Sen. Patrick Gallivan

Establishes a rental assistance loan-to-grant program to assist landlords of small rental properties who have lost rental income due to the inability of the landlords' tenants to pay rent during the COVID-19 state disaster emergency; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 224) amends New York's penal law to upgrade the felony classifications for unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle (from E to D felony for third degree, D to C for second degree, and C for first degree). It also adds these specific fleeing offenses to the list of crimes subject to bail eligibility determinations under criminal procedure law. Under the changes, courts must evaluate whether a defendant charged with such fleeing offenses (third, second, or first degree) should be released on bail or held, considering factors like "harm to an identifiable person or property" as outlined in sections 510.10, 530.20, and 530.40. This affects individuals charged with these fleeing offenses during bail hearings.

Provides a real property tax exemption for property owned by active duty service members of the armed forces of the United States in taxing jurisdictions which elect to provide a veterans exemption.

Requires the commissioner of education to establish and enforce rules and regulations to incorporate at least a three credit course devoted to the instructional techniques necessary for effective literacy instruction which shall include delivering structured, systematic, explicit, evidence-based instruction aligned with the science of reading for prospective teachers.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 7298) updates the legal definition of "all terrain vehicle" (ATV) in New York's Vehicle and Traffic Law. It increases the maximum allowable width from 70 inches to 80 inches and the dry weight limit from 1,000 pounds to 2,000 pounds for vehicles classified as ATVs. The change specifically applies to self-propelled vehicles designed for off-highway use, excluding snowmobiles (which are defined separately). This policy adjustment directly affects ATV manufacturers and owners by permitting larger vehicle models under the law.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows school districts in western New York to tax certain state-owned land used for correctional facilities, specifically targeting properties in the Alden and Gowanda central school districts (Erie County). It amends tax law to include the land (excluding state-built improvements) of these facilities in the school tax base. The change directly affects those two school districts by potentially increasing their local tax revenue from state-owned properties. The bill requires no further action beyond the tax law amendment and takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit for New York employers who hire eligible young workers. It directly affects businesses in New York that employ students aged 16-19 who work at or near the state minimum wage (up to 50 cents above) during their student years. The credit equals $1.35 per hour worked by qualifying employees during 2025-2028, calculated as total hours multiplied by that rate. The credit amount adjusts if federal minimum wage rises above 85% of New York’s minimum wage.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates new criminal offenses for drivers who enter active construction zones where workers are present. It establishes two levels of vehicular assault (causing serious injury) and two levels of vehicular manslaughter (causing death), with penalties ranging from class E felony to class B felony based on whether the violation was negligent or reckless. A separate misdemeanor charge applies to any driver, cyclist, or pedestrian entering an active work zone without authorization, punishable by fines up to $500 or up to three months in jail. The law defines an "active work zone" as any area with proper signage, cones, or traffic controls where workers are physically present.

Maddy summaryBill S 147 mandates changes to the disclosure of law enforcement disciplinary records. It requires law enforcement agencies to redact "unsubstantiated" complaints (where evidence is insufficient to determine misconduct) and "unfounded" complaints (where credible evidence shows no misconduct occurred). These redactions apply to records concerning police officers, peace officers, firefighters, and firefighter/paramedics. This bill changes the previous "may redact" option to a "shall redact" requirement for these types of complaints and technical infractions before public disclosure.

Maddy summaryBill S 3474 enhances New York's Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) program, commonly known as Kendra's Law, by strengthening oversight and eliminating its scheduled expiration to ensure the program continues without interruption. The bill adds specific requirements for program coordinators to monitor treatment compliance, coordinate services with community providers, and review clinical needs before court orders expire, while mandating community service directors to conduct timely investigations and document processes. It also requires the state to create an educational pamphlet explaining the AOT petition process in plain language for the public. This bill directly affects individuals under court-ordered AOT, mental health program staff, and the public seeking information about the program.