Sen. Steve Chan

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New York City police officers who previously worked as traffic enforcement agents to count that prior service toward their retirement and pension benefits. Specifically, it enables them to buy back service credit for their traffic enforcement time by paying the required contributions, ensuring this period counts as police service for retirement calculations. The policy applies to officers appointed as traffic enforcement agents before July 1, 2009, who later join the police department. It does not change existing retirement system rules but clarifies eligibility for those with prior traffic enforcement roles.

Enacts the "licensure incentives and fee-support for testing (LIFT) act"; establishes the social work licensure examination voucher program to provide low-income individuals vouchers to cover the cost of the examination required for licensure as a licensed master social worker or licensed clinical social worker.

Establishes the empire state sports and entertainment fund to create competitive financial incentives to attract sports and entertainment events in the state with an emphasis on economic development in upstate New York.

Directs the division of weights and measures to inspect meters and other apparatus used for regulating and supplying gas or electricity to verify that such apparatus are properly maintained and calibrated.

Increases the number of days between the sending of a notice of termination by a utility corporation and the actual date of termination of service; increases the age of residents in the home to 21 from 18 for purposes of special procedures for terminations; decreases the amount required for a downpayment on an arrears on utility bills; lowers the age of customers to whom a utility company must offer quarterly billing from 62 to 55.

Increases the time certain parties have to submit a notice of intent to be a party to the certification proceedings for the siting of major utility transmission facilities from thirty days to forty-five days.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1535) requests Governor Kathy Hochul to officially proclaim February 2026 as Black History Month in New York State. It does not create new law but asks the Governor to issue a formal state recognition. The resolution cites historical contributions of Black Americans across civil rights, culture, science, and innovation as context for the observance. The Senate adopted the resolution on February 4, 2026, sending it to the Governor for action.

Establishes a persistent domestic violence offender registry of individuals convicted of multiple domestic violence offenses, which is available for public inquiry.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a binding bill) requesting Governor Hochul to designate January 25-31, 2026, as "Physician Anesthesiologists Week" in New York. It does not create new laws or affect any specific group, but honors anesthesiologists' historical contributions to medical innovations like the Apgar Score and regional anesthesia. The resolution cites their role in advancing patient safety, pain management, and critical care. It was formally adopted by the Senate and will be sent to the Governor for consideration.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (Senate Resolution 1516) passed by the legislature to commemorate the 18th anniversary of Kosovo's independence on February 17, 2026. It formally acknowledges Kosovo's independence from Serbia (declared in 2008) and celebrates its progress in democratic governance, while recognizing the contributions of Kosovar communities in New York. The resolution has no legal effect and does not create new policies or affect any individuals or groups. It serves solely as a ceremonial expression of support for Kosovo's independence and its partnership with the United States.