Sen. George Borrello

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally commends the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., for its Annual Delta Day event held at the New York State Capitol on May 19, 2026. The document recognizes the sorority's long history of community service, political advocacy, and leadership within New York State and the nation. It highlights the organization's five-point programmatic thrust focused on economic, educational, health, and political development to improve communities. The resolution serves as an official acknowledgment of the sorority's contributions rather than establishing new laws or funding. A copy of this commendation will be sent to the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, a nonprofit organization founded in 1977 to support African American lawmakers. The bill formally recognizes the group's role in advocating for equity and providing resources to over 700 state legislators representing more than 50 million people. It directs the legislative body to pause its proceedings to honor the organization's contributions and mandates that a copy of the resolution be sent to the caucus. As a procedural measure, the bill does not alter laws or policies but serves to acknowledge the milestone and the organization's impact on public service.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the towns of Ellington and Charlotte in Chautauqua County to replace their current town justices with one single justice who will serve both communities. Following a required study and public hearing, the elected official will begin their one-year term after the next general election. The law takes effect immediately to streamline local court operations in these two towns.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor of New York to officially recognize May 2025 as Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. The resolution highlights the impact of cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease affecting thousands of New Yorkers, and notes the importance of public awareness and early diagnosis. It does not change laws or allocate funds but serves to bring attention to the condition and support for those affected.

Requires the state comptroller to procure the services of one or more independent private professional services firms with expertise in accounting, auditing, and fraud detection to conduct a comprehensive audit of state government programs receiving state funds; requires the auditing firm to report fraud, abuse or other unlawful conduct to appropriate law enforcement agencies; requires the audit to be made publicly available.

Phases out certain reimbursements for expenditures made by or on behalf of social services districts for medical assistance for needy persons, beginning with a 10% reduction for 2025, and ending with a 100% reduction for 2034, and remaining eliminated for each year thereafter.

Maddy summaryS 8463 provides a one-year exemption from utility taxes and specific surcharges for all residential and commercial utility customers, effective 14 days after enactment. It also creates a two-year exemption from tariffs for renewable energy systems, electric vehicle infrastructure, and charging stations. During these periods, utility companies must reduce customer prices by the exact amount of the exempted taxes and surcharges. The state will reimburse lost revenue to utility funds within 45 days after the one-year period ends. This bill directly affects all utility ratepayers and impacts how utilities price services for renewable energy investments.

Enacts "Bryan Johnson's law"; includes prior convictions of operation of a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs as prior convictions of driving while intoxicated.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates how New York state calculates payment rates for residential health care facilities (like nursing homes) that provide long-term care. It requires the state to adjust rates annually based on current operating costs, with mandatory updates by April 2026 and every five years after, using the most recent cost data. Certain specialized facilities (such as those for children, ventilator-dependent patients, or behavioral health) retain historical rates adjusted for inflation, while others transition to the new cost-based system over a minimum four-year period. The bill also mandates a workgroup of experts to advise on rate-setting methodology and includes provisions for quality improvement funding.

Maddy summaryS 703 amends New York's animal cruelty law by removing the requirement that injury must be "serious" to qualify as aggravated cruelty. This change means prosecutors no longer need to prove severe physical harm to charge someone with aggravated cruelty to animals. The bill defines "aggravated cruelty" as conduct intentionally causing extreme pain or carried out in a depraved or sadistic manner, applying to companion animals. The law directly affects individuals accused of animal cruelty, broadening the scope of what constitutes a punishable offense under this specific charge.