Sen. Peter Oberacker

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the eligibility for real property tax exemptions to include veterans who served in designated combat zones or combat theaters. To qualify, veterans must provide proof of service through specific military documents, such as discharge papers, campaign medals, or records of receiving hostile fire pay. If approved, the property tax exemption will cover up to ten percent of the assessed value of their home, capped at a maximum dollar amount determined by state rates. The legislation applies immediately upon enactment and directly affects residential property owners who are eligible veterans.

Requires practitioners to discuss certain risks with a patient who is being prescribed a schedule II controlled substance or an opioid analgesic; requires the department of health to develop practitioner guidelines.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3053) requires the New York State Bridge Authority to install specific climb deterrent fencing on all bridges it manages. The fencing must include features like welded wire mesh panels, tightly spaced wires, and spike collars to prevent climbing and grip. It applies to all bridges under the Authority’s jurisdiction and mandates this installation in construction contracts for new bridge work. The law takes effect three years after enactment, with immediate rule changes permitted to implement it.

Relates to the sale and possession of self-defense spray devices in the state; removes the requirement that only authorized dealers and pharmacists could sell such devices; provides that no more than two self-defense spray devices may be sold at any one time to a single purchaser; repeals certain provisions of law relating thereto.

Requires respective changes to service and delivery charges for gas or electric service to be included in the information regarding average proposed rate changes required to be published by the public service commission in certain instances.

Directs the department of state and the public service commission to study and report upon the prevalence of the disclosure by public utilities, cable television companies and cellular telephone service providers to credit reporting agencies of late payments and defaults in payment of fees and charges by consumers.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally congratulates Shannon Weir Beisler on her induction into the 2026 SUNY Oneonta Athletics Hall of Fame. The document highlights her distinguished career as a women's basketball player, noting her achievements such as leading her team to an ECAC championship and becoming one of the program's all-time leading scorers. It also acknowledges her subsequent success as an elementary school teacher and graduate of Western Governors University. The resolution serves as a ceremonial tribute and directs that a copy of the document be sent to Ms. Beisler.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally congratulates James J. Weir on his honorary induction into the 2026 SUNY Oneonta Athletics Hall of Fame. It recognizes Weir for his 39 years of service to the university's athletics department, including two decades as a head janitor, as well as his extensive career coaching and umpiring over nearly 50 years. The resolution highlights his achievements, such as leading 16 league championships and accumulating more than 900 wins, and notes that he will be honored during the university's Alumni Weekend on June 6, 2026. The final action of the bill is to transmit a copy of the resolution to Mr. Weir as an official acknowledgment of his contributions.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that officially commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States on July 4, 2026. It recognizes the historic significance of this milestone and acknowledges the Sail4th 250 event, which will feature a large gathering of ships and public activities in New York City. The resolution applauds the organizers of the celebration and encourages citizens to participate in related events. No new laws or funding are created; it serves solely as a formal statement of recognition by the legislative body.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially designate June 2026 as Black Music Month in New York State. The measure recognizes the historical and cultural significance of African American music, highlighting its roots in genres like jazz, gospel, and hip-hop, and its impact on both national and global culture. By formalizing this observance, the resolution aims to celebrate the contributions of Black musicians and preserve their legacy within the state. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a ceremonial proclamation to honor the artistic heritage of the community.