Sen. George Borrello

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor of New York to officially designate June 2024 as Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month. The resolution highlights the significant impact of the disease, noting that over 427,000 New Yorkers are affected and that it kills more people than breast and prostate cancer combined. By directing the Governor to proclaim this month, the legislature aims to increase public awareness and encourage further action against the disease. The text includes statistics on the rising number of cases, the high cost of care, and the challenges faced by caregivers and communities of color.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Franklin Square & Munson Fire Department, honoring its century of service to the community. The bill formally recognizes the department's history, which began in 1907 with volunteer horse-drawn units and evolved into a modern force serving approximately 30,000 residents. It acknowledges the department's growth from a single company to a multi-unit organization that responds to over 1,000 annual calls for fire and medical emergencies. The resolution expresses gratitude for the firefighters' dedication and directs a copy of the document to the department members.

Provides that the thruway authority shall issue permits for ambulances and fire vehicles exempting such vehicles from paying tolls on the thruway when engaged in an emergency operation.

Allows for reimbursement of transportation costs for emergency care without prior authorization by the social services official including emergency medical transportation by an ambulance service certified under article 30 of the public health law; authorizes the commissioner of health to establish a reimbursement methodology to ensure providers are reimbursed.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as "Nick's law," increases the penalties for drivers who leave the scene of an accident that results in a death. Under the new provisions, such an offense is elevated to a Class B felony, which carries a fine between thirty thousand and fifty thousand dollars, in addition to any other applicable penalties. The legislation also modifies how courts handle cases involving adolescent offenders charged with this specific crime, requiring stricter criteria for transferring these cases to family court compared to other serious felonies. By raising the severity of the punishment and adjusting juvenile court procedures, the bill aims to address the consequences of fatal hit-and-run incidents more directly.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows schools to use portable suction devices designed to clear airways during choking emergencies. It requires schools that have these devices to create policies for their use and to train designated staff, such as nurses and employees, on airway management. The legislation also permits schools to seek reimbursement for training costs and provides legal protection for volunteers who use the devices to help students.

Enacts the "homebuyer renovation property tax exemption act" to grant an exemption of up to fifteen thousand dollars from taxation levied by or on behalf of any county, city, town, village or school district in which such residential property is located for a period of five years from the date of purchase of the property; defines "primary residential property".

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new retirement benefit for New York State public employees who have volunteered as firefighters or in emergency services. Under the law, eligible workers can earn one year of retirement credit for every five years of volunteer service, up to a maximum of three years total. To receive this credit, employees must apply before retiring and pay a fee based on their recent earnings, while the state and their employers cover the remaining costs. The legislation also ensures that any money paid for this credit is refunded with interest if the employee dies before retiring and does not benefit from the additional service time.

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.

Relates to environmental quality reviews of housing development projects that propose to build twenty or more units; provides that municipalities shall not be prohibited from performing their own environmental reviews.