Sen. Pat Fahy

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state and local transportation agencies to design all new or majorly reconstructed public roads - including those funded by federal and state money - to safely accommodate all users. Specifically, it mandates considering pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, and public transit riders during planning, construction, and major rehabilitation (but not routine maintenance or resurfacing under 10 years). Agencies must incorporate "complete street" features like bike lanes and wider sidewalks where projects meet certain thresholds, such as a 10-year service life for resurfacing. The law applies to all projects overseen by the Department of Transportation and takes effect 180 days after enactment.

Prohibits the state university of New York from contracting out to the ground lessee or any subsidiary of the ground lessee or the research foundation for the state university of New York for any services or privatize any services currently being performed by employees in the unclassified service at the state university of New York at Albany.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 6735) changes courtroom procedures for joint trials involving two or more defendants. It clarifies that when defendants are tried together, they are treated as a single party for peremptory challenges (challenges to remove jurors without cause). Specifically, a peremptory challenge must be permitted if a majority of defendants agree, or if there is a tie (e.g., a 1-1 split with two defendants). The bill directly affects defendants in joint criminal trials by standardizing how challenges are handled during jury selection. It is procedural in nature, focusing on trial mechanics rather than substantive policy.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1100) asks Governor Hochul to officially recognize September 21-27, 2025, as Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) Awareness Week in New York State. It does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise public awareness about FTD, a terminal brain disease affecting speech, behavior, and motor skills, often misdiagnosed in people aged 40-60. The resolution highlights FTD's impact - accounting for 10-20% of dementia cases under 60 - and its high care costs, urging greater attention to the condition. This symbolic action directly affects New Yorkers living with FTD and their families by promoting community recognition.

Establishes the block by block homeownership program to provide capital subsidies for the purpose of constructing, preserving, and rehabilitating one- to two- family dwellings throughout the state, outside of NYC.

Requires the developmental disabilities advisory council to submit an annual report to the governor, temporary president of the senate and the speaker of the assembly on the activities of the council, and to make such report public.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1131) is a ceremonial tribute honoring U.S. Army Air Forces Staff Sergeant Eugene J. Darrigan, who died in World War II on March 11, 1944. It commemorates his service and recognizes his long-overdue burial in Wappingers Falls, New York, on May 24, 2025, after remains were recovered 81 years posthumously. The resolution expresses New York State's gratitude to Darrigan's family and community for his sacrifice, but it does not create new laws or affect any policies. As a symbolic gesture, it was adopted by the Senate on June 5, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the New York Department of Environmental Conservation's authority to manage hickory shad (a fish species) until December 31, 2028. It amends Section 13-0339-a of the Environmental Conservation Law to update the expiration date of this management authority from 2025 to 2028. The change directly affects the DEC's regulatory powers over hickory shad populations and their habitat. The bill does not alter management practices but prolongs the existing legal framework for conservation efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's authority to manage bluefish (a popular recreational and commercial fish) through 2028, updating a previous expiration date. It allows the department to set specific regulations including size limits, catch quotas, seasonal closures, and gear restrictions for bluefish fishing. These rules must meet or exceed existing state standards and align with federal and regional fishery management plans. The change directly affects commercial and recreational fishermen who harvest or sell bluefish in New York waters.

Requires the empire state plaza art commission to examine the historical significance of major rivers in the state of New York in connection with renaming the agency buildings located at the empire state plaza; requires the governor to choose the new agency building names within 60 days after the commission's recommendation.