Sen. Pam Helming

Maddy summaryThis bill allows retired New York teacher Jeffrey Alva Beall to apply for retroactive military service credit in the state teachers' retirement system for his 1984-1987 U.S. Army service. To qualify, Beall must pay 3% of his final year's salary for each year of military service (totaling 3 years). The credit would be applied back to the date of his retirement, effective immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryBill S 8084 establishes a statewide public registry for individuals convicted of felony or misdemeanor animal cruelty offenses. These individuals, defined as "animal abusers," would be required to register with the state, providing personal and conviction details, with annual renewals for a specified period or for life in some cases. The registry would be publicly accessible, and failure to register or providing false information would be a felony. Additionally, pet stores and animal shelters would be denied licenses if the applicant is on this registry, and no person would be allowed to sell or transfer an animal to someone listed on the registry. Local animal welfare organizations would also be notified of registered animal abusers in their area.

Relates to computer-related crimes; creates the crimes unlawful disruption of computer services in the first and second degree, unlawful computer access assistance in the first and second degree, unauthorized use of internet domain name or profile, and unlawful introduction of a computer contaminant; allows for a civil action for compensatory damages for victims of such crimes.

Establishes the veteran career assistance program within the SUNY and CUNY systems to provide veterans with assistance in resume writing and employment placement services.

Extends the statute of limitations of actions related to certain sex trafficking offenses, reviving such actions otherwise barred by the existing statute of limitations; grants trial preference to such actions; exempts such actions from certain provisions requiring notice of claims.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors Investigator Michael Theetge of the Chemung County Sheriff's Office for receiving the Order of the Blue Heart Award from Wounded Blue, a national organization supporting law enforcement officers injured on duty. The resolution formally commends his 14-year service, leadership as SWAT commander, and recovery from a severe March 2024 on-duty injury, directing that a copy be sent to him as a token of legislative respect.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative Senate Resolution (J 1558) honoring Margaret D. Williams, a Coney Island community leader and member of the doo-wop group The Cookies, who passed away in January 2026. The resolution recognizes her musical legacy - including chart-topping hits like "Chains" and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction - and her decades of community service, including 33 years with NYC Health and her work with the Coney Island History Project. It serves as a symbolic tribute from the legislature, expressing condolences to her family and celebrating her life’s impact. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes "first responder safety zones" on highways, defining them as areas up to 660 feet around facilities where fire, police, or ambulance vehicles are stationed. Within these clearly marked zones, the maximum speed limit for drivers is set at 15 miles per hour. Drivers are required to yield the right of way to emergency vehicles with active lights during an emergency within or entering these zones, and also to pedestrians crossing the roadway. Violations, such as failing to yield or exceeding the speed limit, carry fines, and a third offense for failing to yield can result in a one-year license suspension.

Creates a legislative task force on outdoor environmental education and recreation that will benefit residents of New York state by fostering stewardship and conservation of the environment, and an appreciation of the importance of the wise use of natural resources as well as acknowledgment of the health benefits of time spent in nature.

Expands health care services provided by telehealth to include services delivered through a facility licensed under article twenty-eight of the public health law that is eligible to be designated or has received a designation as a federally qualified health center, including those facilities that are also licensed under article thirty-one or article thirty-two of the mental hygiene law.