Sen. George Borrello

Returns the state's energy codes to the less expensive earlier provisions; repeals provisions of the state energy conservation construction code which relate to the state's clean energy and climate agenda.

Maddy summaryS 1474 requires all public elementary, middle, and high schools (state-controlled or state-funded) to include agriculture instruction starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The bill mandates teaching topics like food origins, farm-to-market processes, sustainability, resource conservation, rural culture, and agricultural careers. This instruction must be approved by both the Education and Agriculture departments and can integrate with science, math, history, or business courses.

Maddy summaryS 3656 exempts certain inland lakes from wetlands designations under environmental law. Specifically, it removes the requirement for wetlands classification for lakes that are used for navigation and cover at least 150 acres, excluding the Great Lakes. This change directly affects property owners and developers near qualifying lakes by eliminating wetlands-related permitting requirements for those bodies of water. The exemption applies whenever wetlands boundaries are being defined by environmental authorities.

Requires that any rules or regulations related to hydrofluorocarbon substances conform with, and shall not exceed, any applicable rules and regulations set by the United States environmental protection agency.

Includes exposing a first responder or correction officer to fentanyl, a fentanyl derivative or an opiate containing fentanyl or a fentanyl derivative in the definition of the offense of assault in the first degree.

Relates to the operation of vehicles when approaching a parked, stopped or standing authorized emergency vehicle or hazard vehicle or vehicle displaying a blue or green light; provides for mandatory revocation of a driver's license for a period of six months where a person violates section 1144-a of the vehicle and traffic law and causes serious physical injury or death to another person; directs the division of criminal justice services to establish a public information campaign to instruct the public that operating a motor vehicle when approaching a parked, stopped or standing authorized emergency vehicle or hazard vehicle or vehicle displaying a blue or green light that results in physical injury, serious physical injury or death as a result of the operator recklessly failing to exercise due care to avoid a collision can result in serious criminal penalties.

Permits those licensed to carry or possess a pistol or revolver or to purchase or take possession of a semi-automatic rifle or licensed to hunt wildlife to purchase or take possession of ammunition without requiring contacting the statewide license and record database.

Relates to the scheduling of a fact finding hearing after the issuance of a temporary order of protection in family court; provides that such hearing shall be scheduled no later than 14 days after the temporary order is issued.

Maddy summaryS 1432 requires state agencies to give preference to "existing in-state suppliers" when awarding contracts for goods or services. An in-state supplier (defined as an entity doing most business within the state) can match the lowest bid from a non-in-state supplier, provided their cost is no more than 15% higher. If the in-state supplier matches the bid, the state agency may choose to award the contract to them instead. This bill directly affects state agencies purchasing goods/services and in-state businesses seeking state contracts. It modifies the existing process for awarding state contracts to prioritize local economic impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill suspends employer contributions to the interest assessment surcharge fund until December 31, 2027. It directly affects employers who would otherwise pay these contributions. To cover related interest payments on federal unemployment advances, the bill appropriates $500 million from the Economic Uncertainties Fund. The suspension and funding are temporary, expiring on December 31, 2027.