Sen. Zellnor Myrie

Maddy summaryThis is a Senate resolution (J 255) commending Brandon Gruttemeyer for receiving the New York State Senate's Liberty Medal - the highest honor for an individual. It recognizes his heroic 2024 rescue of a non-swimmer who nearly drowned at Lake George, where he located the victim underwater and administered life-saving CPR until emergency services arrived. The resolution formally praises his actions and transmits a copy of the resolution to him. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legislative effect beyond the Senate's ceremonial recognition.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution requests Governor Hochul to proclaim May 2025 as Muslim History Month in New York State. It aims to recognize Muslim cultural contributions, promote education about historical Muslim achievements (such as advancements in science and medicine), and foster community understanding. The resolution does not create new laws but encourages symbolic acknowledgment through the Governor's proclamation.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 247) requests Governor Hochul to issue a proclamation designating January 2025 as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in New York State. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally asks the Governor to recognize the month, aligning with national observance. The resolution highlights cervical cancer statistics in New York (840 new cases and 180 deaths in 2024) and emphasizes the need for public awareness of prevention and screening. As a memorial resolution, it is procedural and symbolic, directly affecting the Governor’s role in issuing the proclamation.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a bill) requesting Governor Hochul to designate March 29, 2025, as Vietnam Veterans Day in New York State. It directly affects New York residents by encouraging the state to formally recognize Vietnam War veterans through a gubernatorial proclamation. The resolution asks the Governor to issue the proclamation in coordination with National Vietnam Veterans Day, urging communities to hold ceremonies honoring veterans' service and contributions. It emphasizes supporting veterans' reintegration into civilian life and acknowledging their sacrifices, including the 58,000 U.S. service members who died during the war. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on January 22, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York public schools to provide plant-based meal options at no extra cost when requested by a student or their parent/guardian. Plant-based options must be USDA-recognized meat alternatives (free of animal products like meat, dairy, or eggs) and must be clearly listed in all school food service materials. Schools may also offer these options to all students, not just those who request them, and must consult with nutrition committees during implementation.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 234) requests Governor Hochul to officially designate April 14, 2025, as "Bangla New Year Day" (Pohela Baisakh) in New York State. It directly affects New York's Bengali community, which has a large population in New York City (including over 10,000 annual immigrants) and significant cultural contributions. The resolution commemorates the secular holiday's origins in the Indian subcontinent and acknowledges the community's historical presence and cultural enrichment of New York through arts, education, and literature. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the holiday.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2704) requires health insurance plans to cover FDA-approved home test kits for sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), including HIV. It applies to all medical, hospital, and surgical insurance policies, directly affecting insurers and policyholders who use these self-collection kits. The law defines covered kits as those recommended by the CDC or U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, cleared by the FDA, or developed under strict quality standards for remote STI testing. This mandate takes effect 90 days after enactment for new or renewed policies.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (not a bill) requesting Governor Hochul to issue a proclamation designating January 27, 2025, as Holocaust Remembrance Day in New York State. It does not create new laws or directly affect any individuals or groups; it simply asks the Governor to formally recognize the date. The resolution cites historical context about the Holocaust and the UN-designated International Holocaust Remembrance Day (observed on January 27) but contains no policy changes. It was adopted by the Senate on January 22, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (J 235) commemorating the 181st anniversary of the Dominican Republic's independence, to be observed on February 27, 2025. It recognizes the historical significance of Dominican independence (achieved February 27, 1844) and acknowledges the cultural and economic contributions of over one million Dominican New Yorkers and Dominican Americans across the U.S. The resolution has no legal effect; it formally marks the occasion through a pause in legislative business and transmits copies to Dominican organizations in New York State. It directly honors the Dominican community and their heritage within New York.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates the 40th annual observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in New York State on January 20, 2025. It directs the New York State Legislature to pause its deliberations to honor Dr. King's legacy and contributions to civil rights and social justice, as outlined in the resolution's preamble. The resolution also requires a copy to be transmitted to the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus. As a ceremonial measure, it does not create new laws or affect specific groups beyond the state legislature's ceremonial recognition.