Sen. Mark Walczyk

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state and local officers to permanently lose eligibility for New York's STAR school tax relief exemption if convicted of a felony related to their public duties or office abuse. It directly affects elected or appointed public officials who face criminal convictions tied to their government roles. The key provision amends the Public Officers Law to mandate this forfeiture as an automatic consequence of such a conviction, in addition to other penalties. The change applies immediately to convictions occurring after the law's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases New York State's Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) rate to 45% for taxable years beginning in 2025, up from 30% previously. It directly affects low-to-moderate income working New York residents who qualify for the federal EITC. Key provisions include new payment options: taxpayers can choose a lump sum for credits under $200, quarterly payments for credits between $200-$2,400, or monthly payments for larger credits. The change applies to 2025 tax returns and includes a mechanism for the state to adjust the credit if federal funding changes impact the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1882) affects farm wineries, breweries, distilleries, and cideries in approved agricultural districts that offer agricultural tourism - such as on-farm tastings, weddings, harvest festivals, and food sales. It creates a process where these businesses can request the state commissioner to determine if local land use regulations or permits unreasonably restrict their marketing or agricultural practices. The bill expands the definition of "agricultural tourism" to include activities promoting farm product sales and public education about farming, and broadens "farm operation" to cover food sales, events, and crop purchasing between New York farms. It does not change existing laws but provides a formal review mechanism for businesses facing local regulatory barriers.

Establishes the commission on reopening the Indian Point energy center; relates to definitions of certain terms relating to renewable energy; repeals provisions relating to electric generating facilities; directs the New York state energy research and development authority to conduct a feasibility study on nuclear small modular reactors.

Requires detailed fiscal impact notes on certain legislation stating the estimated annual cost to the political subdivision affected and the source of such estimate; provides that bills will be invalidated if the funding source is not provided or the fiscal impact results in an annual net additional cost in excess of $10,000.

Bans unencapsulated expanded or extruded polystyrene foam in floating docks and floating platforms sold, offered for sale, or constructed in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits clipping dogs' ears or docking (cutting) their tails unless a licensed veterinarian deems it medically necessary to protect the dog's life or health. It directly affects dog owners, breeders, and veterinarians by requiring veterinary certification for these procedures and banning cosmetic alterations. Violations are misdemeanors: ear clipping without medical justification carries up to $1,000 fines, while tail docking for non-medical reasons incurs up to $500 fines. The law includes a grandfather clause allowing dogs already docked before 2026 to remain exempt.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 6350) requires correction officers in state correctional facilities to be identified solely by their badge number, eliminating any requirement to display their name (in full or part) on visible tags or badges. It directly affects all correction officers working in such facilities by changing their mandatory identification method. The key provision prohibits facilities from requiring name displays, mandating that identification be limited to badge numbers only. The law would take effect 60 days after enactment.

Requires a New York state driver's license or non-driver ID, a United States passport, an identification card issued by a United States educational institution, a United States military identification card, a government issued medical card, or any identification card issued by the United States or the state of New York to be presented when casting a ballot.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new state program to expand broadband access in New York by shifting from a top-down approach to a locally-driven model. It allows counties and local communities to form regional groups (regional consortia) that design their own broadband plans to cover all residents in underserved areas - defined as locations with internet speeds below 100 Mbps - using state and federal funds. Key provisions include requiring these regional plans to guarantee universal coverage, permitting local collaboration with internet service providers, and prioritizing access over speed or reliability. The program replaces the existing "New NY Broadband Program" and gives local governments direct control over how infrastructure (like fiber or mobile hotspots) is deployed in their communities.