Sen. George Borrello

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests Governor Hochul to officially designate April 30, 2025, as "Denim Day" in New York State. It supports an annual awareness event established to combat sexual violence and challenge victim-blaming attitudes - originating from a 1999 Italian court case where a rape victim was blamed for wearing tight jeans. The resolution highlights statistics on sexual violence affecting women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws but formally recognizes a community awareness initiative.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (J 142) asks Governor Hochul to officially designate May 11-17, 2025, as Police Week in New York State, aligning with National Police Week. It does not create new laws or policies but formally honors law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. The resolution highlights the sacrifice of over 20,000 U.S. officers since 1791 and seeks to raise public awareness about officer safety. It directly affects the Governor (as the recipient of the request) and New York residents, who would observe the designated week. The resolution is purely ceremonial and does not impose any legal requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks Governor Hochul to designate October 6-12, 2025, as Physician Assistant Week in New York, honoring the profession's role in healthcare. It has no legal effect and serves only as ceremonial recognition of Physician Assistants' contributions. The resolution cites their work in patient care, diagnosis, and treatment across medical settings but does not create new policy or funding. (Procedural resolution; no direct impact on residents or providers.)

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (S.144) requests Governor Hochul to officially designate May 19-25, 2025, as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week in New York State, aligning with National EMS Week. It honors all EMS personnel - both volunteer and career - including paramedics, EMTs, firefighters, and dispatchers who provide critical 24/7 emergency care. The resolution has no legal effect; it is a symbolic gesture recognizing their lifesaving work, which serves all New Yorkers through approximately 2.8 million annual emergency calls.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 18, "Billy's Law") amends New York's criminal procedure law to require judges to consider bail or pre-trial detention for individuals charged with specific arson felonies. It directly affects people facing charges for arson in the fourth degree (penal law §150.05) or arson in the third degree (penal law §150.10) during pre-trial proceedings. The key provision adds these arson offenses to existing categories where judges may deny release - such as for certain violent crimes or firearm charges - without requiring the defendant to prove they won't flee. Judges must still assess if the defendant poses a risk, but the bill makes arson felonies automatically subject to these detention considerations. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Extends the duration of certain brownfield redevelopment and remediation tax credits with respect to a site located within the Renaissance Commerce Park situate within the city of Lackawanna, Erie county.

Enacts the "schools impacted by gross highways (SIGH) act"; prohibits the commissioner of education from approving the plans for the erection of any new schoolhouse within five hundred feet of a controlled-access highway unless the commissioner of education determines that space limitations are so severe that there is no other site to erect such new schoolhouse, and there are adequate engineering controls to address air quality; makes related provisions.

Extends eligibility for the farm employer overtime tax credit to certain professional employer organizations that are in a contractual relationship with an eligible farm employer.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to how courts set bail for criminal defendants, specifically requiring judges to individually assess whether a person poses a current physical threat to victims, individuals, or the community. Under the new rules, judges must also evaluate the risk of flight and choose a securing order that balances the defendant's return to court with public safety, while explaining their decision in writing or on the record. The legislation directs courts to consider all available information about the defendant when making these determinations. Although the bill was reintroduced in late 2024, it was previously defeated in the Codes Committee in May 2024.

Requires the Empire State Development Corporation, in consultation with the department of agriculture and markets and the office of new Americans to conduct a study on the economic impact of the establishment of kitchen incubators; requires a report to the governor and the legislature.