Sen. Leroy Comrie

Maddy summaryThis bill dedicates a specific segment of State Route 28 in Herkimer village (from Canal Access Road to State Route 5) to "War Dogs" as a ceremonial honor. The bill requires transportation officials to install signage stating "Bridge Dedicated to War Dogs" along this highway segment. Crucially, it clarifies this is purely symbolic - no official highway name change occurs, and the dedication won't disrupt traffic or commerce. The measure takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes allowing New York state residents to deduct up to $5,000 of their annual student loan payments from their state taxable income. It applies to individuals who have taken out loans for their own education or for their spouse and dependents, covering payments made directly, by an employer, or through payroll deductions. The tax benefit would begin for tax years starting on or after January 1, 2028, and includes payments toward certain 529 college savings plans. Currently, the legislation is under review by the state's Budget and Revenue Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates specific segments of state and county highways across multiple counties as the "Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway." It details a continuous route from Auburn through Geneva, Buffalo, and Niagara Falls, including portions of routes 5, 20, 38, 14, 31, 78, and others. The bill requires transportation officials to install ceremonial signage identifying the byway but explicitly states this is non-binding - official highway names remain unchanged. The dedication is purely symbolic, with no alteration to road designations or traffic operations.

Delays the zero-emission school bus mandate for a period of five years; requires school districts to only purchase or lease zero-emission school buses by 2032 and requires school districts to only operate and maintain zero-emission school buses by 2040.

Establishes participation in assigned risk plans for voluntary foster care agencies (Part A); requires the office of children and family services to establish standards of payment for liability insurance costs beginning July 1, 2028 for the 2027-2028 rate year that ensures the maximum state aid rate accurately reflect the year over year increased costs for voluntary foster care agencies; directs such office to establish an application process (Part B); establishes the voluntary foster care agency insurance bridge fund; establishes a process for the distribution of moneys in such fund; sets eligibility requirements; requires certain supporting documentation (Part C).

Maddy summaryThis bill allows graduates of accredited master of social work (MSW) programs to perform supervised social work while completing their licensing process. Specifically, it authorizes these graduates to engage in supervised practice after applying for and paying fees for both licensing and a limited permit, but only for up to 90 days after graduation. The provision ensures MSW graduates can gain practical experience under supervision while meeting state licensing requirements, without extending beyond the 90-day period. It directly affects new MSW graduates seeking entry-level positions in social work.

Establishes uniform definitions, standardized procedures, and uniform applications or forms, for determining a medical emergency, life-support equipment and designation of elderly, blind and disabled customers protected from termination of utility services.

Maddy summaryS 8902 amends New York's social services law to ensure that medical assistance recipients (such as Medicaid beneficiaries) cannot access school-based health center services through managed care programs until at least April 1, 2026. The bill adds a specific provision requiring these services to be provided outside of managed care arrangements during that period. This directly affects medical assistance recipients who use school-based health centers and the managed care organizations that coordinate their care. The law takes effect immediately, but the amendment expires when the underlying section of the law is repealed.

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

Prohibits the use of electronic shelving labels, digital shelf display technology, and surveillance pricing in food retail establishments and drug retail establishments; provides injunctive relief and civil penalties.