Sen. Pam Helming

Authorizes the office of children and family services to grant temporary, limited flexibility in staff-to-child ratios and group size requirements during documented workforce shortages; requires regulations for child day care centers apply to children under eighteen months of age; defines persons who may qualify to watch children during documented workforce shortages.

Requires fiscal notes to be included on any bill which imposes a new mandated insurance benefit or service; expands an existing mandated insurance benefit or service, or adds, expands or requires coverage of any benefit or service under the Medicaid fee-for-service program; requires such fiscal notes to include an actuarial analysis of the potential impact on insurance premiums as a result of such new or expanded mandated insurance benefit or service.

Maddy summaryS 1559, the "Affordable NY Act," increases property tax exemptions for homeowners and adjusts New York's personal income tax brackets. It raises the basic STAR exemption base from $30,000 to $60,000 for all future years and ties the enhanced STAR exemption base to a CPI-W index (multiplied by two for 2025-2026 and beyond). The bill also updates income tax rates, including higher brackets for 2018-2020 taxable years, with specific changes to tax thresholds and percentages. These changes directly affect New York homeowners who qualify for STAR exemptions and residents filing state income tax returns. The bill takes immediate effect upon enactment.

Prohibits the hunting of leucistic deer, including white deer and albino deer, or melanistic deer; authorizes the hunting of such deer on private property.

Provides that certain persons shall not be deemed a distributor for certain sales of premium cigars; provides that the tax on premium cigars shall be at the rate of seventy-five percent of the wholesale price or fifty cents, whichever is less, and is intended to be imposed only once upon the sale of any premium cigars; defines "premium cigar".

Maddy summaryS 8607 repeals Section 75-0109 of the Environmental Conservation Law, which previously required the development of regulations to achieve statewide greenhouse gas emissions reductions. This repeal removes a specific legal mandate for creating emissions-reduction regulations, directly affecting the state's regulatory framework for climate policy. The bill takes immediate effect upon enactment, eliminating the requirement without establishing new provisions or altering emissions targets.

Requires instruction in arts and music education to be incorporated into curriculums for all public school students; requires school districts to ensure that appropriately certified teachers are providing such education; authorizes rules and regulations consistent with such provisions.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors New York State's Korean War veterans by pausing legislative proceedings on April 29, 2026, to recognize their service and sacrifice. The measure formally acknowledges the historical significance of the Korean War and the dedication of those who served in the conflict. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a ceremonial gesture to celebrate the bravery of veterans and their contributions to national security. The resolution reflects the state's ongoing commitment to remembering military service and honoring the legacy of those who defended freedom during this historic period.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Governor of New York to officially designate May 4, 2026, as 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Day in the state. The resolution honors the 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum military installation by recognizing their historical service, economic impact on Northern New York, and the sacrifices made by soldiers stationed there. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal proclamation to acknowledge the unit's legacy and contributions to national defense. Copies of the resolution will be sent to the Governor, the 10th Mountain Division commander, and Fort Drum leadership.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially recognize July 20, 2026, as Colombian Independence Day in New York State to mark the 216th anniversary of Colombia's independence. The resolution provides historical context about Colombia's struggle for independence from Spanish rule in 1810 and acknowledges notable Colombian figures who have contributed to New York. The bill directs the Senate to send copies of the resolution to the Governor and the Colombian Consulate General in New York.