Sen. John Mannion

Maddy summaryThis bill shortens the standard period for calculating the useful life of zero-emission school buses from twelve years to eight years. The change directly affects school districts, boards of cooperative educational services, and county vocational education boards by altering how they lease these vehicles and calculate state aid for transportation costs. Specifically, the bill reduces the maximum lease term for these buses to eight years and adjusts the timeframe used to determine eligible capital expenses and debt service payments. Additionally, it updates the useful life calculation for municipal transit vehicles in certain large cities to align with the new eight-year standard.

Shifts the conducting of the income verification process for the purposes of the senior citizen tax exemption from municipalities to the department of taxation and finance.

Provides that voters with a disability that interferes with the effective reading, writing, or use of printed material who apply for an accessible absentee ballot and are otherwise eligible to receive an absentee ballot shall be sent an accessible absentee ballot by accessible electronic system; makes related provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies election laws to simplify the voting process for individuals with disabilities by removing the requirement for them to explicitly identify their disability to election officials when requesting assistance. Under the new provisions, voters who need help due to blindness, physical limitations, or an inability to read or write can simply request aid without formally declaring the specific nature of their condition. The legislation also updates procedures for voters who cannot sign their names, allowing them to vote without a signature if they have a physical disability that prevents signing, provided they were previously registered without one. These changes aim to reduce administrative hurdles and ensure that disabled voters can access assistance more easily while maintaining existing protections against coercion and ballot secrecy.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the state education commissioner to create uniform guidelines for diapering and toileting students in public schools. The new rules would require schools to provide safe, accessible facilities and necessary supplies to maintain a sanitary environment for these activities. The legislation applies to a wide range of institutions, including public school districts, special education schools, and private schools serving students with disabilities. The changes are set to take effect eighteen months after the bill becomes law, allowing time for schools to prepare.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors Barbara J. Dix for her nearly 47 years of service as a historian in Oswego County, New York. The measure formally recognizes her contributions to local history, including her work establishing the county's records management system and leading the Underground Railroad Commission. It also celebrates her upcoming 90th birthday and directs that a copy of the resolution be sent to her as a tribute.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors Jillian Hanesworth and Augustus Clarke for winning the 2024 Sports Emmy Award in the Short Film category. The bill formally recognizes their work on the film "Still Here," which highlights the resilience of Buffalo following the 2022 mass shooting and blizzard. It directs the legislative body to pause its proceedings to acknowledge their achievement and mandates that a copy of the resolution be sent to them. The measure serves as a public commendation of their specific contribution to the NFL 360 series rather than altering any laws or policies.

Clarifies the responsibility of school districts for certain temporary-resident preschool children with disabilities who are in foster care, are homeless or are in residential care.

Requires the director of the division of minority and women's business development in the department of economic development to give additional time for a business enterprise to cure defects in its application for certification or correct defects when a certification is revoked.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally congratulates the Elmont High School Boys Basketball Team and their coach for winning the 2024 NYSPHSAA Basketball Class AA Championship. The document recognizes the team's achievement of securing their first state title since 2016 and lists the specific names of the players and the coach being honored. It serves as an official record of legislative appreciation for the team's success and is intended to be sent to the school for their records.