Sen. Steve Rhoads

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially recognize May 22, 2026, as Maritime Day in New York State. It directly affects state officials and maritime workers by establishing an annual commemorative date. The resolution highlights the economic importance of waterways and the contributions of merchant mariners to New York's economy and history. It also acknowledges SUNY Maritime College's role in training future maritime professionals. The bill is ceremonial and does not create new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that any new or amended legislation affecting utility service costs (like electricity or gas) must include a fiscal note. The note must estimate the annual cost impact on utility customers and identify the source of that estimate. It applies to all bills changing how much customers pay for utility services, ensuring lawmakers and the public see cost projections before voting. The requirement takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors Saint Patrick and all persons of Irish descent on the occasion of Saint Patrick's Day on March 17, 2026, while also directing the Governor to proclaim March 2026 as Irish American Heritage Month in New York. The bill recognizes the historical contributions of Irish Americans to the state and nation through public service, military service, and cultural achievements, and acknowledges the traditions associated with the celebration. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a commemorative measure to recognize heritage and encourage the Governor to issue an official proclamation. Copies of the resolution will be sent to the Governor, the Archbishop of New York, and officials associated with the New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade.

Requires certain entities to stock opioid antagonists and to store naloxone nasal sprays with or adjacent to automated external defibrillator cabinets.

Requires the district attorney to notify victims by letter of the final disposition of the case within sixty days of such disposition in cases where such final disposition includes a conviction; provides such letter shall also notify victims of their right to make a victim impact statement; allows them to personally appear at parole hearings and make such a statement.

Authorizes a study on lithium-ion battery fires and prevention to review the severity of lithium-ion battery fires, including what specific components of the battery causes severe fires; examine the effectiveness of lithium fireproof blankets on such fires; examine the current measures of safety implemented by fire departments across New York in relation to lithium-ion battery fires; requires a report to the governor and the legislature; makes related provisions.

Maddy summaryS 1559, the "Affordable NY Act," increases property tax exemptions for homeowners and adjusts New York's personal income tax brackets. It raises the basic STAR exemption base from $30,000 to $60,000 for all future years and ties the enhanced STAR exemption base to a CPI-W index (multiplied by two for 2025-2026 and beyond). The bill also updates income tax rates, including higher brackets for 2018-2020 taxable years, with specific changes to tax thresholds and percentages. These changes directly affect New York homeowners who qualify for STAR exemptions and residents filing state income tax returns. The bill takes immediate effect upon enactment.

Maddy summaryS 8607 repeals Section 75-0109 of the Environmental Conservation Law, which previously required the development of regulations to achieve statewide greenhouse gas emissions reductions. This repeal removes a specific legal mandate for creating emissions-reduction regulations, directly affecting the state's regulatory framework for climate policy. The bill takes immediate effect upon enactment, eliminating the requirement without establishing new provisions or altering emissions targets.

Requires instruction in arts and music education to be incorporated into curriculums for all public school students; requires school districts to ensure that appropriately certified teachers are providing such education; authorizes rules and regulations consistent with such provisions.

Establishes the crimes of unlawful dissemination or publication of intimate images in the first, second, and third degree; defines terms and clarifies application of provisions relating to such crimes; extends the statute of limitations for such crimes; repeals provisions relating thereto.