Sen. Kevin Parker

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (J 1573), not a legislative bill with policy changes. It formally honors the Young, Gifted, & Black Entrepreneurial Awards organization for its work celebrating cultural leadership and community empowerment, and specifically recognizes Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III (the Okuapehene of Akuapem, Ghana) as the recipient of their "Global Citizen Icon Award." The resolution acknowledges his leadership in cultural preservation, diaspora engagement, socioeconomic development, and philanthropy through initiatives like the Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo Foundation. As a symbolic gesture, it has no policy or financial impact - it serves only to commend the organization and recipient.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (J 1574), not a substantive bill. It formally commends Ashley Oliver, an educator, hospitality manager, and cultural influencer, for receiving the "Rising Star Influencer Award in Promotional Modeling" from the Young, Gifted, & Black Entrepreneurial Awards on February 25, 2026. The resolution expresses the legislative body's recognition of her work in education, hospitality, and promoting Caribbean culture through her brand "Lime & Wine." It includes no new laws, funding, or policy changes - it solely serves as a symbolic honor, with copies to be sent to Oliver and the awarding organization.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (J 1572), not a law. It formally commends Prince Hall Freemasonry for hosting its Black History Month Observance on February 19, 2026, in New York. The resolution expresses the legislature's appreciation for Prince Hall's historical role in African American community leadership, its 1775 founding, and its ongoing contributions to education and civic advancement through the Grand Lodge of New York. It has no policy impact - it is solely a symbolic gesture of recognition.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1534) is a symbolic honor recognizing the Schenectady Belmont Pop Warner Football Program for winning the 2025 regional championship and finishing fifth in the national championship. It formally commends the program, its players, coaches, and supporters for their achievements and community impact, without creating any new laws or affecting regulations. The resolution, adopted on February 10, 2026, expresses the legislative body's appreciation by sending a copy to the program. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a symbolic resolution requesting Governor Hochul to officially recognize May 2026 as Lupus Awareness Month in New York State. It directly affects the estimated 105,400 New Yorkers living with lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease disproportionately impacting women and people of color. The resolution asks the governor to issue a proclamation highlighting lupus awareness, education, and support for patients, as part of efforts to address underfunded research and delayed diagnoses. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but seeks to increase public and professional recognition of lupus. The resolution was adopted by the legislature on February 10, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative Senate Resolution (J 1558) honoring Margaret D. Williams, a Coney Island community leader and member of the doo-wop group The Cookies, who passed away in January 2026. The resolution recognizes her musical legacy - including chart-topping hits like "Chains" and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction - and her decades of community service, including 33 years with NYC Health and her work with the Coney Island History Project. It serves as a symbolic tribute from the legislature, expressing condolences to her family and celebrating her life’s impact. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New York City police officers who previously worked as traffic enforcement agents to count that prior service toward their retirement and pension benefits. Specifically, it enables them to buy back service credit for their traffic enforcement time by paying the required contributions, ensuring this period counts as police service for retirement calculations. The policy applies to officers appointed as traffic enforcement agents before July 1, 2009, who later join the police department. It does not change existing retirement system rules but clarifies eligibility for those with prior traffic enforcement roles.

Prohibits the sale of certain products that contain regulated perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances; requires manufacturers of products containing PFAS to provide notice of such fact to persons that offer the products for sale or distribution; provides penalties for violations.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (J 1533) honoring Sherly Demosthenes-Atkinson for her appointment as the first female president and CEO of CABS Health Network, effective January 31, 2026. It formally recognizes her leadership and contributions to healthcare, particularly her work advancing community-based care for elderly and disabled New Yorkers. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses the legislature's commendation through a formal statement. It does not create new laws or alter existing programs.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (J 1532) honoring Reverend Clinton Miller, a Brooklyn pastor, educator, and community leader who passed away. It expresses the legislature's sorrow over his death and recognizes his lifelong service, including his leadership at Brown Memorial Baptist Church, work in public education, and civic involvement. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely serves to mourn his passing and acknowledge his legacy. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or groups through legislative action.