Sen. George Borrello

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for aggravated cruelty to animals when committed during a domestic violence incident. It raises the maximum prison sentence from two years to four years for offenders who harm animals during domestic violence, including the period of tension before or stress after the violence. The law directly affects individuals convicted of animal cruelty who also commit domestic violence, as defined by state law. The change applies to specific acts of animal cruelty committed in the context of domestic violence, not general animal cruelty cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the New York State Commission on Regulatory Efficiency to examine state regulations and identify unnecessary or wasteful rules. The commission, made up of eight members appointed by legislative leaders (two from each chamber's majority and minority), will analyze regulations and issue annual reports with reform recommendations to the governor and legislature. It directly affects state regulatory processes by requiring a formal review of existing rules to streamline government operations. The commission must submit its first report within one year of appointment, with ongoing annual updates. This is a procedural measure focused on regulatory review, not direct policy changes for citizens or businesses.

Requires a government photo identification card to be presented when casting a ballot; provides for a method to receive a government photo identification card at no charge; provides that notaries are not permitted to collect a fee for collecting the documents required.

Authorizes lifetime sporting licenses, which includes hunting and fishing licenses and turkey permits, to be purchased by permanently disabled veterans at a discounted rate of sixty-five dollars.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits state agencies from requiring or administering COVID-19 vaccines without specific legislative authorization. It directly affects students, workers, residents of group homes, and adults unable to make health decisions by banning mandatory vaccination in schools, workplaces, travel, public services, and group living facilities. Key provisions require parental consent for minors, guardian consent for incapacitated adults, and ban all evidence-of-vaccination requirements unless mandated by law. The bill also mandates healthcare providers to disclose vaccine ingredients and side effects before administration.

Directs the division of military and naval affairs to establish policies relating to security and protection of New York national guard and air national guard recruiting centers.

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 summaryThis bill changes the penalty for first-degree rape from a class B felony to a more serious class A-II felony under New York's penal law. It does not alter the definition of the crime itself, which remains based on factors like forcible compulsion, victim incapacity, or age. The change directly affects individuals convicted of first-degree rape, resulting in a higher potential prison sentence. The bill's sole modification is the reclassification of the felony level, with no other provisions or changes to the offense.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows workers to file or reopen workers' compensation claims for disability caused by a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis if those claims were previously denied or missed filing deadlines due to time limits. It permits claims to be filed within one year of the law's effective date and requires the workers' compensation board to reconsider and re-determine previously denied claims for COVID-19 disability. The law takes effect immediately but expires after two years. It directly affects workers who missed filing windows or had claims rejected under prior time-related rules.

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.