Sen. Rob Ortt

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's penal law to increase penalties for possessing or selling heroin-containing substances based on specific weight thresholds and packaging quantities. It sets new limits: for example, possessing or selling heroin preparations totaling 1.5 grams or packaged in 50+ containers triggers enhanced penalties under Section 220.16. Similar thresholds apply to other offenses (e.g., 12 grams for sales under Section 220.18), with higher limits for other contexts like methadone. The bill directly affects individuals possessing or distributing heroin-based substances that meet these quantitative thresholds, making those acts subject to stricter criminal penalties.

Maddy summaryS 3530 creates a state-funded dental insurance program for New York state resident veterans, providing comprehensive and routine dental care through the state employee dental plan. It requires veterans to have no better existing dental coverage (from public or private sources) and uses a sliding-scale copayment based on income and disability rating, with veterans rated 50% or more disabled receiving full coverage without copays. The bill appropriates $5 million from the general fund to implement the program, which will require applicants to verify veteran status, residency, income, and existing coverage, with rules for eligibility appeals and benefit recovery if fraud is detected.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the maximum age limit of 21 for supervised pistol and revolver instruction at shooting ranges in New York. It specifically amends Section 265.20 of the penal law to eliminate the "under twenty-one" restriction for individuals aged 14+ seeking supervised pistol practice, while maintaining existing requirements for supervision by certified instructors or guardians. The change directly affects people aged 14-20 who wish to receive supervised firearm training at licensed ranges or competitions. The bill does not alter firearm ownership laws but modifies eligibility for supervised instruction exemptions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4423) clarifies the types of damages survivors can recover in wrongful death cases in New York. It specifically allows recovery for funeral expenses, medical costs related to the injury causing death, emotional distress (grief/anguish), loss of financial support or inheritance, and loss of guidance or companionship. The damages would go directly to the decedent's spouse, children, parents, or others in a parental role (like a guardian), with distribution based on proven financial losses. The bill was vetoed by the governor on December 5, 2025, so it did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis is a Senate Resolution (J 1266), not a legislative bill, commemorating the passing of Charles James Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA. The resolution formally mourns Kirk's death - resulting from an assassination during a public debate at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025 - and extends condolences to his family. It acknowledges his work founding Turning Point USA (which grew to 800+ college chapters) and promoting peaceful civic engagement. As a procedural resolution, it has no policy impact and serves solely as a symbolic tribute.

Updates the South Lockport Volunteer Exempt Firemen's Benevolent Association's charter; amends the purposes of such organization and the permitted uses of certain insurance premium taxes collected.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 5446) is a ceremonial dedication of a specific highway segment in Albion, Orleans County, to Specialist Jason Johnston. It designates a portion of State Route 31-A (from Power-line Road to State Route 98) as "Highway Dedicated to Specialist Jason Johnston" for signage purposes only. The bill explicitly states this is a ceremonial act with no change to the highway's official name, and requires signage to avoid confusion with commercial traffic. It does not alter transportation policy or affect any other individuals or entities.

Changes the name of the Brockport Exempt Volunteer Firemen's Benevolent Association, Inc.; expands the use of foreign fire insurance premium taxes by such organization.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the town of Niagara to sell 0.15 acres of public parkland (described in detail) to Rajendra Sharma for home construction. It requires the town to use the sale proceeds to purchase new parkland or fund improvements to existing parks, ensuring equivalent public space is maintained. The sale is conditional on the town dedicating funds equal to the parkland's fair market value toward new recreational facilities. This is a targeted land transfer, not a broad policy change, directly affecting Niagara's parkland inventory and Sharma's property development.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the Village of Medina's existing authority to impose an occupancy tax on short-term rentals (like hotels or vacation homes) through December 31, 2027, instead of expiring in 2025. It directly affects Medina residents, businesses operating short-term rentals, and visitors staying in those properties. The key change modifies the expiration date in the existing tax law to provide continued authority for two additional years. The bill was signed into law as Chapter 314 on August 7, 2025, making the extension effective immediately.