Sen. Joe Addabbo

Maddy summaryS 1351 creates a pilot program to control prescription drug costs by setting maximum prices ("referenced rates") based on the lowest prices for the same drugs in four Canadian provinces (Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, and Alberta). It applies to state health programs and pharmacies purchasing drugs for state-funded health plans, requiring them to pay no more than the referenced rate for the five most expensive drugs identified by the state. Any savings generated from this pricing cap must be directly passed to consumers through reduced costs. The pilot runs for one year, with a report due to state leaders assessing its feasibility for broader expansion.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures that military service members who cast absentee or military ballots while on active duty have their votes counted toward the election for which they were cast, even if they die in combat before the election date. It directly affects active-duty service members in all branches of the military (including National Guard and state militias) who vote before deployment and lose their lives during combat operations. The key provision requires election officials to count these ballots as valid if the service member's death occurs prior to the election, without requiring additional action from the voter or their family. This policy change preserves the voting rights of service members who made their choice before their death in service.

Maddy summaryS 3632 establishes a 13-member Problem Gambling Advisory Council in New York to advise state leaders on preventing and treating problem gambling. The council will develop strategies for improving access to gambling resources, increase public awareness, and recommend how to allocate gambling-related fees to fund services. It must produce an annual report to the governor and legislature by October 1st, including findings on mobile sports betting impacts. The council will include government officials, community health representatives, and members appointed by legislative leaders. This is a procedural bill creating a new advisory body with no direct funding changes.

Relates to standards relating to hydrofluorocarbon substances; provides that any rules or regulations relating to hydrofluorocarbon substances established or implemented by the department of environmental conservation shall conform with, and shall not exceed, any applicable rules or regulations set forth in 40 C.F.R. Part 84, as in effect on October first, two thousand twenty-five.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 9064) adds intentional damage to authorized emergency vehicles (like police cars, ambulances, or fire trucks) to the list of actions that constitute "criminal mischief in the third degree" under New York law. It directly affects individuals who intentionally damage such vehicles, making this act a class E felony. The key provision amends the penal law to explicitly include emergency vehicles under the third-degree criminal mischief definition, which previously covered other property damage scenarios. This change clarifies that damaging emergency vehicles - critical for public safety - will face the same legal consequences as other significant property destruction under this specific charge.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 1472 formally commends Gabriella Scheer for receiving the New York State Senate Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual. The resolution specifically recognizes her heroic actions on April 28, 2025, when she performed CPR on her unconscious boss during a medical emergency, saving his life. This ceremonial resolution has no policy impact - it serves solely as a formal tribute to her selfless act of compassion.

Maddy summaryThis resolution asks Governor Hochul to proclaim February 21-28, 2026, as National FFA Organization Week in New York. It recognizes the FFA's role in supporting agricultural education, student leadership development, and career readiness for over 13,500 New York students across nearly 200 chapters. The resolution has no binding policy impact - it is a symbolic request for the governor to issue a formal proclamation.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 1488 formally congratulates the Shenendehowa High School Girls Varsity Cross Country Team and Head Coach Rob Cloutier for winning the New York State Federation Cross Country Team Championship in 2025. The resolution highlights their championship victory, academic achievements (a team GPA of 94.05 percent), and participation in the Nike Cross Nationals. Adopted by the legislature, it directs copies to the team members, coaches, and school officials as a formal recognition of their accomplishments. This is a non-binding resolution expressing legislative support, not a policy change affecting any laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests Governor Hochul to designate May 28, 2026, as "Taiwan Heritage Day" in New York State. It cites New York's economic ties with Taiwan (including $158.60 billion in trade in 2024), cultural organizations, and shared values as context for the symbolic recognition. The resolution does not create new laws, affect policies, or impose obligations - it is purely a commemorative request. Copies would be sent to the Governor, Taiwan's president, and Taiwan's New York representative.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1489) is a symbolic gesture to commemorate the 182nd anniversary of the Dominican Republic's independence, to be celebrated on February 27, 2026. It honors the historical significance of the Dominican Republic's independence on February 27, 1844, and recognizes the contributions of over one million Dominican residents and Dominican Americans in New York State. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies; it simply requests the New York State Legislature pause to acknowledge this anniversary and direct copies to Dominican organizations. As a ceremonial resolution, it focuses on cultural recognition rather than legislative action.