Sen. George Borrello

Maddy summaryS 1296 establishes a cap on annual growth for state spending on day-to-day operations (excluding federal funds and capital projects). The cap equals the average of the prior three years' inflation rates (or 2%, whichever is lower). The governor must certify budget proposals don't exceed this cap, and the comptroller verifies compliance after the legislature acts. Exceptions allow exceeding the cap only during declared emergencies with a two-thirds legislative vote. This directly affects how the governor and legislature draft and approve the state budget each year.

Provides that when an appointment to an office by the governor by and with the advice and consent of the senate is communicated, in the form of a written nomination of a person for the office, the senate shall wait at least thirty days to confirm or reject such nomination from the date such written nomination was received; makes related provisions.

Maddy summaryS 480 eliminates a $10 one-time application fee for veterans' special license plates in New York. It directly affects veterans who apply for plates through veterans organizations, removing the additional charge while keeping the standard registration fee. The bill amends multiple sections of the vehicle and traffic law (including 404-h, 404-j, and 404-v) to remove the $10 fee provision. This is a concrete policy change that reduces costs for veterans obtaining these plates.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's penal law to permit licensed judges, justices, and support magistrates to carry firearms (specifically pistols or revolvers) in sensitive locations. It adds a new exception to existing law for judicial personnel who already hold valid pistol or revolver licenses under Section 400.00. The provision applies to all town, village, and unified court system judges meeting licensing requirements, without changing firearm possession rules for others.

Includes aggravated cemetery desecration in the second degree and aggravated cemetery desecration in the first degree as specified offenses for purposes of hate crimes.

Establishes the local initiatives task force on housing, in order to collaborate with local government officials, state agencies, and stakeholders to develop best practices for local governments to incentivize housing development.

Establishes a claim for strict liability against the state for any injury caused by the administration of an immunization which is mandated by a state law; gives the court of claims the power and jurisdiction to hear such a claim.

Prohibits state agencies from promulgating rules, regulations or any form of guidance requiring individuals under the age of eighteen who are not exhibiting COVID-19 related symptoms, as defined by the centers for disease control and prevention, to wear a mask or face covering in a public place or while participating in any recreational or organized sporting activity.

Gives state income tax credit to volunteer firefighters and members of a volunteer ambulance corps in good standing up to $2500; must be in good standing for a minimum of five years and maintain continued eligibility.

Maddy summaryS 583 establishes New York's "Farmland for a New Generation" program to support farmland access and transfer. It creates a statewide resource center (with American Farmland Trust) and regional navigators (through Cornell Cooperative Extension) to help new farmers find affordable land, assist existing farmers in succession planning, and aid landowners in connecting with farmers. The program also provides financial assistance for conservation easements and farm transitions. Funding for these services is allocated from state appropriations to the Department of Agriculture and Markets.