Asm. Nader Sayegh

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Governor Kathy Hochul to officially recognize April 17, 2026, as Syrian-American Heritage Day throughout New York State. The resolution highlights the historical contributions of Syrian-Americans to the state's culture and economy while coinciding with the 80th anniversary of Syria's independence. By adopting this measure, the legislature formally acknowledges the community's enduring impact on New York's diversity and prosperity. The primary effect is a ceremonial proclamation that celebrates Syrian-American traditions and achievements within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York State to hold separate interscholastic athletic championships for public and non-public high schools. It mandates that the state athletic associations organize distinct competitions for each group and prohibits public and non-public schools from competing against each other before these state championships take place. The law applies to all high school interscholastic athletic associations and takes effect on July 1 following its passage.

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.

Establishes a state seal of artistic achievement to recognize high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in music, dance, theater, visual arts or media arts.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New York's Council on the Arts to officially designate "Little Yemen" as a cultural district within the city of New York. It specifically defines the district's boundaries - bounded by White Plains Road (west), Bronxdale Avenue (east and north), and Van Nest Avenue (south) - and empowers the Council to provide grants, technical assistance, or other support to cultural institutions in this area. The designation aims to promote regions with identifiable cultural heritage, like Little Yemen, by connecting them to state resources. This policy change directly affects cultural organizations and community initiatives within the designated neighborhood.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York's environmental and health departments to establish new, stricter standards for lead in air, soil, and on surfaces like floors and window sills within 180 days. It directly affects all New Yorkers, especially children, by mandating that these standards protect against lead exposure from dust and contaminated surfaces - such as lead paint chips - that can cause health harm. The law specifies that the new standards must be at least as strict as current federal guidelines (40 CFR Part 745 as of January 13, 2025) and target blood lead levels fully protective of children's health. The bill expires one year after enactment unless extended, with immediate rule changes allowed for implementation.

Designates campuses which are operated by the state university of New York with at least sixteen thousand enrolled students and an on campus dormitory as early voting sites and polling sites; provides that such designation requirements shall not apply where an early voting site or polling site is already designated within one mile of the geographic boundaries of such campus.

Relates to prohibiting the exclusion of coverage for losses or damages caused by exposure to lead-based paint; provides that no insurer licensed or permitted by the superintendent to provide liability coverage to rental property owners shall exclude coverage for losses or damages caused by exposure to lead-based paint.

Enacts the "beauty justice act"; provides for the regulation of ingredients in personal care products and cosmetics; prohibits the sale of personal care products and cosmetic products containing certain restricted products.