Sen. Kevin Parker

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution requests Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 10-16, 2026, as Police Week in New York State, aligning with National Police Week. It honors law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, referencing historical data on officer fatalities and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. The resolution has no binding legal effect - it is a ceremonial request to the Governor, not a new law. It directly affects public recognition efforts for law enforcement families and communities.

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 3-9, 2026, as Correctional Officers and Employees Week in New York, honoring the state's approximately 16,178 correctional officers and employees who oversee over 31,329 inmates in state facilities. It aligns with federal recognition of "National Correctional Officers and Employees Week" established in 1996 and emphasizes the dangerous nature of their work. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic tribute to these personnel through a gubernatorial proclamation.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 1293 commends Armando and Shayla Gramajo for receiving New York State's Liberty Medal, the Senate's highest honor for individuals. The resolution recognizes their 2024 actions when they intervened to save a woman attacked with a knife in White Plains - Armando (a bus driver and former Guatemalan Army veteran) stopped the attacker, and Shayla (a physician's assistant) provided medical aid using household items until emergency services arrived. This symbolic resolution, passed by the New York State Senate, formally honors their humanitarian act and does not create new laws or affect any policies. It serves as a ceremonial tribute to their spontaneous, life-saving response.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the date of New York's presidential primary from the current June election to the first Tuesday in March (commonly known as Super Tuesday). It directly affects voters and candidates participating in the state's presidential nominating process by moving the primary earlier in the election cycle. The bill amends election law to replace the existing June primary date with a March date specifically for selecting presidential delegates, while keeping other primary elections (like for state offices) on their current schedule. This is a procedural adjustment to election timing, not a substantive policy change.

Enacts the "New York state agency BIPOC asset management and financial institution strategy act" to ensure the promotion of equity, diversity, and inclusion within the state pension system and the New York city pension system's investments by mandating a minimum allocation of assets to BIPOC asset managers, BIPOC financial institutions, and BIPOC financial or professional service firms; addresses disparities in investment opportunities and fosters economic growth within BIPOC communities, aligning with best practices in investment management and bolstering the financial well-being of New York City and state and residents thereof (Part A); relates to fair investment practices by investment advisers within the state of New York (Part B).

Establishes a medical cost-of-living adjustment and utility bill relief for senior citizens based on documented medical necessity; provides that any gas or electric corporation operating within the state shall, in coordination with the department and the office of temporary and disability assistance, establish a medical cost-of-living adjustment program for residential customers aged sixty-five years or older who incur documented medical expenses necessary to maintain or preserve life or basic bodily function.

Prohibits the seizure of utility meters and the termination of utility service through replevin actions; declares such actions to be against the public interest.

Establishes a temporary practice authorization program for retired registered nurses and licensed practical nurses to practice in the facility they previously worked to provide supplemental staffing support.

Enacts the "billing transparency act"; provides that every utility corporation, energy services corporation and municipality shall provide an itemized breakdown of customers' bills each month; provides that electric utility corporations, energy services companies and municipalities shall maintain a dedicated and easily accessible customer website that explains customer charges.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York public schools (K-12) to incorporate instruction in civility, citizenship, and character education into their existing curricula. It mandates teaching specific principles including honesty, tolerance, respect, personal responsibility, and anti-bullying measures, with explicit emphasis on addressing harassment and discrimination based on race, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and other protected characteristics. The instruction must also cover safe and responsible internet use. The bill directs school regents to design how this component integrates into current courses, with the education commissioner handling regulatory details.