Sen. Jeremy Cooney

Maddy summaryThis bill designates September 25 of each year as "9 to 5 Day" in New York State, a commemorative day honoring the country music artist Dolly Parton. The legislation amends the state executive law to add this specific date to the existing list of official days of remembrance and recognition. By including this new entry, the bill formally acknowledges the cultural impact of Dolly Parton through an annual state-level observance.

Enacts the "fostering optimal classroom use of screens (FOCUS) act" to limit use of internet enabled and electronic devices and prioritize non-digital teaching methods; prohibits use by younger students; limits and restricts certain uses by older students; requires written policies for opting in for the school issued devices; prohibits social media applications, gaming and AI in school issued devices; requires registration by educational technology providers.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific stretch of State Route 941-A in Greece, Monroe County, known as Latta Road, as the Donald Roy McAnn Memorial Highway. The legislation requires the state to install signs identifying the road with this dedication while explicitly stating that the official street name will not change to prevent confusion. This change is purely ceremonial and affects only the signage along this portion of the highway in the town of Greece.

Establishes a presumption that certain refunds received by public utility companies and municipalities shall be passed on to ratepayers through bill credits, direct refunds, reductions in future rates, or other methods that provide a direct and equitable benefit to affected ratepayers.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals specific sections of the state tax law that currently limit how businesses can deduct expenses. By removing these restrictions, the legislation aims to align the state's tax code with federal rules regarding business expensing. The changes apply directly to businesses operating within the state and take effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes allowing New York state residents to deduct up to $5,000 of their annual student loan payments from their state taxable income. It applies to individuals who have taken out loans for their own education or for their spouse and dependents, covering payments made directly, by an employer, or through payroll deductions. The tax benefit would begin for tax years starting on or after January 1, 2028, and includes payments toward certain 529 college savings plans. Currently, the legislation is under review by the state's Budget and Revenue Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows businesses licensed to sell alcohol for on-site consumption to stay open later than usual during a specific summer period from June 11 to July 20, 2026. Normally, these establishments must close early on Sundays and other days, but this legislation temporarily overrides those limits for the designated dates. The change applies statewide, though counties that previously enforced stricter closing times can still maintain their rules unless they choose to adopt the new extended hours. Additionally, the law permits these businesses to serve alcohol up to 30 minutes after the official start of the prohibited sale hours.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits drivers of buses, taxis, and livery vehicles from using hands-free mobile phones while their vehicles are in motion. The law allows for specific exceptions, such as when the phone is used for dispatch purposes or when the vehicle is parked away from a public highway. It also maintains existing exemptions for emergency communications and official duties performed by first responders. The changes will take effect sixty days after the bill becomes law.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes it illegal for drivers of cars, motorcycles, or bicycles to wear virtual reality headsets while operating their vehicles on public roads. The law also maintains an existing rule that prohibits drivers from wearing more than one earphone connected to audio devices like radios or tape players. By adding virtual reality headsets to the list of restricted items, the legislation aims to prevent distractions that could compromise driving safety. The changes will take effect sixty days after the bill is officially signed into law.

Requires that the department of transportation and every municipality, locality and public authority shall not spread road salt at a rate higher than three hundred pounds per lane mile on average during each snow and ice management season.