Sen. Mark Walczyk

Allows a beneficiary of a member whose death occurs on or after July 1, 2026 and who would have been entitled to a service credit at the time of such member's death to elect to receive a lump sum payment equal to the pension reserve that would have been established had the member retired on the date of such member's death.

Returns the state's energy codes to the less expensive earlier provisions; repeals provisions of the state energy conservation construction code which relate to the state's clean energy and climate agenda.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's criminal procedure law to explicitly include federal law enforcement officers in the legal definition of "police officer." It directly affects state legal procedures that reference "police officers," ensuring federal officers are treated under the same definitions as state officers for certain legal purposes. The key mechanism is adding a new paragraph (w) to section 1.20, referencing federal officers listed under section 2.15 of the same title. The change takes effect immediately upon enactment. This is a definitional update with no new substantive requirements or funding.

Relates to unlawful discriminatory practices; requires employers to make a conditional offer of employment before inquiring about any criminal convictions of a prospective employee.

Creates a series of distinctive license plates for law enforcement officers who were wounded in the line of duty or the spouse of such, which shall bear the words "Wounded in the Line of Duty"; includes the New York state sheriff's association, New York state association of chiefs of police, police benevolent association of the New York state troopers, the New York state police benevolent association, and the New York city police benevolent association; provides that proceeds from the service charge shall be used for a fund to assist wounded/fallen officers and their families.

Maddy summaryS 1871 proposes to eliminate the additional $25 annual service charge for distinctive Elks Association license plates. If passed, individuals who wish to obtain these special license plates would no longer pay this extra fee, only the standard registration fee. This change would make Elks Association license plates more accessible to members by removing the specific surcharge added in previous legislation.

Maddy summaryS 1517 requires New York high schools to offer optional hunting, fishing, and outdoor education as a component of physical education courses when requested by 10 or more enrolled students. The bill mandates that schools provide this instruction consistent with state license applicant curriculum, covering topics like hunting/fishing seasons, species regulations, license requirements, recreational opportunities, and the historical role of these activities in the state. It directs the education and environmental conservation departments to jointly develop the required curriculum. The law directly affects public secondary schools and students in grades 9-12 who seek this educational component.

Relates to the number of signatures for independent nominating petitions; decreases the number of signatures and votes to 15,000 signatures for statewide candidates and 50,000 votes to maintain party ballot status; changes the petition period to 12 weeks and the petitioning time to May-August.

Maddy summaryS 2168 allows the New York State Thruway Authority to offer a 50% toll discount to eligible farmers transporting agricultural products. This discount applies only to farmers who qualify for a specific tax exemption under New York Tax Law §606(a)(2)(A), requiring them to provide their exemption certificate to receive E-ZPass tags. The discount covers regular toll rates (not surcharges) and excludes non-commercial vehicle travel. It will take effect January 1, 2027, directly benefiting farmers meeting the tax exemption criteria under Agriculture and Markets Law.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts antique and historical motor vehicles (defined as those manufactured at least 50 years ago) from annual safety inspections required for most vehicles. It directly affects owners of such vehicles who use them for exhibitions, tours, parades, or collector activities - not for daily commuting - by removing this inspection requirement. The bill also modifies registration fees to $28.75 annually and allows owners to use original model-year license plates if they meet specific standards, provided they submit proof of insurance coverage. These changes clarify eligibility and streamline registration for antique vehicle owners while maintaining safety-related insurance requirements.