Sen. Rob Ortt

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a "YMCA member" distinctive license plate for New York residents who are YMCA members. To obtain the plate, applicants must provide proof of YMCA membership and pay a $25 annual fee in addition to standard registration costs. The $25 fee is deposited directly into the New York State YMCA Foundation Fund, which supports YMCA programs and services across the state. The bill establishes this fund in state law and outlines how the money will be managed and spent, with no impact on existing license plate fees or state budgets.

Requires the regents to promulgate rules to allow and encourage the reading and posting in public schools excerpts of the writings and documents regarding American heritage.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 3144, expands the required service area for accessible paratransit transportation. It mandates that accessible buses be available within a service area measuring three miles from any bus line operated by a transportation authority or its subsidiaries. This provision applies to both existing requirements for a percentage of accessible buses and the mandate for 100% accessible fixed-route buses, aiming to ensure broader geographical access for transportation-disabled persons, including those in wheelchairs.

Adopts the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact (Part A); adopts the Interstate Occupational Therapy Compact (Part B); adopts the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (Part C).

Establishes the community college merit and mobility scholarship for the purpose of granting merit based scholarships to students who attend a New York state community college; provides for eligibility and awards.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New York as a participating state in the Interstate Nurse Licensure Compact (Part A) and the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Compact (Part B). It creates "multistate licenses" that allow registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs) licensed in New York to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses, while maintaining accountability under the state where the patient is located. Key provisions include uniform licensing requirements, mutual recognition of licenses across states, and processes for sharing disciplinary information between states. The compact aims to reduce licensing barriers for nurses working across state lines while ensuring consistent public safety standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3226) expedites firearm permit processing for active-duty military members who hold valid permits from other U.S. states. It requires New York licensing officers to act on such applications within 60 days (instead of the standard 6 months) and allows military members to carry firearms in New York for up to 90 days while their permit is being processed. To comply, applicants must submit proof of their out-of-state permit and military ID, and must present both to law enforcement upon request. The bill directly affects active military personnel with valid permits from other states, streamlining their ability to legally carry firearms in New York during the application period.

Prohibits certain student organizations which participate in discrimination or intolerance from receiving funding from SUNY, CUNY or community colleges.

Limits the tenure of the temporary president of the senate, speaker of the assembly, majority leader of the senate, minority leader of the senate, majority leader of the assembly and minority leader of the assembly to 8 years; limits the tenure of the chair of any single legislative committee to 8 consecutive years.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires credit card companies, debit card providers, and payment processors to allow customers to use their services for purchasing firearms and ammunition. It directly affects financial institutions and payment processors operating in the state, mandating they enable these transactions without blocking them. The key provision adds a new section to the General Business Law, defining terms like "credit card" and "processor" while requiring all such services to support firearm and ammunition purchases. The law takes effect 30 days after enactment.