Sen. Toby Stavisky

Establishes the New York reinvests in student educational supports program to provide eligible students with access to responsible, affordable educational loans to supplement available federal student aid and assist with the cost of attendance and available financial assistance; defines terms; makes related provisions; repeals the New York higher education loan program.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's education law to clarify supervision requirements for marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors. It specifies that applicants must complete 3,000 hours of post-master's supervised experience (for mental health counselors) or 1,500 client contact hours (for marriage and family therapists), all under qualified supervisors. Supervisors must hold at least 3 years of licensure, have diagnostic privileges, and complete 36 hours of continuing education in supervision ethics. The bill also allows the department to accept supervised experience obtained in waiver-exempt settings or under good-faith belief of proper authorization. These changes directly affect therapists seeking licensure and those providing supervision in mental health practice.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes New York's parole process by requiring the state board of parole to consider specific, evidence-based factors when deciding whether to release incarcerated individuals on parole. It mandates that the board evaluate rehabilitation efforts (like vocational training or therapy participation), release plans (including job opportunities and community support), and the seriousness of the crime, while prohibiting decisions based solely on victim input. The board must now provide detailed written explanations for denials and report quarterly to the public on parole denials, including demographic data (without identifying individuals) and reasons for each decision. This directly affects incarcerated individuals seeking parole and the parole board's decision-making procedures.

Prohibits cases from being closed without a hearing or written stipulation; requires a stenographic record of all hearings held; requires minutes and decisions to be provided to the injured worker in their native language.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially recognize June 2026 as Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month in New York. The resolution highlights the significant impact of the disease, noting that it affects hundreds of thousands of residents and causes more deaths than certain cancers. It also points out the high costs of care and the challenges faced by caregivers, including issues of discrimination in healthcare settings. By adopting this measure, the legislature intends to increase public awareness and encourage further action on this health issue.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 101st birthday of Malcolm X, recognizing him as a significant advocate for human rights and an influential African American leader. The bill directs the legislative body to pause its proceedings to honor his life, detailing his history from his birth in Omaha to his work as a minister, his founding of civil rights organizations, and his assassination in 1965. By adopting this measure, the legislature formally acknowledges his contributions to the struggle for equality without imposing any new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors the life and legacy of Marilyn D. Mosley, a Brooklyn educator and community leader who passed away on May 4, 2026. The bill formally recognizes her contributions to public education, local government, and progressive political advocacy through a series of "whereas" clauses detailing her career and achievements. It concludes by directing the legislative body to pause its proceedings to pay tribute to her and instructs that a copy of the resolution be sent to her family.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 2102 formally recognizes the 50th anniversary of InterFaith Works of Central New York, an organization based in Syracuse. The bill does not change any laws or policies but instead serves as a ceremonial tribute to the group's five decades of service in refugee resettlement, interfaith dialogue, and community support. It directs the state legislature to pause its proceedings to honor the organization and requires sending a copy of the resolution to InterFaith Works.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the life of Ronald F. Lipton, a community leader and public servant who passed away in January 2026. The bill formally acknowledges his contributions to civic engagement, public service, and local governance throughout his life. It directs the legislative body to pause its proceedings to pay tribute to Lipton and sends a copy of the resolution to his family.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends sentencing rules to allow victims to make statements at sentencing for specific misdemeanor cases. It directly affects victims of misdemeanors involving serious physical injury caused by vehicle-related offenses (like reckless driving) that were initially charged as felonies. The key provision requires courts to permit victim statements if requested at least 10 days before sentencing, and to notify defendants of this intent at least 7 days prior. If defendants don't receive timely notice, they may request a sentencing delay. The bill does not change sentencing outcomes but adds a procedural step for victim input in these defined cases.