Sen. Jessica Ramos

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally honors the life and legacy of Freddi Macek, a retired educator and labor union advocate from Rochester, New York. The measure directs the legislative body to pause in mourning her death and authorizes sending a copy of the resolution to her family. It serves as a ceremonial tribute recognizing her contributions to education and community service without establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution directs Governor Kathy Hochul to officially designate April 28, 2026, as MWBE Advocacy Day in New York State. The measure honors the state's ongoing efforts to support Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises by recognizing their role in economic empowerment and addressing historical disparities in government contracting. While the bill does not alter existing laws or funding, it serves as a formal acknowledgment of past initiatives and encourages continued collaboration between state agencies, business owners, and stakeholders to improve program effectiveness. Copies of the resolution will be sent to the Governor and relevant business owners across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally congratulates the Tappan Zee High School Girls Basketball Team and their coaching staff on winning the NYSPHSAA Class A Championship. It specifically recognizes the players, head coach Riley Chevrier, assistant coaches Sarah Kukla and Darrell Flynn, and athletic director William Pilla for their athletic achievement and dedication. The resolution also notes that the team will visit the State Capitol in Albany on May 7, 2026, to celebrate their victory. Copies of this document will be sent to the recognized individuals as an official record of the state's commendation.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially declare April 19-25, 2026, as Library Week in New York State. The resolution highlights the value of libraries and librarians during this annual observance, which aligns with National Library Week. It does not create new laws or change policies, but instead serves as a symbolic gesture to recognize the role of libraries in the community.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor of New York to officially declare April 28, 2026, as Animal Advocacy Day. The resolution highlights the positive roles animals play in families, public safety, and the well-being of vulnerable populations. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness about animal welfare. The measure is a ceremonial action that requires no further legislative steps once the proclamation is issued.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor of New York to officially recognize April 2026 as Sikh Heritage Month. The resolution highlights the contributions of the Sikh community to the state and aims to increase awareness of Sikh history and traditions. It does not change laws or create new programs but serves as a formal proclamation to honor the community.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for employers who discriminate against employees under New York's workers' compensation law. It sets penalties at three times the employee's total compensation (wages and benefits from the previous year), with half paid directly to the affected employee and half to the state treasury. Employers - not their insurance carriers - are personally liable for these penalties, and any insurance clause attempting to exempt them is void. Employees must file discrimination complaints within two years of the incident. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Prohibits the use of intoxication of the victim as a defense in sex crimes where the victim is under the extreme influence of any substance which renders them incapable of appraising or controlling such victim's conduct and incapable of clearly expressing lack of consent.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New York's workers' compensation law to offer lower assessment rates to employers who implement their own internal dispute resolution programs. Specifically, it allows self-insured employers with approved alternative dispute resolution systems to pay a fee that is at most half the rate charged to other similar employers. The legislation also updates the rules for calculating these fees for employers who have switched to a new administrative agreement with the state board. These financial incentives are designed to encourage companies to handle compensation claims internally rather than through the standard state process. The changes apply to fiscal years beginning on or after April 1, 2026, and take effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York schools to include the September 11, 2001 attacks in their mandatory courses on patriotism and citizenship. It directs school officials to teach students about shared history, diversity, religious tolerance, and human rights alongside other specific historical events like the Holocaust and slavery. The state education commissioner is tasked with enforcing these requirements and can withhold funding from districts that fail to provide the specified instruction or ensure student attendance.