Sen. John Liu

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 New York's domestic relations law to guide judges in child custody cases. It requires courts to ignore the parents' sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression when deciding what is best for the child. Additionally, the law explicitly forbids judges from stopping a parent from undergoing gender reassignment as part of their custody determination. These changes apply immediately to ensure that custody decisions focus on the child's welfare without penalizing parents for their gender identity or medical transitions.

Requires the state board of law examiners to establish protocols for addressing emergencies that occur during the administration of the bar examination, and to provide testing accommodations for persons who have applied for examination for admission to practice and are the subject of, or a witness to, or are affected by the emergency.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows courts to award punitive damages against the estate of a deceased person accused of sexual abuse, assault, misconduct, or sex trafficking of minors or adults. It removes the barrier of the defendant's death, enabling victims to pursue punitive damages against the personal representative of the estate in civil lawsuits. The standard for proving punitive damages under this law is a "preponderance of the evidence," and the bill explicitly states that such claims cannot be limited or ended by the defendant's death. It applies to all pending and future cases filed on or after the effective date.

Maddy summaryS 428 requires chain restaurants with 15 or more locations in New York to display a warning icon and clear text next to menu items exceeding 2,300 mg of sodium - the daily recommended limit - beginning two years after the law takes effect. It directly affects large chain restaurants operating in New York, mandating they label high-sodium items (like certain burgers, fried foods, or processed dishes) with a standardized icon and a factual statement about sodium risks. Restaurants must report sodium content quarterly to the health department and face civil penalties of up to $250 per day per non-compliant location. The bill does not require menu changes but aims to increase consumer awareness of high-sodium options through mandatory labeling.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all covered water systems (serving specific residential populations) to replace every lead service line in their systems by November 1, 2037. It mandates that water systems cover all replacement costs at no direct charge to property owners, including planning, construction, and restoration. Property owners must allow access for replacement or opt-out by replacing their portion within 45 days at their own expense. The law applies to all lead pipes connecting water mains to buildings, including those owned by customers, and defines "lead service lines" to include certain galvanized pipes and lead connectors.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends multiple sections of New York's public authorities law to explicitly include "stormwater" in the legal definition of "sewage" for water, sewer, and water and sewer authorities. It adds a new definition stating "stormwater" means water runoff that exceeds soil absorption capacity during rain or melt events. The change directly affects these public authorities by expanding their regulatory scope to cover stormwater under existing sewage-related rules. The bill does not create new programs or funding but clarifies how stormwater is legally treated in water management frameworks. (164 words)

Provides additional protections for sensitive health information; requires all health information networks, electronic health record systems, and health care providers to provide patients with a right to restrict the disclosures of such patient's health information; defines terms; provides for exceptions.

Directs the commissioner to convene statewide and regional conventions to bring together underrepresented educators annually to discuss experiences, best practices, and afford for networking, mentorship opportunities, and support.