Sen. Rob Ortt

Directs the chief administrator of the courts to develop a plan to address court calendar congestion upon the expiration of the eviction moratorium including additional temporary space for courts, additional hours, appointing additional judges to handle pending proceedings and coordination with OTDA.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a certification program for veteran-owned businesses (requiring at least 51% veteran ownership, New York operations, and meeting size standards) and creates a "Division of Veterans' Business Development" within the Office of General Services. The division will maintain a public directory of certified businesses by service type and assist state agencies in using these businesses for contracts exceeding $25,000. It directly affects veteran entrepreneurs seeking state contracts and all state agencies issuing qualifying contracts. The law requires agencies to consider certified veteran-owned businesses when awarding eligible contracts.

Provides for payment by the state of certain traveling costs and fees associated with the psychiatric examination of defendants to determine mental fitness.

Grants free access and parking at state parks for active-duty military members and veterans upon showing an active-duty military or veteran's ID card.

Maddy summaryS 4681 would repeal Section 581-d of New York's Labor Law, which required an interest assessment surcharge. This surcharge was a fee added to interest payments under labor law enforcement, likely affecting employers or workers involved in cases involving unpaid wages or penalties. The bill eliminates this specific fee from the law, removing a financial obligation previously applied to certain interest assessments. The repeal would directly impact entities subject to labor law interest assessments where this surcharge was enforced.

Provides that the use or storage of manure may not be deemed a public nuisance under local laws restricting farming operations within an agricultural district.

Provides a corrective remedy for certain administrative errors, omissions or inaccuracies relating to membership and benefits under the retirement system.

Maddy summaryThis bill criminalizes the sale, use, or possession of synthetic drugs (like "bath salts," "spice," or "synthetic marijuana") without a valid prescription. It broadly defines "synthetic drugs" to cover multiple chemical categories - including synthetic cannabinoids, cathinones, and related compounds - plus any structural analogs. The only exception is if a licensed physician prescribed the drug and the person can provide written proof to law enforcement. Each violation is treated as a separate offense, directly affecting individuals using these products without medical authorization.

Maddy summaryS 2576 amends New York's criminal code to define "person" in homicide cases as a living, born human being. This change, named "Mya's law," specifies that only individuals who have been fully born and are alive qualify as homicide victims under the law. The bill takes immediate effect upon enactment. It directly affects how homicide charges are applied, particularly in cases involving infants or unborn individuals.

Maddy summaryBill S 1189 establishes new licensure requirements for entities providing fiscal intermediary services for personal assistance programs. Beginning April 1, 2027, these fiscal intermediaries must obtain a license from the commissioner, a process that includes an application fee and an assessment of their character, competence, and compliance. The bill also broadens the definition of fiscal intermediaries, modifies their annual reporting obligations, and creates a confidential state registry for personal assistants that these intermediaries must maintain. This legislation directly affects fiscal intermediaries, personal assistants, and consumers utilizing these services.