Sen. George Borrello

Maddy summaryThis bill requires solar and wind energy project developers to provide financial bonds before receiving permits, ensuring funds are available for land reclamation after projects end. The bonds, based on estimated reclamation costs, must name the state as beneficiary and remain in effect until land restoration is approved. Developers who fail to maintain bonds risk permit suspension, and the state can use the bond funds or pursue legal action to cover reclamation costs. Government entities (like municipalities and federal agencies) are exempt from this requirement.

Increases penalties for traffic violations related to the failure to properly operate a motor vehicle when approaching a parked, stopped or standing authorized emergency vehicle, hazard vehicle, vehicle displaying a blue or green light or certain other motor vehicles; increases penalties for multiple violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1433) allows Cattaraugus County to stop using specific reforested lands (about 64 acres in Perrysburg) as parklands and lease them for up to 30 years. The lease must support oil/gas exploration, watershed protection, timber production, and recreation, with revenues funding county park improvements or new park acquisitions. If the land is no longer used for these purposes, it reverts to the county. The bill also requires that any federal funding conditions for the land be met before leasing, and public access to facilities must remain available.

Maddy summaryS 1302 provides state aid to the town of Ashford in Cattaraugus County for lost property tax revenue when the state acquires land previously subject to local taxes. The bill amends state law to require the state to pay the town an amount equal to taxes that would have been levied on the land before transfer, based on the 1980 assessment roll (adjusted for changes), with the first payment due for 2024 assessments. This compensation mechanism directly affects Ashford’s finances due to specific land transfers to the state in the town. The bill creates a formal payment process but does not change broader tax policies or affect other municipalities.

Increases the enhanced STAR property tax deduction for tax for final assessment rolls to be completed after two thousand twenty-six; provides a total exemption from school taxes for certain persons eighty years of age and older.

Authorizes the county of Cattaraugus assessor to accept an application for a real property tax exemption from Olean Community Theatre, Inc. for all of the 2021-2022 school taxes and all of the 2022 general taxes.

Requires at least two photo speed violation monitoring systems in highway construction or maintenance work areas located on a controlled-access highway or on the thruway.

Establishes the commission on reopening the Indian Point energy center; relates to definitions of certain terms relating to renewable energy; repeals provisions relating to electric generating facilities; directs the New York state energy research and development authority to conduct a feasibility study on nuclear small modular reactors.

Requires detailed fiscal impact notes on certain legislation stating the estimated annual cost to the political subdivision affected and the source of such estimate; provides that bills will be invalidated if the funding source is not provided or the fiscal impact results in an annual net additional cost in excess of $10,000.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the town of Pavilion (Genesee County) to share and hold its justice court operations in Covington (Wyoming County) under a joint agreement between the two towns. It allows Pavilion residents to access justice court services in Covington without needing to travel to Pavilion, while Covington provides the facility for this shared use. The agreement, adopted by both towns, takes effect immediately upon passage.