Sen. Kevin Parker

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic Senate resolution (J 1656) commending the Lower Hudson Valley Diamond Foundation and the New Rochelle/White Plains Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity for hosting their Annual Scholarship Fundraiser Gala on March 21, 2026. It recognizes their work providing scholarships, mentorship, and community programs supporting students in the Lower Hudson Valley. The resolution serves only as a formal expression of appreciation with no legal effect or policy changes. It does not directly affect any laws, funding, or individuals beyond the named organizations.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (J 1661), not a law. It formally commends the Gamma Rho Sigma Alumni Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., for hosting its 70th Anniversary Gala on May 30, 2026. The resolution recognizes the chapter's 70 years of community service, mentorship, and adherence to the fraternity's principles of Brotherhood, Scholarship, and Service. It is a symbolic gesture with no legal effect or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill with policy changes) commending Making the Impossible Possible, Inc. (MIPO, Inc.) for hosting its Youth Summit 2026 on March 20, 2026. It recognizes MIPO's work supporting immigrant youth through educational programs, leadership development, and international partnerships in Haiti. The resolution formally expresses the legislature's appreciation for the organization's efforts and will be presented to MIPO as a copy of the adopted resolution.

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 is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) honoring Poinsettia Chapter No. 76 of the Prince Hall Order of the Eastern Star in New York. It formally recognizes the chapter for hosting its 2026 Dinner Dance on April 18, 2026, and commends its charitable work and community service. The resolution specifically highlights individuals the chapter is honoring: Junior Past Matron Linda Valentine, Past Matron Margo E. Abraham, and Cynthia Settles (Director of the Falling Angels Sickle Cell Foundation). It has no policy impact; it solely serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation from the Legislative Body.

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.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1680) designates March 10, 2026, as "Bronx Day" to honor the borough's history and cultural significance. It directs the New York State Legislature to pause its proceedings on that date to recognize the Bronx's contributions, including its role as the birthplace of hip-hop, historical sites, and diverse communities. The resolution will be transmitted to the Bronx Borough President and Bronx Chamber of Commerce. As a commemorative measure, it has no binding policy impact or direct effect on residents or programs.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (J 1681) congratulating the Potsdam Central High School Girls Hockey Team for winning the 2026 NYSPHSAA Girls Hockey Championship. It formally recognizes the team's 17-3-2 season record, their 3-2 championship victory over Adirondack United, and their status as the school's first girls hockey champions in over a decade. The resolution specifically names all 25 players and coaches (including Head Coach Joe Stark and Assistant Coaches Lindsay LaSala and Olivia Scott) and directs that engrossed copies be sent to them. As a symbolic gesture with no policy impact, it does not create new laws or affect any regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New York's vehicle insurance requirements for specific vehicle types. It allows nonprofit organizations operating commuter vans, pre-arranged for-hire vehicles (like small school buses or ride services), or ADA-compliant accessible vehicles to use federally registered risk retention groups (special insurance groups) instead of traditional insurers. The policy applies only if the vehicle isn't used for personal purposes by executives or their families, has under 15 seats, and excludes luxury limousines or TNC vehicles. This change aims to provide more flexible insurance options for nonprofits serving communities with specialized transportation needs.

Maddy summaryS 4547 establishes a dedicated "diversion part" in every county court to handle judicial diversion cases for eligible defendants. It directly affects individuals charged with specific class B, C, D, or E felonies (excluding certain serious offenses like class A felonies) who have a qualifying mental health or substance use diagnosis. The bill requires a clinical evaluation by licensed professionals to determine if diversion is appropriate, including recommendations for evidence-based treatment (like counseling or medication) instead of incarceration. It repeals outdated provisions about alcohol/substance use evaluations and clarifies eligibility criteria for this program.