Sen. Julia Salazar

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 8603) proposes a constitutional amendment to recognize a fundamental right to privacy for all residents. It would add a new section to the state constitution stating that "the right of the people to privacy is recognized and shall not be infringed," requiring courts to consider the nature of information obtained and the extent of intrusion when applying this right. The amendment does not specify particular privacy protections (like digital data or medical records) but establishes a general standard for judicial review. The bill is currently pending in the Judiciary committee, with recent steps including legal opinions from the Attorney General.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows licensed pharmacists to order and administer specific medical tests, including COVID-19, flu, RSV, strep throat, HbA1c, hepatitis C, and HIV tests, all authorized by the FDA. It directly affects pharmacists (expanding their clinical role) and patients (increasing access to convenient testing). The law requires tests to meet FDA authorization and federal "waiver" requirements, aligning pharmacists with qualified health professionals under existing public health law. The bill modifies prior 2022 legislation but includes a sunset provision, with most provisions set to expire on July 1, 2028.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends constitutional provisions governing how the governor submits state budget bills. It requires the governor to submit separate bills for each specific purpose (not multiple purposes in one bill), with clear descriptions of each appropriation's purpose that cannot include program rules or modify existing laws. The governor must also submit any proposed non-budget legislation separately from appropriation bills. This affects the governor, legislature, and state departments during budget discussions, as departments must testify on budget items upon request. The changes aim to clarify budget structure and prevent bundling unrelated provisions.

Establishes a task force to conduct a comprehensive study on the presence of educator diversity in the state, state actions taken to promote educator diversity, and how the state can encourage new initiatives to enhance and promote educator diversity in New York; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.

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.

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.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution congratulating Jolie Chichak, a Shenendehowa High School student, on winning the 2025 NYSPHSAA Girls Tennis Singles State Championship. It formally recognizes her athletic achievement (including her first Section 2 singles title and school's first state singles championship) and academic record (96.33 GPA). The resolution has no policy impact - it solely offers symbolic recognition to Chichak and her coaches/school staff. It does not create legal obligations or alter any laws.

Maddy summaryBill S 5278 establishes new fee rates for the administration of large estates by amending the surrogate's court procedure act. The bill creates more detailed fee tiers for estates valued at $500,000 and above, introducing new rates for various ranges up to $5,000,000. For estates valued at $5,000,000 or more, the fee rate is set at $10,000. This represents an increased fee for estates in this highest valuation bracket. The bill directly affects individuals involved in the administration of these large estates.

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural Senate resolution (not a bill), requesting Governor Hochul to declare July 1, 2026, as "Canada Day" in New York State. It memorializes the strong economic, cultural, and trade ties between New York and Canada, including $17 billion in annual exports and over 1,300 Canadian businesses operating in the state. The resolution has no binding effect; it simply asks the Governor to issue a ceremonial proclamation recognizing these connections. The legislature adopted it on February 3, 2026, and will send it to the Governor and Canada's New York Consul General.