Asm. Jenifer Rajkumar

Maddy summaryAssembly Resolution 1176 asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially designate January 2026 as Tamil Heritage Month in New York State. This resolution recognizes the contributions of the Tamil American community and highlights cultural traditions such as the Pongal harvest festival celebrated on January 14, 2026. The bill does not change laws or policies but serves as a formal acknowledgment of the state's ethnic diversity.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor of New York to officially recognize August 15, 2026, as Indian Independence Day within the state. It is a ceremonial resolution intended to honor the history of India's independence and celebrate the contributions of the Indian American community in New York. The measure does not create new laws or change any government policies; instead, it directs the transmission of the resolution to the Governor and relevant organizations for symbolic acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires used car dealers in New York to check for safety recalls on vehicles before selling them. Dealers must make a good-faith effort to identify any outstanding manufacturer or NHTSA recalls and either fix the issues themselves or arrange for repairs to satisfy the recall. It applies directly to dealers selling used vehicles at retail, with violations subject to $5,000 penalties per offense. The law aims to ensure vehicles sold to consumers meet current safety standards before purchase.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially recognize August 14, 2026, as Pakistan Independence Day within New York State. The resolution highlights the historical significance of the date and celebrates the contributions of the Pakistani community to New York's cultural diversity and economy. It does not create new laws or change government operations but serves as a formal statement of recognition and appreciation. Copies of the resolution will be sent to the Governor, the Pakistani Consul General, and local Pakistani organizations.

Enacts the "bird safe buildings act" directing the commissioner of general services to incorporate practices and strategies to reduce bird fatality resulting from collisions with certain state-owned or state-leased buildings, and for other purposes; requires the commissioner to develop a design guide that includes features, methods and strategies, and best practices for reducing bird fatalities.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state-funded program to provide health insurance coverage to New Yorkers who lose eligibility for federal subsidies due to their immigration status. It establishes a new state premium assistance program that offers financial help equivalent to federal tax credits for lawfully present individuals who are currently ineligible for federal aid. Additionally, the legislation expands eligibility for existing state coverage to include more noncitizens and increases income limits for pregnant individuals and their newborns, with some provisions funded directly by state money regardless of federal approval.

Prohibits the use of investment managers in the New York state and local police and fire retirement system; defines who qualifies as an investment manager.

Requires interest rates for debts be set to no more than one percentage point greater than the consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers per annum; removes collection fees outside of certain debts owed.

Provides representation to veterans that are at or below four hundred percent of the federal poverty guidelines for matters involving children, sustenance and real property proceedings.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York public schools to provide plant-based food options upon request by a student or their parent/guardian. Schools must offer these meat-free alternatives (defined as USDA-recognized meat substitutes) at no extra cost compared to standard meals, and include this option in all food service descriptions. The policy applies to every meal or snack the student participates in, while allowing students to choose non-plant-based options if they prefer. It does not mandate schools to offer plant-based meals to all students, only to those who specifically request them.