Sen. April Baskin

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 7817) allows Janice Middlebrooks, widow of William James Middlebrooks, to file a retirement election form on behalf of her deceased husband for the New York state retirement system. It authorizes her to request this on or before December 31, 2025, and deems his disability retirement effective as of November 1, 2004. All retirement benefits under this bill will be paid to Janice in addition to any other death benefits she may receive. The bill is specific to this individual case and does not create new general policy.

Relates to the statute of limitations for certain deed theft actions; revives such actions otherwise barred by the existing statute of limitations and states who may bring such actions; grants trial preference to such actions; directs the chief administrator of the courts to promulgate rules for the timely adjudication of certain revived actions.

Requires the director of the division of minority and women's business development in the department of economic development to give additional time for a business enterprise to cure defects in its application for certification or correct defects when a certification is denied, revoked, or changed.

Maddy summaryThis bill names a specific bridge on Route 5 in Buffalo (spanning from Fuhrmann Boulevard to Church Street/Delaware Avenue) as the "Fallen Skywalkers Memorial Bridge." It requires the state transportation commissioner to install ceremonial signage for the bridge but explicitly states the official highway name will not change. The bill has no policy substance beyond this naming designation and is purely commemorative. It passed the Senate on June 11, 2025, and was referred to the Assembly for further consideration.

Provides that beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year, certain graduate students shall be required to pay 25% of all current and future mandatory university fees; provides that in the 2027-2028 academic year and thereafter, no mandatory university fees shall be charged to certain graduate students and adjunct staff, with the exclusion of the graduate student association student activity fee.

Repeals the provision of law that volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers who receive a real property tax exemption for service may not receive the income tax credit for such service.

Extends the reporting deadline of the advisory panel on employee-owned enterprises from June 30, 2026 to June 30, 2027; extends for one year the advisory panel on employee-owned enterprises which is tasked with reporting and making recommendations on how best to support such businesses and promote the formation and growth of new employee-owned enterprises in New York state.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the pilot residential parking permit program in Buffalo, New York, allowing residents to apply for permits that let them park in designated residential zones without paying street parking fees. The change updates the expiration date of the program from December 31, 2026, to December 31, 2031, ensuring the initiative continues for an additional five years. Directly affected residents are those living in the city who currently participate in or wish to participate in the permit system. The legislation makes no changes to the program's rules or eligibility requirements, only extending its authorized timeframe. This adjustment gives the city more time to evaluate the program's impact before deciding whether to make it permanent or modify it.

Enacts "Francesco's law" which establishes violations for the failure to safely store rifles, shotguns, and firearms in the presence of a minor or a prohibited person; requires the office of gun violence prevention to collect and analyze statistical and other information and data with respect to injuries or deaths of minors resulting from failure to safely store a firearm, rifle, or shotgun.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 9181) extends a specific rule allowing Erie County to sell its bonds privately. It permits the county to market serial bonds or notes issued before June 30, 2026, without being restricted by usual limits on private bond sales, provided the state comptroller approves the sale terms. The change directly affects Erie County's ability to finance projects through these bond sales. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.