Sen. Jessica Ramos

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 380 asks Governor Hochul to declare February 15-22, 2025, as FFA Week in New York. It is a symbolic resolution honoring the National FFA Organization (Future Farmers of America), which supports agricultural education and student leadership development. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but formally requests the Governor issue a proclamation to recognize FFA's role in promoting agricultural literacy and career readiness for students. This resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 25, 2025.

Relates to claims for mental injury premised upon extraordinary work-related stress incurred at work, including claims for post-traumatic stress disorder, acute stress disorder or major depressive disorder resulting from work-related stress when demonstrated that such disorder arose out of extraordinary work-related stress attributable to a distinct work-related event or events directly related to the employment and occurring during the performance of the employee's job duties; amends the effectiveness thereof.

Removes the requirement that a state call center contractor must hire employees of a former call center contractor whose contract is terminated unless provided in the contract; makes provisions of new law applicable only to the state and its public authorities or public benefit corporations.

Relates to payroll records submitted by contractors and sub-contractors for public work contracts; extends the date the department of labor shall be required to develop and implement an online database of electronic certified payroll records until December 31, 2025; provides that the submission of certain electronic records shall satisfy certain requirements relating to the submission of payroll records.

Updates requirements for retail worker employers when developing and implementing programs to prevent workplace violence; clarifies certain provisions of the retail worker safety act.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 316 honors Mary E. Rainey, a Peekskill community leader who died on January 3, 2025, for her 40-year career at the Westchester Community Action Program, including her work with youth through the Youth Employment Program. The resolution recognizes her dedication to community welfare, civic service, and leadership at the Kiley Center. It directs that a copy be transmitted to her family as a formal tribute. This is a commemorative resolution with no policy impact or affected parties beyond honoring her legacy.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (J 312) is a ceremonial request for Governor Kathy Hochul to officially designate February 2025 as Black History Month in New York State. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups; instead, it asks the Governor to issue a formal proclamation recognizing the month. The resolution cites historical milestones of African American contributions to U.S. history, culture, and civil rights as context for the observance. It was adopted by the legislature on February 5, 2025, but remains a symbolic gesture without binding policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's warehouse worker injury prevention program to specifically target work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), such as strains, sprains, and repetitive motion injuries affecting muscles, nerves, joints, and spine. It requires warehouse employers to implement injury reduction programs including annual worksite evaluations by a "competent person" (replacing the previous "qualified ergonomist" standard), worker input through safety committees, and immediate access to evaluation results for workers. Employers must correct identified ergonomic risks like rapid pace, repetitive motions, or extreme postures, and provide written schedules for corrections taking over 30 days. The law directly affects warehouse workers performing manual material handling tasks and their employers, focusing on concrete safety measures rather than outcome predictions.

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural resolution (not a bill with policy changes) memorializing Governor Hochul to proclaim June 2025 as Aphasia Awareness Month in New York State, aligning with National Aphasia Awareness Month. It requests the Governor issue an official proclamation to increase public awareness of aphasia - a communication disorder often caused by stroke or brain injury. The resolution does not create new laws or alter existing policies; it is a symbolic gesture to recognize the condition and its impact on approximately 2 million people in the U.S. The resolution was adopted by the legislature on February 4, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 298 requests Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 13, 2025, as Borinqueneers Day in New York State. This resolution honors the Borinqueneers (65th U.S. Army Infantry Regiment), a unit of Puerto Rican soldiers recognized for their service during the Korean War, including receiving numerous military honors. It aligns with the national observance established by Congress in the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, which designated April 13 as National Borinqueneers Day. The resolution serves as a commemorative recognition of the unit's historical contributions to U.S. military history.