Sen. John Liu

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) congratulating Shawn MacKinnon on retiring after 30 years of service as a Senate staffer. It recognizes his roles including Secretary to the Senate Finance Committee, expertise in school funding, and mentorship, but contains no policy changes or mechanisms. The resolution formally acknowledges his contributions and will be sent to him as a copy. It directly affects MacKinnon as the honoree, with no impact on legislation or constituents.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows current New York City Police Department officers who previously worked as city traffic enforcement agents to count that prior service toward their retirement and pension benefits. To qualify, officers must pay the difference in contributions they would have made had they started as police officers from the beginning of their traffic enforcement role. The policy applies specifically to officers hired as traffic enforcement agents before July 1, 2009. This change ensures that service in both roles is recognized for retirement purposes without requiring additional service time.

Requires general hospitals to provide language assistance services; requires general hospitals to develop a language assistance program to ensure meaningful access to the general hospital's services and reasonable accommodation for all patients who require language assistance.

Authorizes the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation and the office of mental health to conduct a study pertaining to a proposed expansion of the Long Island Motor Parkway trail.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 7451) prohibits judges from banning parents from undergoing gender-affirming care during child custody decisions. It directly affects parents involved in custody cases by requiring courts to disregard a parent's sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression when determining a child's best interests. The law adds a specific provision to domestic relations law stating courts "shall not prohibit a party from undergoing gender reassignment" and must not consider gender identity factors. If passed, it would prevent courts from restricting a parent's access to medical care related to their gender identity as part of custody rulings. The bill is currently in the Assembly Judiciary committee after passing the Senate.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1100) asks Governor Hochul to officially recognize September 21-27, 2025, as Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) Awareness Week in New York State. It does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise public awareness about FTD, a terminal brain disease affecting speech, behavior, and motor skills, often misdiagnosed in people aged 40-60. The resolution highlights FTD's impact - accounting for 10-20% of dementia cases under 60 - and its high care costs, urging greater attention to the condition. This symbolic action directly affects New Yorkers living with FTD and their families by promoting community recognition.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1131) is a ceremonial tribute honoring U.S. Army Air Forces Staff Sergeant Eugene J. Darrigan, who died in World War II on March 11, 1944. It commemorates his service and recognizes his long-overdue burial in Wappingers Falls, New York, on May 24, 2025, after remains were recovered 81 years posthumously. The resolution expresses New York State's gratitude to Darrigan's family and community for his sacrifice, but it does not create new laws or affect any policies. As a symbolic gesture, it was adopted by the Senate on June 5, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 1098, introduced by Senator Stavisky, formally welcomes the students, teachers, and administrators of the Bronx High School of Science to the New York State Legislative Chambers in Albany on May 28, 2025. It recognizes the school's historic contributions to education, science, and civic leadership, including its global reputation, notable alumni (such as Nobel laureates and industry leaders), and innovative programs like the IDEAS Initiative. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for the school's legacy and impact on New York's educational community. The resolution will be presented to the school after adoption, with the legislature pausing its proceedings to honor the visit.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 1097 honors 50+ New York State veterans being inducted into the 2025 New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes these veterans - selected for combat service or post-military contributions - for their military service and community impact. The resolution directs the Senate to pause its proceedings to honor them and requires sending copies of the resolution to each inductee. This is a ceremonial gesture with no binding effect, solely acknowledging veterans' service.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill), requesting Governor Hochul to proclaim October 9, 2025, as "Sneakers Day" in New York State. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, people, or programs. The resolution simply asks the Governor to issue a formal proclamation recognizing this date, aligning with National Sneakers Day. Its purpose is symbolic awareness of sneakers' cultural and historical significance, not policy change.