Sen. Roxanne Persaud

Maddy summaryBill S 5432 increases various disability benefits for volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers injured in the line of duty. It doubles the weekly permanent total disability benefit from $600 to $1200 and raises the maximum combined earnings and benefits for severely injured volunteers from $800 to $1600. The bill also significantly increases temporary total disability benefits, setting a rate of $650 per week for injuries from July 2021 to June 2025, and $800 per week for injuries occurring after July 2025. These adjustments aim to provide enhanced financial support to volunteers experiencing disabilities from their service.

Relates to authorizing the payment of costs, up to eighty dollars, of diapers for an eligible child two years of age or younger for children receiving safety net assistance.

Maddy summaryS 2400 creates a workgroup to study blood clots and pulmonary embolisms in the state. The workgroup, appointed by the governor and legislative leaders, will include healthcare providers, patients, family members, and advocates. It must study annual incidence rates, current data collection methods, patient impacts, care standards, emerging treatments, and develop a risk surveillance system. The workgroup will issue policy recommendations within one year to improve patient awareness, surveillance in healthcare facilities (like hospitals), and written risk notices for patients. These recommendations will be published by the health department after submission.

Provides for the appointment of a standing committee on conference to resolve differences between similar, but not identical bills and resolutions; provides that such committee may refer bills and resolutions to sub-committees for disposition; provides for appointment of a non-partisan counsel to make referrals to such standing committee on similar bills and resolutions.

Establishes a captive insurance program for commuter vans, black cars, ambulettes and paratransit vehicles, small school buses, and charter buses that are engaged in the business of carrying or transporting nine to twenty-four passengers for hire; pre-arranged for-hire vehicles and accessible vehicles; defines terms.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution directs Governor Kathy Hochul to officially proclaim March 2026 as Women's History Month in New York State. The bill asks the governor to recognize and honor the historical contributions of women across various fields including politics, education, medicine, civil rights, and business. It highlights specific New York women who have made significant impacts, from early suffrage leaders to modern public servants and athletes. The resolution is ceremonial in nature and does not create new laws or change existing policies.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 1674 requests Governor Hochul to proclaim March 2026 as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month in New York. It aims to raise public awareness about conditions like hemophilia and Von Willebrand disease, which affect over 1 in 100 New Yorkers and require early diagnosis and ongoing treatment. The resolution is symbolic - seeking only a state proclamation to promote understanding, not creating new laws or services. It does not directly affect specific individuals or alter healthcare policies. This is a commemorative measure, not a substantive legislative change.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1664) honors Jonathan A. Dandes, president of Rich Baseball Operations and a Buffalo Baseball Hall of Fame inductee, who died on February 22, 2026. It memorializes his 40+ years of service to the Buffalo Bisons, Sahlen Field, and Western New York community through roles including executive vice president of Rich Entertainment Group and director of the National Kidney Foundation. The resolution directs the legislature to "pause in its deliberations to mourn" his passing and transmit a copy to his family. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create policy changes or affect any legislation.

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests Governor Hochul to designate September 2026 as Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Awareness Month in New York State. It does not create new laws or provide funding; instead, it asks the Governor to formally recognize the month to increase public awareness about PAD. PAD affects an estimated 10 million people, often causing leg pain due to restricted blood flow, and is linked to higher risks of heart attack or stroke. The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture to encourage broader attention to this underdiagnosed condition.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law), formally recognizing Holi as an ancient Hindu Spring Festival. It acknowledges Holi's cultural significance - celebrating fertility, love, the triumph of good over evil, and the arrival of spring - without creating any new policies or affecting anyone's rights or obligations. The resolution simply directs the legislature to pause its proceedings to observe the festival, with no binding requirements for citizens or government action. It was adopted by the legislature on March 5, 2026, as a symbolic gesture honoring cultural diversity.