Liberty Medal, the highest individual honor from the New York State Senate. It recognizes his military service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and his subsequent community leadership, including his long tenure as Commander of the American Legion. The resolution directs that a copy of the document be sent to Porcaro's family and notes that the Senate will pause its proceedings to acknowledge him at a specific ceremony in September 2024.

Deems Anthony Varvaro to have died as the natural and proximate result of an accident sustained in the performance of duty so as to permit accidental death benefits to be awarded to his beneficiaries.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the severity of penalties for fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle by reclassifying the offenses from misdemeanors to felonies. It also makes these specific felony charges eligible for bail, allowing defendants to be released pending trial under certain conditions. The legislation applies to individuals charged with unlawfully fleeing an officer in a vehicle, regardless of whether they are charged with other crimes at the same time. By adjusting the legal classification and bail eligibility, the bill changes how these offenses are handled within the criminal justice system.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new crime called aggravated criminal concealment of identity, which applies to individuals who commit specific violent offenses while wearing a mask or face covering that hides their face or voice. The law defines a wide range of underlying crimes, including various degrees of assault, sexual offenses, burglary, robbery, and terrorism-related charges, that would trigger this new penalty if committed while disguised. If convicted, the sentencing guidelines require the crime to be treated as a violent felony, often resulting in a sentence one category higher than the original offense or a mandatory minimum prison term depending on the severity of the underlying act. This legislation directly affects law enforcement and prosecutors by adding an additional layer of punishment for perpetrators who choose to conceal their identity during serious criminal activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally commends Emily J. Adams posthumously for receiving the Liberty Medal, the highest individual honor awarded by the New York State Senate. The resolution recognizes her service as a Navy Air Traffic Controller during World War II and her subsequent career as an English teacher, highlighting her contributions to her country and community. It does not change any laws or policies but serves to officially acknowledge her achievements and transmit a copy of the commendation to her family.