Sen. Lea Webb

Relates to conducting investigations into the administration and enforcement of the New York state uniform fire prevention and building code and the New York state energy conservation construction code by counties.

Prohibits public employers from diminishing health insurance benefits provided to retirees and their dependents or the contributions such employer makes for such health insurance coverage below the level of such benefits or contributions made on behalf of such retirees and dependents by the public employer as of December 31, 2021.

Provides for the award of reasonable attorneys' fees in FOIL proceedings if the person is successful and in open meeting proceedings to the successful petitioner and against the public body.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts the Varna Volunteer Fire Company in Dryden, Tompkins County from a state law restriction that limits non-resident members to 45% of a fire company's total membership. Currently, most volunteer fire corporations must ensure that no more than 45% of their members live outside the territory they serve, but this legislation creates a specific exception for Varna. The change allows the company to have a higher percentage of non-resident volunteers without needing to amend its bylaws or seek further legislative approval for each new member. This adjustment is intended to provide flexibility for the organization while maintaining the requirement that non-residents must live nearby or have a job that keeps them available for emergency service.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors Koji Sato for his efforts to recognize Fred Korematsu's legacy and his work promoting Japanese and Japanese-American history. The measure acknowledges Sato's leadership roles in organizations like the Japanese American Association of New York and the U.S.-Japan Council, as well as his contributions to fostering relations between the United States and Japan. The bill directs the legislative body to pause its proceedings to formally commend Sato and instructs that a copy of the resolution be sent to him.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors Takeshi and Carolyn Furumoto for their advocacy in recognizing Fred Korematsu's legacy and their efforts to preserve Japanese-American history. The measure formally acknowledges their personal backgrounds, including their families' experiences during World War II internment, and their professional achievements in community leadership and business. It specifically highlights their role in securing the passage of Fred Korematsu Day in New Jersey and their ongoing work through organizations like New York Hiroshima-Kai and the Digital Museum of the History of Japanese in New York. The resolution concludes by directing that a copy of the document be sent to the couple as an official recognition of their contributions.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the memory of Don B. Lee, a distinguished citizen and community leader who passed away in May 2024. The bill formally acknowledges his contributions as a public servant, IT professional, and activist who advocated for Asian American rights and supported immigrant seniors in New York. It directs the legislative body to pause its proceedings to mourn his death and authorizes sending a copy of the resolution to his family and the Homecrest Community Services organization.

Requires railroad corporations to conduct a comprehensive safety inspection when a freight train is parked in a train yard prior to traveling on tracks within the state including, but not be limited to, a review of tracks, safety equipment, including brakes, and train cars.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary Latina Suicide Prevention Task Force to study mental health practices and suicide rates specifically affecting Latina residents of New York. The seven-member group will be appointed by state leaders and mental health officials, requiring expertise in both suicide prevention and the Latina community, and will meet at least quarterly to investigate causes and recommend improvements. The task force is authorized to request data from state agencies and must submit preliminary and final reports with legislative proposals within 13 and 22 months of the bill's effective date. All provisions of the bill are set to automatically expire two years after it takes effect.

Establishes a Black youth suicide prevention task force to study the current mental health practices and suicide prevention efforts of Black youth age 5 through 18 years and make recommendations therefor; provides for the number of members, manner of appointment and the topics to be reviewed.