Sen. Pam Helming

Maddy summaryS 8463 provides a one-year exemption from utility taxes and specific surcharges for all residential and commercial utility customers, effective 14 days after enactment. It also creates a two-year exemption from tariffs for renewable energy systems, electric vehicle infrastructure, and charging stations. During these periods, utility companies must reduce customer prices by the exact amount of the exempted taxes and surcharges. The state will reimburse lost revenue to utility funds within 45 days after the one-year period ends. This bill directly affects all utility ratepayers and impacts how utilities price services for renewable energy investments.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates how New York state calculates payment rates for residential health care facilities (like nursing homes) that provide long-term care. It requires the state to adjust rates annually based on current operating costs, with mandatory updates by April 2026 and every five years after, using the most recent cost data. Certain specialized facilities (such as those for children, ventilator-dependent patients, or behavioral health) retain historical rates adjusted for inflation, while others transition to the new cost-based system over a minimum four-year period. The bill also mandates a workgroup of experts to advise on rate-setting methodology and includes provisions for quality improvement funding.

Maddy summaryS 703 amends New York's animal cruelty law by removing the requirement that injury must be "serious" to qualify as aggravated cruelty. This change means prosecutors no longer need to prove severe physical harm to charge someone with aggravated cruelty to animals. The bill defines "aggravated cruelty" as conduct intentionally causing extreme pain or carried out in a depraved or sadistic manner, applying to companion animals. The law directly affects individuals accused of animal cruelty, broadening the scope of what constitutes a punishable offense under this specific charge.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New York's State Board of Real Property Tax Services to study how high levels of tax-exempt property (like parks, nonprofits, or government buildings) affect local communities. The study will examine the percentage of tax-exempt land in each county, its impact on housing, small businesses, jobs, population, and parkland in counties with the highest exemption rates over five years, and explore policy changes to reduce tax burdens on taxable properties. The board must report findings and recommendations to state leaders within one year. The bill expires after two years or when the report is delivered, whichever comes first.

Requires school districts to conduct mandatory early screening for dyslexia for all children commencing in pre-kindergarten or kindergarten and continuing thereafter on an annual basis until each child successfully completes second grade; requires school districts to designate an individual to maintain complete and accurate records containing early screening reports for each child, and to provide resources and materials to the parent and/or guardian of any child who displays indications of dyslexia.

Directs that moneys in the veterans' home services fund shall be payable on vouchers certified by the commissioner of veterans' services; directs a report to be submitted by such commissioner; directs that moneys in the military family relief fund shall be payable on vouchers certified by the commissioner of veterans' services.

Establishes a statewide program to provide free SUNY, CUNY, and community college tuition to active volunteer firefighters, volunteer emergency medical services providers, and volunteer auxiliary police officers.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May ninth as "Opioid Awareness Day." It amends the executive law to add this date to the list of official days of commemoration within the state.

Increases the penalty of knowingly violating the provisions relating to the appropriate shelter for dogs from a violation to a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than one year, or by a fine not less than five hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars, or by both.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a future rule that would have prohibited fossil fuel equipment (like gas furnaces or water heaters) in new buildings starting in 2026. It removes the restriction from state law, meaning new buildings constructed after 2026 could still use fossil fuel-based systems without legal barriers. The repeal directly affects builders, developers, and property owners constructing new buildings in New York State. The change takes effect immediately upon enactment.