Sen. Toby Stavisky

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 175th anniversary of Albany Law School, the nation's oldest independent law school, which was founded in 1851. The bill formally recognizes the institution's historical significance and ongoing contributions to legal education and public service in New York State. It directs the Legislature to pause its proceedings to acknowledge the anniversary and mandates that a copy of the resolution be sent to the school's leadership. The measure serves as a symbolic tribute rather than enacting new policy or funding requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution commemorates the tenth annual Sock Out Cancer Day on June 7, 2026, in conjunction with National Cancer Survivors Day. The bill formally recognizes the efforts of Sock Out Cancer, an organization that raises funds through events like concerts and sporting events to support financially distressed cancer patients with non-medical needs such as food, housing, and transportation. It acknowledges the organization's partnerships with sponsors and its manufacturing of signature multi-colored socks in Waterloo, New York, which represent over 20 different types of cancer. The resolution is directed to the chair and president of Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, a major sponsor of the program, and serves as an official acknowledgment of the organization's work rather than creating new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially designate March 2026 as Problem Gambling Awareness Month in New York State. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about problem gambling and encourage people to learn about prevention, treatment, and recovery resources. It highlights statistics showing that problem gambling affects hundreds of thousands of adults and students in the state, particularly as mobile sports betting continues to grow. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal proclamation to promote awareness during a designated month.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New York City police officers to count certain prior work as creditable service toward their pension benefits. Specifically, it includes service as a school safety agent, corrections officer, traffic enforcement agent, or in the police cadet program (if immediately preceding active police duty) as if it were direct police service. To qualify, officers must pay the required contributions plus 5% interest into the New York City Police Pension Fund. This change directly affects current members of the fund who have worked in these specific city roles before joining the police force.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Education Law to change the qualifications for certain appointed positions on the boards of trustees for the State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY). It stipulates that individuals appointed by the Governor to the SUNY board cannot also be paid employees serving at the pleasure of the Governor. Similarly, for the CUNY board, those appointed by the Governor or the Mayor of New York City cannot also be paid employees serving at their pleasure. This measure applies to trustees appointed on or after the bill's effective date.

Provides for the appointment of a standing committee on conference to resolve differences between similar, but not identical bills and resolutions; provides that such committee may refer bills and resolutions to sub-committees for disposition; provides for appointment of a non-partisan counsel to make referrals to such standing committee on similar bills and resolutions.

Establishes a captive insurance program for commuter vans, black cars, ambulettes and paratransit vehicles, small school buses, and charter buses that are engaged in the business of carrying or transporting nine to twenty-four passengers for hire; pre-arranged for-hire vehicles and accessible vehicles; defines terms.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution directs Governor Kathy Hochul to officially proclaim March 2026 as Women's History Month in New York State. The bill asks the governor to recognize and honor the historical contributions of women across various fields including politics, education, medicine, civil rights, and business. It highlights specific New York women who have made significant impacts, from early suffrage leaders to modern public servants and athletes. The resolution is ceremonial in nature and does not create new laws or change existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1664) honors Jonathan A. Dandes, president of Rich Baseball Operations and a Buffalo Baseball Hall of Fame inductee, who died on February 22, 2026. It memorializes his 40+ years of service to the Buffalo Bisons, Sahlen Field, and Western New York community through roles including executive vice president of Rich Entertainment Group and director of the National Kidney Foundation. The resolution directs the legislature to "pause in its deliberations to mourn" his passing and transmit a copy to his family. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create policy changes or affect any legislation.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law), formally recognizing Holi as an ancient Hindu Spring Festival. It acknowledges Holi's cultural significance - celebrating fertility, love, the triumph of good over evil, and the arrival of spring - without creating any new policies or affecting anyone's rights or obligations. The resolution simply directs the legislature to pause its proceedings to observe the festival, with no binding requirements for citizens or government action. It was adopted by the legislature on March 5, 2026, as a symbolic gesture honoring cultural diversity.