Sen. George Borrello

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the uniformed court officers in the town of Busti (Chautauqua County) as peace officers under New York law. It formally grants them specific legal authority as peace officers while clarifying they cannot carry firearms without a separate license under penal law. The change takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Adds xylazine to the depressants designated as controlled substances with the exception of use in cattle or other nonhuman species if approved by the federal food and drug administration.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1417) strengthens New York's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) by making failure to comply with public record requests a criminal offense. It requires state agencies to respond to written FOIL requests within 5 business days, grant or deny requests within 30 days, and provide records within 90 days - adding specific deadlines and certification requirements for agency heads and the governor if delays occur. The law directly affects all state agencies, their leaders (like commissioners or directors), and the governor’s office when requests are not handled on time. Key provisions include mandatory written reviews by agency heads, public posting of delay certifications, and criminal penalties for willful non-compliance.

Establishes a municipal senior center capital support program in the office for the aging to assist municipalities in accessing capital funds necessary for the purchase of senior buses; directs the director of the office for the aging to develop an application and establish criteria for the disbursement of grants to eligible municipalities for the purpose of procuring senior buses; makes an appropriation.

Maddy summaryThis bill defines "mobility dealer" as a business displaying or advertising more than five mobility vehicles annually or three at once, and requires registration for such dealers. It specifically covers devices that adapt vehicles for aging or disabled drivers (like hand controls or lifts), excluding courts, family sales, and financial institutions. Registration requires a surety bond ($20k-$100k based on sales volume), though existing new vehicle dealers can operate as mobility dealers without separate registration. The law directly affects businesses selling mobility equipment, clarifying regulatory requirements for this niche market.

Facilitates compliance with the sex offender registry for offenders without a registerable residence; defines "homeless sex offender" and "sex offender registration officer"; makes related provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4461) changes how police handle arrests and releases for certain offenses. It replaces old rules allowing officers to issue "appearance tickets" instead of making arrests with new criteria, specifying 11 situations where an arrest is required (e.g., hate crimes, family violence, or outstanding warrants). It also creates standardized pre-arraignment bail amounts for release before court - up to $750 for class E felonies, $500 for misdemeanors - and allows credit card payments for traffic cases. These changes directly affect police officers, people charged with crimes, and court procedures in New York. The bill does not alter sentencing or penalties but modifies early-stage law enforcement and court processes.

Provides that when a court of appeals judge recuses themselves from sitting in or taking part in the decision, action, claim, matter, motion or proceeding, a replacement shall be chosen on a rotating basis, based on seniority, of the next available appellate division judge.

Authorizes the abatement of real property taxes in certain cases of catastrophic loss; establishes procedures therefor; limits eligibility to one, two, or three family houses; applies to all municipal and school taxes.

Requires such apprenticeship program is specific to the type and scope of work which is being performed and have a graduation rate of at least thirty percent as determined by the department of labor; makes technical corrections.