Sen. Zellnor Myrie

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1117) proposes a constitutional amendment requiring the state to provide free public education for all students from pre-kindergarten through undergraduate degree programs. It would amend the state constitution to mandate that the legislature fund and maintain a system of free quality education covering all public K-12 schools and post-secondary institutions offering bachelor's degrees or certifications. The amendment must be approved by voters in a future election after a 3-month public review period, as outlined in the bill's text. Currently, the bill is under review by the Judiciary Committee following an attorney general's opinion.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits evictions from residential properties in New York State during periods of "inclement winter weather," defined as temperatures at or below 32°F (including wind chill), typically occurring from November through April. It directly affects all residential tenants in New York, with the legislature noting evictions disproportionately impact Black and Latinx households. The law amends real property law to block eviction proceedings during these cold-weather periods, citing health risks like increased mortality and homelessness linked to winter displacement. The ban aims to protect public health and safety by preventing homelessness during conditions that exacerbate exposure-related health crises.

Eliminates certain court surcharges and fees and probation and parole surcharges and fees; eliminates the requirement that a parolee or releasee receiving a merit termination of sentence be financially able to comply with an order of restitution; eliminates the requirement that a person receiving a discharge of sentence be financially able to comply with an order of restitution and the payment of certain surcharges or fees (Part A); mandates that courts engage in an individualized assessment of a person's financial ability to pay a fine prior to imposing a fine (Part B); eliminates the availability of incarceration as a remedy for a failure to pay a fine, surcharge, or fee, lifts and vacates existing warrants issued solely on a person's failure to timely pay a fine, surcharge or fee and ends existing sentences of incarceration based on such failure (Part C); vacates existing unsatisfied civil judgments based on a person's failure to timely pay a surcharge, or fee (Part D); prohibits the collection of a fine, restitution or reparation from the funds of an incarcerated person; prohibits the payment of court fines, mandatory surcharges, certain fees, restitution, reparation or forfeitures from the earnings of prisoners (Part E); vacates existing unpaid surcharges, DNA databank fees, crime victim assistance fees, sexual offender registration fees, supplemental sex offender victim fees, or probation or parole supervision fees; repeals certain provisions of law relating to restrictions on remitting such fees (Part F).

Relates to granting certain individuals youthful offender status; adds a new category of individuals eligible for young adult offender status; provides for process and sentencing requirements related to such statuses.

Establishes the sanitary retail food store grant program to provide funding to retail food stores that fail inspections to correct deficiencies if such stores are unable to sustain the costs to immediately correct critical deficiencies, are located in food deserts, and would otherwise be unable to stay in operation due to their inability to meet and maintain sanitary standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New York's legal process for cases where criminal charges are terminated due to a defendant's mental disease or defect. It requires courts to dismiss all criminal charges and arrange for discharge planning (including referrals to outpatient services when clinically appropriate) when a defendant is committed under a final order of observation. Institutions like hospitals must track and report on these referrals through biennial submissions, while the state must publish annual data online about case numbers, originating counties, inpatient care details, and referral outcomes. These changes aim to standardize post-termination care coordination and transparency without altering criminal liability for the defendant.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 1472 formally commends Gabriella Scheer for receiving the New York State Senate Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual. The resolution specifically recognizes her heroic actions on April 28, 2025, when she performed CPR on her unconscious boss during a medical emergency, saving his life. This ceremonial resolution has no policy impact - it serves solely as a formal tribute to her selfless act of compassion.

Maddy summaryThis resolution asks Governor Hochul to proclaim February 21-28, 2026, as National FFA Organization Week in New York. It recognizes the FFA's role in supporting agricultural education, student leadership development, and career readiness for over 13,500 New York students across nearly 200 chapters. The resolution has no binding policy impact - it is a symbolic request for the governor to issue a formal proclamation.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 1488 formally congratulates the Shenendehowa High School Girls Varsity Cross Country Team and Head Coach Rob Cloutier for winning the New York State Federation Cross Country Team Championship in 2025. The resolution highlights their championship victory, academic achievements (a team GPA of 94.05 percent), and participation in the Nike Cross Nationals. Adopted by the legislature, it directs copies to the team members, coaches, and school officials as a formal recognition of their accomplishments. This is a non-binding resolution expressing legislative support, not a policy change affecting any laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests Governor Hochul to designate May 28, 2026, as "Taiwan Heritage Day" in New York State. It cites New York's economic ties with Taiwan (including $158.60 billion in trade in 2024), cultural organizations, and shared values as context for the symbolic recognition. The resolution does not create new laws, affect policies, or impose obligations - it is purely a commemorative request. Copies would be sent to the Governor, Taiwan's president, and Taiwan's New York representative.