Sen. James Sanders

Maddy summaryThis bill amends constitutional provisions governing how the governor submits state budget bills. It requires the governor to submit separate bills for each specific purpose (not multiple purposes in one bill), with clear descriptions of each appropriation's purpose that cannot include program rules or modify existing laws. The governor must also submit any proposed non-budget legislation separately from appropriation bills. This affects the governor, legislature, and state departments during budget discussions, as departments must testify on budget items upon request. The changes aim to clarify budget structure and prevent bundling unrelated provisions.

Provides retroactivity to the original date of eligibility for the senior citizens rent increase exemption (SCRIE) and disability rent increase exemption (DRIE).

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1535) requests Governor Kathy Hochul to officially proclaim February 2026 as Black History Month in New York State. It does not create new law but asks the Governor to issue a formal state recognition. The resolution cites historical contributions of Black Americans across civil rights, culture, science, and innovation as context for the observance. The Senate adopted the resolution on February 4, 2026, sending it to the Governor for action.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a binding bill) requesting Governor Hochul to designate January 25-31, 2026, as "Physician Anesthesiologists Week" in New York. It does not create new laws or affect any specific group, but honors anesthesiologists' historical contributions to medical innovations like the Apgar Score and regional anesthesia. The resolution cites their role in advancing patient safety, pain management, and critical care. It was formally adopted by the Senate and will be sent to the Governor for consideration.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (Senate Resolution 1516) passed by the legislature to commemorate the 18th anniversary of Kosovo's independence on February 17, 2026. It formally acknowledges Kosovo's independence from Serbia (declared in 2008) and celebrates its progress in democratic governance, while recognizing the contributions of Kosovar communities in New York. The resolution has no legal effect and does not create new policies or affect any individuals or groups. It serves solely as a ceremonial expression of support for Kosovo's independence and its partnership with the United States.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution congratulating Jolie Chichak, a Shenendehowa High School student, on winning the 2025 NYSPHSAA Girls Tennis Singles State Championship. It formally recognizes her athletic achievement (including her first Section 2 singles title and school's first state singles championship) and academic record (96.33 GPA). The resolution has no policy impact - it solely offers symbolic recognition to Chichak and her coaches/school staff. It does not create legal obligations or alter any laws.

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural Senate resolution (not a bill), requesting Governor Hochul to declare July 1, 2026, as "Canada Day" in New York State. It memorializes the strong economic, cultural, and trade ties between New York and Canada, including $17 billion in annual exports and over 1,300 Canadian businesses operating in the state. The resolution has no binding effect; it simply asks the Governor to issue a ceremonial proclamation recognizing these connections. The legislature adopted it on February 3, 2026, and will send it to the Governor and Canada's New York Consul General.

Provides an exemption from requirements for the alienation of parkland for renewable energy generating projects with a generating capacity not exceeding two megawatts and which are located above real property currently used for vehicle parking.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to guarantee six specific economic rights for all New York citizens, regardless of income. It would add a new section to the state constitution stating every citizen is entitled to: a living-wage job, quality healthcare, complete education, affordable housing, a clean environment, and a secure retirement. If passed, these rights would be enshrined in the state constitution, requiring future governments to prioritize them in policy decisions. The amendment is currently under review by the Judiciary Committee and awaiting further legislative action.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4393) proposes a constitutional amendment to allow all qualified voters to request mail-in ballots without needing to provide a specific reason, such as being away from their county or having a disability. It would remove the current requirement that voters state a "cause" (like absence or illness) to qualify for absentee voting. The change would make mail-in voting accessible to any eligible voter, streamlining the process and expanding voting options. The bill is currently under review by the Judiciary committee and awaiting an attorney general opinion.