Sen. Pam Helming

Maddy summaryThis bill requires individuals arrested for domestic violence to forfeit any bail they've posted if they later violate an existing order of protection. It applies specifically to people charged with domestic violence offenses who break court-issued protection orders, including those from New York courts or other states/tribes. The law automatically takes away the bail money without needing a separate court hearing. This directly affects individuals arrested for domestic violence who disregard protection orders, changing the consequence of violating those orders from potential additional penalties to losing their bail.

Relates to the provision of grants to eligible school districts to cover the costs of school resource officers employed at schools in such districts; authorizes boards of cooperative educational services to enter into contracts with local police entities to provide school resource officers.

Creates the crime of stalking a police officer or peace officer when a person intentionally, and for no legitimate purpose, engages in a course of conduct directed at a specific police officer, peace officer or a person who they know or reasonably should know is a member of such officer's immediate family, and knows or reasonably should know that such conduct is likely to cause reasonable fear of material harm to the physical health, safety or property of such officer or member of such officer's immediate family; makes stalking a police officer or peace officer a class E felony; requires the posting of bail; makes related provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3383) amends New York State's existing firearm licensing rules by updating eligibility requirements for individuals seeking a license to carry or possess firearms. It specifies that applicants must be at least 21 years old (with exceptions for honorably discharged veterans), have no felony or serious offense convictions, pass mental health and substance use screenings, and complete safety training (with limited exemptions). The changes apply directly to anyone applying for or renewing a firearm license in New York, modifying provisions in the penal law related to background checks, residency, and documentation. The bill focuses on procedural updates to licensing standards rather than introducing new restrictions.

Maddy summaryS 241 excludes costs for school resource officers (SROs) employed by a municipality but assigned to a school district from tax levy limits that restrict annual tax increases. This means school districts can cover these security personnel expenses without triggering the usual requirement for voter approval to raise taxes above the limit. The exemption applies only when the district complies with specific requirements under real property tax law. The bill directly affects school districts and municipalities managing school security funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3131) requires that Medicaid optional benefits for adults over 21 years old must not exceed the minimum health insurance benefit levels required for private health plans under state law. It directly affects adult Medicaid beneficiaries receiving optional services (like dental or vision care), excluding long-term care. The key mechanism sets a cap on these benefits to align them with private insurance minimums, aiming to reduce state Medicaid costs. Implementation requires federal approval for plan changes and gives the health commissioner authority to create necessary regulations.

Creates a service learning program for students serving as active volunteer firefighters or volunteer ambulance workers; mandates certain features of such program.

Requires mandatory screening for alcohol or substance abuse and dependency when a person operates a motor vehicle while impaired by the combined influence of drugs or of alcohol and any drug or drugs.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates tax-deferred savings accounts for eligible small businesses in New York, allowing them to deposit up to $5,000 annually. Funds must be used for qualifying business expenses like equipment, building improvements, or job creation; withdrawals for non-qualifying purposes become taxable income. The state requires annual reports tracking account usage, deposits, and spending to assess the program's impact. It amends tax law to define these accounts and mandates reporting by the Department of Taxation and Finance.

Directs the department of health to establish a right to preventative maintenance of wheelchairs program, after consultation with certain other offices, under which owners of manual and powered wheelchairs shall be entitled to reimbursement of certain preventative maintenance costs for such wheelchairs.