Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 6582) allows the spouses of volunteer firefighters to receive a distinctive license plate featuring a Maltese cross and the letters "V.F." The plates are issued upon request to spouses of members of volunteer fire departments, with the requirement that if a firefighter already has such a plate, their spouse cannot receive one. The program requires annual verification by both the applicant and their spouse, and the plates must be applied for through the state commissioner.

Provides that any fertilized human ovum or human embryo existing outside of the uterus of a human body shall not be considered an unborn child, a minor child, a natural person, or any other term that connotes a human being for any purpose under state law.

Requires the department of education to report information regarding counselors, social workers and psychologists in schools and to implement a plan to increase the school counselor, school social worker and school psychologist to student ratio to nationally accepted standards and provide funding for such.

Defines the term "construction projects" to mean the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation or improvement of any school building where a district receives any apportionment for debt service or building aid and the school building is sited within the Long Island region; provides that each contract involving the award of a construction project shall require the use of a project labor agreement for all contractors and subcontractors on such project.

Adds xylazine to the depressants designated as controlled substances with the exception of use in cattle or other nonhuman species if approved by the federal food and drug administration.

Provides for the review of unfunded mandates; provides that the comptroller shall provide a fiscal note for unfunded mandates affecting political subdivisions; directs a continuing study.

Maddy summaryS 1781 amends New York's animal cruelty law to broaden the definition of "aggravated cruelty" to companion animals. It removes the previous requirement that an animal must be killed to qualify as aggravated cruelty, making it a crime to intentionally cause serious injury or kill a pet with extreme pain or sadistic conduct. The bill directly affects individuals who commit severe animal abuse, expanding legal consequences beyond cases resulting in death. Key provisions clarify that "aggravated cruelty" includes acts intended to cause extreme suffering or carried out in a depraved manner, regardless of whether the animal dies. This change creates a clearer legal standard for prosecuting severe animal cruelty cases.

Enacts "the combating campus antisemitism act"; prohibits the granting of tuition assistance awards to any student who has knowingly engaged in promoting antisemitism in a manner that is directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action and is likely to incite or produce such action, that constitutes "true threats"; makes related provisions.

Requires motorists to exercise care to avoid colliding with any domestic or companion animal; increases fines and penalties for causing such injury and for leaving the scene of injury to certain animals without reporting.

Extends the time period for tenancy rights from 30 days to 90 days of possession; requires the adjudication of certain recovery proceedings to occur within 30 days of the filing of the petition.