Sen. Joe Griffo

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a dedicated "state fish and game trust account" within the conservation fund to hold money from lifetime hunting, fishing, and trapping license sales (excluding funds going to a separate habitat account). It directs the state comptroller to invest these funds in safe financial products to maximize income while following existing investment rules. The interest earned from these investments stays in the trust account for its intended purposes, such as wildlife conservation and access programs. The bill does not change how license fees are collected or their primary uses, only clarifying the investment process for this specific fund.

Maddy summaryS 7047 requires Madison County's county seat to have at least one polling place designated for early voting starting July 1, 2025. This bill amends election law to mandate this specific location, directly affecting voters in Madison County who participate in early voting for general, primary, run-off primary, or special elections. The provision also encourages situating the early voting location along public transportation routes where feasible. It applies to all elections held after its effective date and does not change existing early voting requirements elsewhere in the state.

Maddy summaryS 6660, the "Failure to Pass Act," prohibits drivers on interstate highways from remaining in a passing lane for more than 1.5 miles without overtaking another vehicle. It directly affects drivers who linger in passing lanes without attempting to pass, specifically on interstate highways. Violations carry a $50 fine for the first offense and $100 for subsequent offenses, and the law explicitly states these violations are not considered standard lane violations under other traffic regulations. The bill amends vehicle and traffic law to establish this restriction and penalty structure, effective immediately upon enactment.

Enacts into law components of legislation relating to disaster relief for extreme weather events in Central New York, long-term climate resilience property improvements, and insurance discounts for climate mitigation efforts; establishes the central New York extreme weather relief and resiliency grant program to provide grants to certain persons and entities that suffered damage from covered events (Part A); expands and strengthens the resilient and ready program by providing grants to homeowners impacted by extreme weather events and providing grants for long-term climate resilience improvements for snow and tornado-related weather hazards (Part B); establishes the central New York property/casualty insurance resiliency incentive program to facilitate property/casualty insurance discounts for mitigation efforts (Part C).

Establishes the crime of aggravated offering of a false accusation against a police officer or peace officer for knowing the information reported to be false or baseless, such person reports, by word or action, to a law enforcement officer or agency, the wrongdoing by a police officer or peace officer in the performance of such officer's duties; requires the posting of bail.

Provides for electronic court appearance in a criminal action, anywhere in the state, at the discretion of the court having jurisdiction of the defendant; provides that the defendant must, after consultation with counsel, consent on the record; provides that the chief administrator of the courts must first approve the use of such electronic appearance.

Directs the board to submit a recommendation regarding the central business district toll amounts to the legislature and also to recommend a privacy risk plan.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-funded "volunteer firefighter training fund" to help cover costs for volunteer fire departments. It appropriates $1 million from the general fund to reimburse municipalities for training expenses they've already paid. Volunteer fire departments can apply for these funds through their local fire chief, using money from the new fund after legislative approval. The fund is managed by the state comptroller and tax commissioner, with payments made via standard state financial processes. The bill directly supports volunteer fire departments across New York State in providing required training.

Maddy summaryS 8117 establishes a temporary demonstration program in Oneida County allowing the county to use photo speed cameras in school zones to enforce speed limits. It directly affects vehicle owners in Oneida County who are issued liability notices for speeding during designated times (school hours, 30 minutes before/after, and during student activities). Key provisions include limiting camera use to 31 zones at once, requiring annual calibration and self-tests for cameras, mandating privacy protections in captured images, and requiring visible warning signs. The program expires December 31, 2030, and applies to existing school speed limits under state law.

Maddy summaryS 5097 increases the penalty for robbing property from a bank or certain financial institutions (like credit unions, savings banks, or similar entities) by classifying it as a class C felony. The bill amends New York's Penal Law to specifically define this type of robbery and set the new penalty level, replacing less severe charges. This change directly affects individuals convicted of such robberies, subjecting them to harsher sentencing than before. The law does not alter the definition of robbery generally but elevates penalties for crimes targeting financial institutions.