Rep. John Lemondes

Maddy summaryThis bill grants the Department of Environmental Conservation the authority to create and enforce management rules for Atlantic bonito and false albacore fisheries. The department can set regulations such as size limits, catch limits, seasonal closures, and gear restrictions, but must align these rules with existing state laws and federal fishery management plans. The authority applies to fishing activities and remains in effect until December 31, 2029. This change allows the department to better control these specific fish species through targeted conservation measures.

Maddy summaryThis bill grants peace officer status specifically to uniformed court officers employed by the town of Montgomery's local court. It directly affects those officers by legally recognizing their authority to perform peace officer duties within Montgomery's town court. The key provision amends the criminal procedure law to establish this status, while explicitly stating these officers cannot carry firearms without a separate license under penal law. This is a narrow, localized change affecting only Montgomery's town court officers, with no broader policy implications.

Enacts "Nima's law" which prohibits the retail sale of nitrous oxide; establishes civil penalties for violations; includes nitrous oxide misuse in the health care and wellness education and outreach program to expand education on the dangers of nitrous oxide misuse; prohibits the sale of whip cream chargers.

Authorizes the use of body imaging scanning equipment in certain facilities for youth and adolescent offenders placed with or committed to the office of children and family services.

Requires the court to consider a child's health and safety when making a decision regarding child custody and visitation; directs the court to review certain information as it relates to allegations of child abuse, domestic violence and child safety.

Prohibits artificial intelligence companions from using features which are considered unsafe for minors; defines terms; specifies what are considered unsafe features.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A10299) adds personal income tax filings as a new method for New York residents to register for organ, eye, and tissue donation through the Donate Life Registry. It requires tax forms subject to mandatory electronic filing to include a clear checkbox asking: "Would you like to be added to the Donate Life Registry? Check box for 'yes' or 'skip this question'." This expands existing registration options - like driver's license applications and health insurance forms - to include tax documents. The policy change directly affects all New York residents who file taxes electronically, making donation registration more accessible during routine tax submissions. The bill amends Public Health Law Section 4310 to formalize this process.

Maddy summaryThis bill ceremonially designates a specific highway route across multiple New York counties as the "Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway" for historical recognition. It defines the exact segments - spanning from Auburn through Geneva, Buffalo, and Niagara Falls - using existing state and county routes. The bill requires signage bearing the byway name but clarifies this is purely ceremonial, with no change to the roads' official names or impact on transportation operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands property tax exemptions for veterans living together in the same household. It adds up to a 7.5% exemption (capped at $6,000) for non-combat veterans sharing a home, and up to a 5% exemption (capped at $4,000) for veterans who served in combat zones. Local governments must adopt these provisions through public hearings and local ordinances to implement the additional tax breaks. The changes directly affect qualifying veterans living with other veterans and require local jurisdictions to formally approve the exemptions.

Gives state income tax credit to volunteer firefighters and members of a volunteer ambulance corps in good standing up to $2500; must be in good standing for a minimum of five years and maintain continued eligibility.