Sen. Roxanne Persaud

Maddy summaryThis is a Senate Resolution (J 92) requesting Governor Hochul to proclaim November 2, 2025, as "Vitamin D Day" in New York State. It does not create new laws or policies but asks the Governor to issue a symbolic proclamation to raise public awareness about vitamin D deficiency. The resolution cites health benefits of vitamin D (such as reducing risks of certain diseases) and global deficiency statistics as context. It directly affects New York residents by encouraging public health awareness on this issue through the Governor's official recognition.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 104 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) for its 50th anniversary in 2025. It commends NCSL for its role in supporting state legislatures, fostering bipartisan cooperation, and strengthening the federal-state relationship through research, idea exchange, and interstate collaboration. The resolution directs that a copy be transmitted to NCSL as a formal expression of appreciation. This is a symbolic gesture with no binding legal effect or policy changes.

Relates to prohibiting the exclusion of coverage for losses or damages caused by exposure to lead-based paint; provides that no insurer licensed or permitted by the superintendent to provide liability coverage to rental property owners shall exclude coverage for losses or damages caused by exposure to lead-based paint.

Relates to parole eligibility for certain incarcerated persons age fifty-five or older if they have served at least fifteen years of their sentence or sentences.

Maddy summaryThis New York state bill (S 141) establishes a right to free legal help for eligible immigrants facing removal proceedings in New York. It directly affects income-eligible non-citizens detained in New York, those with strong New York ties (like being a state resident or having a case heard there), or those transferred from New York to federal immigration detention. The law requires the state to provide ongoing legal representation starting when a case begins (e.g., upon receiving a "Notice to Appear") and covers all immigration court stages, including appeals. Legal services must be provided by state-designated providers to individuals earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level.

Relates to the establishment of a single computerized state DNA identification index; requires municipalities to expunge any DNA record stored in a municipal DNA identification index.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 859 (the "robocall prevention act"), limits unsolicited robocalls to New York residents and requires phone companies to provide free call-blocking technology. It bans most robocalls unless made with a resident's prior consent, for emergencies, by labor organizations to members, or as permitted by regulations. Telephone service providers must offer free call mitigation technology that blocks unwanted robocalls while allowing emergency calls to go through. The law directly affects New York residents receiving calls and all telephone service providers operating in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the state Council on the Arts to create specific criteria and guidelines for establishing designated arts and cultural districts in cities, towns, or villages. These districts are defined as geographic areas with a high concentration of arts and cultural facilities, and the bill allows multiple local governments to apply jointly if a district spans their shared boundaries. The Council must develop standards that evaluate whether a district attracts artists and businesses, encourages job growth, draws tourism, boosts property values, and supports local cultural education and preservation. Additionally, the Department of Economic Development is tasked with providing state-supported assistance, such as technical help for grant applications and marketing expertise, to certified districts.

Directs the commissioner of health, in consultation with the office of mental health and other relevant stakeholders, to develop guidance and standards for routine maternal depression screenings, referrals, diagnosis and treatment, and to provide training and materials on issues related to maternal depression.

Maddy summaryThis law requires hospitals and other maternal healthcare facilities in New York to allow doulas to be in the operating room during a cesarean section if the birthing parent does not have another support person present. The bill mandates that facilities clearly inform patients about this right through posted signs and informational pamphlets available in English and the six most common non-English languages spoken by residents with limited English proficiency. By adding a new section to the state public health law, the measure ensures that doula presence is guaranteed for the duration of the surgery when no other family member or friend is available to provide support.