Sen. Peter Oberacker

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to how courts set bail for criminal defendants, specifically requiring judges to individually assess whether a person poses a current physical threat to victims, individuals, or the community. Under the new rules, judges must also evaluate the risk of flight and choose a securing order that balances the defendant's return to court with public safety, while explaining their decision in writing or on the record. The legislation directs courts to consider all available information about the defendant when making these determinations. Although the bill was reintroduced in late 2024, it was previously defeated in the Codes Committee in May 2024.

Establishes the rural suicide prevention council to identify barriers to mental health and substance use treatment and prevention services and other policies, practices, resources, services, and potential legislation that aim to reduce death by suicide and suicide attempts and acknowledge the demographic and cultural differences in rural communities; makes related provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill grants the town of Springfield in Otsego County the authority to create and enforce local rules limiting where docks, boathouses, and moorings can be built on Otsego Lake. Specifically, it allows the town to restrict these structures to a distance of 1,500 feet from the shoreline, provided the rules do not conflict with state or federal laws. By amending the state's navigation law, the legislation enables Springfield to manage waterfront development directly without needing separate state-level approval for each regulation. The law takes effect immediately upon being signed by the governor.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new $1,000 supplemental Empire State Child Tax Credit for the 2024 tax year and future years. It directly affects taxpayers who have a newborn child that qualifies as a dependent under federal tax rules. The credit is issued by the state tax commissioner and can be applied to reduce taxes owed or refunded if the credit amount exceeds the tax liability, though no interest will be paid on any refund. To receive the payment, individuals must have filed their tax returns on time, including any approved extensions. The law is scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Otsego County to collect an additional mortgage recording tax of 25 cents for every $100 of debt secured by a property mortgage. The tax applies to mortgages recorded on or after the law takes effect and is collected by the county's recording officer in the same way as existing recording taxes. Money collected from this tax will go into the county's general fund to support local expenses, and the law is set to expire on December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Chenango County to impose an additional mortgage recording tax of 25 cents for every $100 of debt secured by a mortgage on real property within the county. The tax applies to mortgages recorded on or after the law takes effect and is collected by the county recording officer in the same manner as existing recording taxes. Revenue generated from this tax will be deposited into the county's general fund for any county purpose, and the law includes specific rules for handling mortgages covering property in multiple counties or states. The measure is set to expire on December 31, 2025, and requires local laws establishing the tax to be mailed to the state commissioner at least 30 days before taking effect.

Relates to exempting certain fire department officers of the Village of Hancock fire department from a New York state residency requirement; provides that chief, first and second assistant chiefs and any additional chiefs of the fire department of the village of Hancock need not be a resident of the state of New York.

Provides for medicaid reimbursement for ambulance services when treatment in place is administered and/or when transportation is provided to alternative health care settings instead of a general hospital.

Deems Anthony Varvaro to have died as the natural and proximate result of an accident sustained in the performance of duty so as to permit accidental death benefits to be awarded to his beneficiaries.

Maddy summaryThis bill declares a retirement application submitted by Cynthia Adam on behalf of her late husband, Paul C. Adam, as timely filed despite it being submitted years after the deadline. The legislation specifically addresses the conversion of his service retirement benefits to accidental death benefits related to the 2001 World Trade Center disaster. By retroactively accepting the September 2018 filing, the law ensures that the family can receive the appropriate benefits without penalty. All costs associated with implementing this change are to be covered by the state of New York.