Sen. Rachel May

Requires certain watercraft, aircrafts, and trains to use clean energy, including ensuring such vehicles are zero-emissions; requires NYSERDA to study zero-emission commercial vehicles, the use of renewable energy in publicly funded airports, and the use of sustainable aviation fuel; requires NYSERDA to administer a grant program to flying schools and clubs that install charging infrastructure.

Provides an exemption from requirements for the alienation of parkland for renewable energy generating projects with a generating capacity not exceeding two megawatts and which are located above real property currently used for vehicle parking.

Includes Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases as occupational diseases for purposes of workers' compensation; clarifies that disability includes disability caused by Lyme disease or other tick-borne diseases; requires insurance coverage of long term medical care for Lyme disease and other tick borne diseases.

Maddy summaryS 2512 proposes a constitutional amendment establishing a fundamental right for all people to access public information and attend government meetings. If passed, it would add Section 20 to the state constitution, guaranteeing the right to inspect or copy government records and receive notice of public meetings without unreasonable restrictions. This directly affects every resident by ensuring transparency in government operations and participation in public decision-making. The bill aims to strengthen democratic accountability through concrete constitutional protection, not procedural changes.

Maddy summaryS 2221 would change New York's state budget process from an annual cycle to a biennial one, requiring the governor to submit a single budget covering two fiscal years instead of one per year. This affects state agencies (which must provide budget estimates to the governor), the legislature (which receives and reviews the biennial budget), and the judiciary (which must submit its financial needs by December 1 annually). The bill amends constitutional provisions to require biennial budget submissions by February 1 following gubernatorial elections, with the budget detailing expenditures and revenues for the next two years. It also modifies the rule that funds must be spent within three years of appropriation. The change aims to create longer-term budget planning by state government.

Maddy summaryThis bill would rename the state's highest court from "Supreme Court" to "Superior Court" and rename the "Court of Appeals" to "Supreme Court" in the state constitution. It does not change the courts' jurisdictions, procedures, or powers - only their official titles. The bill affects how these courts are referenced in constitutional text and legal documents, with no impact on their current functions or authority. The renaming is purely administrative and does not alter the structure of the state's judicial system.

Provides that the Governor's annual budget proposal to the Legislature shall include statements of any new legislation, amendment to legislation, or limitation on the effect of any legislation contained in the budget; makes related provisions granting the legislature an equal role with the governor in the budget process.

Amends the constitution to delete the requirement that registration for purposes of voting be completed at least ten days before election day; provides that laws be made to adequately safeguard against deception in the exercise of the right of suffrage.

Eliminates certain court surcharges and fees and probation and parole surcharges and fees; eliminates the requirement that a parolee or releasee receiving a merit termination of sentence be financially able to comply with an order of restitution; eliminates the requirement that a person receiving a discharge of sentence be financially able to comply with an order of restitution and the payment of certain surcharges or fees (Part A); mandates that courts engage in an individualized assessment of a person's financial ability to pay a fine prior to imposing a fine (Part B); eliminates the availability of incarceration as a remedy for a failure to pay a fine, surcharge, or fee, lifts and vacates existing warrants issued solely on a person's failure to timely pay a fine, surcharge or fee and ends existing sentences of incarceration based on such failure (Part C); vacates existing unsatisfied civil judgments based on a person's failure to timely pay a surcharge, or fee (Part D); prohibits the collection of a fine, restitution or reparation from the funds of an incarcerated person; prohibits the payment of court fines, mandatory surcharges, certain fees, restitution, reparation or forfeitures from the earnings of prisoners (Part E); vacates existing unpaid surcharges, DNA databank fees, crime victim assistance fees, sexual offender registration fees, supplemental sex offender victim fees, or probation or parole supervision fees; repeals certain provisions of law relating to restrictions on remitting such fees (Part F).

Provides for requirements under written corrective plans for residential health care facilities; requires such facilities to make payments to the department for independent quality monitors; provides for minimum staffing and monitoring frequency for such facilities; makes related provisions.