Sen. James Sanders

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor to officially recognize May 1, 2026, as May Day in New York State. The resolution honors the history of workers' rights and acknowledges the contributions of all employees, including those in unions and the public sector. By adopting this measure, the Legislature formally requests the Governor to issue a proclamation for the date. The action is ceremonial and does not create new laws or change existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally congratulates Madeline Wilson of Brooklyn, New York, on her 100th birthday. The measure recognizes her as a centenarian who has contributed to her community and family through a long life of service and dedication. Upon adoption, the resolution directs that a copy of the document be sent to Ms. Wilson as an official acknowledgment from the legislative body.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates May 2026 as Black Heritage Month and May 31, 2026, as National Black Heritage Day in Panama. The measure honors the cultural and historical contributions of Afro-Panamanian communities, including their music, art, and role in shaping the nation's identity. It specifically calls on New Yorkers to recognize and celebrate the legacy of African and Antillean descendants in Panama. A copy of the resolution will be sent to the Panamanian-American community in New York State.

Enacts the "Renewable Capitol act"; requires the office of general services, in consultation with the power authority of the state of New York, to ensure that all operations that power, heat or cool the empire state plaza complex shall entirely use renewable energy systems; requires the office of general services to establish an advisory committee to advise the office of general services on the preparation, design and content of a plan for the use of renewable energy systems.

Establishes the "clean fuel standard of 2026"; provides such standard is intended to reduce greenhouse gas intensity from the on-road transportation sector, with further reductions to be implemented based upon advances in technology.

Establishes the "tenant opportunity to purchase act"; prevents the displacement of middle and lower-income tenants in New York; preserves affordable housing by providing an opportunity for tenants to own or remain renters in the properties in which they reside.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the laws governing wrongful death lawsuits in the state to clarify which types of financial compensation families can receive when a loved one dies due to someone else's actions. It explicitly allows juries to award damages for specific losses, including funeral costs, medical bills incurred before death, emotional grief, and the loss of financial support, guidance, and companionship. The legislation also defines exactly who is eligible to receive these funds, such as spouses, domestic partners, children, and individuals who acted as parents to the deceased, while establishing a legal process to divide the money fairly among them based on their specific relationship to the decedent. Additionally, the bill adjusts the time limit for filing these lawsuits to three years generally, with a shorter deadline for cases related to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Establishes the "tenant opportunity to purchase act"; prevents the displacement of middle and lower-income tenants in New York and preserves affordable housing by providing an opportunity for tenants to own or remain renters in the properties in which they reside.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies the legal definition of "coal tar" used in pavement products under environmental law. It specifies that coal tar includes any thick, black substance derived from coal distillation containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) above 1,000 milligrams per kilogram. The change directly affects pavement manufacturers and environmental regulators by establishing a clear standard for measuring PAH levels in products, ensuring consistency with existing environmental rules. The bill does not create new restrictions but refines how coal tar is identified for regulatory enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires municipalities and local entities in the state to meet specific participation goals for minority and women-owned businesses when receiving state grant or appropriation money for goods and services. It defines municipalities to include villages, towns, cities, counties, and school districts, and extends these requirements to any entity that subcontracts with them. The law maintains the existing ability for applicants to request waivers under current executive law provisions and takes effect immediately upon passage.