Asm. Crystal Peoples-Stokes

Maddy summaryAssembly Resolution No. 170, adopted on March 10, 2025, requests Governor Kathy Hochul to officially proclaim March 2025 as Women's History Month in New York State. This ceremonial resolution recognizes New York's historical milestones in women's rights, including the 1848 Seneca Falls convention and the 105th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of women's contributions to the state and nation. The resolution was formally transmitted to the Governor following Assembly adoption.

Maddy summaryAssembly Resolution 160 is a commemorative resolution passed by the New York State Legislature to honor Hazel N. Dukes, a civil rights leader and former president of the New York State NAACP, who died on March 1, 2025. The resolution recognizes her 50-year career advocating for civil rights, education equity, and community leadership, including her work as a trailblazer for African American representation. It formally expresses the Legislature's condolences to her family and acknowledges her legacy as a foundational figure in the civil rights movement.

Clarifies that the department of corrections is not required to obtain and input into its electronic record-keeping applications any individual's otherwise uncollected former legal name or any alias; amends the effectiveness of certain provisions relating thereto.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a binding law) requesting Governor Hochul to officially designate February 2025 as Black History Month in New York State. It does not create new policies or affect specific groups; instead, it asks the Governor to issue a formal proclamation recognizing the month. The resolution cites historical African American contributions as context for the observance, emphasizing its role in celebrating Black history as integral to American history. The resolution was adopted by the Assembly on February 10, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) commemorating the 40th annual observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in New York State on January 20, 2025. The New York State Legislature resolves to pause its work to honor Dr. King's legacy and contributions to civil rights. It directs the transmission of a copy of the resolution to the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus. The resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on residents or state operations, as it solely serves to formally recognize the occasion.

Maddy summaryAssembly Resolution No. 6 adopts the existing Assembly Rules (last amended for the 2023-2024 term) for the 2025-2026 legislative session. This procedural resolution continues the current rules without substantive changes, directly affecting how the Assembly conducts its business. It does not alter policy or create new requirements but ensures procedural continuity for the next term. The resolution was introduced and adopted on January 8, 2025, as a routine step to maintain operational stability.

Maddy summaryThis procedural resolution (Assembly Resolution No. 7) requires the Assembly Speaker to appoint a two-person committee to notify the Governor that the Assembly is organized and ready to begin work. The committee specifically informs the Governor of Carl E. Heastie’s election as Speaker and confirms the Assembly’s readiness to proceed with business. It directly affects the Governor, who receives this formal notification. The resolution is a routine procedural step for convening the Assembly, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new legal framework for nursing home operators in New York who wish to close their facilities. It requires operators to submit a detailed closure plan at least 90 days in advance, which must include steps for notifying residents, assessing their needs, and arranging transfers to alternative care settings. The plan must be approved by state health officials before any closure actions can begin, and operators are prohibited from raising fees or accepting new residents during the transition period. Additionally, the bill mandates that local officials and community boards review the proposed closure to ensure it is not motivated by unsafe conditions and that residents' medical records are preserved and accessible.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the laws governing wrongful death lawsuits to clarify exactly what types of money can be awarded to the surviving family members of a deceased person. It explicitly allows juries or courts to grant compensation for funeral costs, medical bills incurred before death, grief, and the loss of financial support, guidance, and companionship. The legislation also defines who is eligible to receive these damages, including spouses, domestic partners, children, parents, and individuals who stood in a parent-like role to the deceased. Additionally, the bill sets specific rules for how the awarded money must be shared among eligible survivors based on their individual losses and outlines how legal fees and other expenses are handled.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows cannabis product distributors to choose between filing their annual tax returns once a year instead of four times a year. Under the proposed changes, companies that make this election would submit a single electronic report by the 20th day of January, rather than submitting quarterly reports by the 20th day of March, June, September, and December. The legislation applies specifically to businesses already subject to the cannabis tax law and would simplify their reporting schedule. Although the bill passed the Senate, it was vetoed by the Governor and ultimately did not become law.