Sen. Sam Sutton

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 It repeals outdated provisions about alcohol/substance use evaluations and clarifies eligibility criteria for this program.

Increases the mandatory retirement age of members of the uniformed force of the fire department of the city of New York from sixty-five to sixty-seven.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows school districts in New York to enter "piggyback contracts" with other districts that already use private transportation contractors. It directly affects school districts and private transportation providers by enabling them to share existing contracts when cost savings are confirmed and approved by the state education commissioner. The key provision requires districts to verify that the shared contract is cost-effective and that the private contractor meets state requirements. This mechanism aims to reduce transportation costs for school districts by leveraging existing private contracts rather than creating new ones.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1603) memorializes Governor Hochul to officially designate April 2026 as "Workplace Violence Prevention Month" in New York State. It does not create new laws but requests the Governor issue a proclamation to raise public awareness about preventing workplace violence, particularly highlighting healthcare workers' elevated risk (five times higher than other industries). The resolution references April as the nationally recognized Workplace Violence Prevention Awareness Month and directs copies to the Governor and medical associations. It is a ceremonial measure focused on awareness, not policy change.

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests Governor Hochul to designate April 6, 2026, as Tartan Day in New York State, recognizing Scottish heritage and contributions. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups, but formally asks the Governor to acknowledge Scottish-American cultural ties through a ceremonial proclamation. The resolution highlights historical connections between Scotland and New York, including Scottish roots of many early American leaders and cultural traditions like tartan. As a non-binding memorial resolution, it has no direct policy impact beyond the symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (S 1633) asks Governor Hochul to designate February 23, 2026, as "Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Day" in New York State. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but formally requests the Governor issue a proclamation to recognize the day. The resolution highlights statistics on domestic violence prevalence across diverse communities and the state's high demand for related services. It is a symbolic action intended to raise public awareness, not a policy measure with direct implementation.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (J 1607) requesting Governor Hochul to issue a proclamation designating March 2026 as American Red Cross Month in New York State. It does not create new laws or affect any specific group; it is a symbolic gesture to honor the Red Cross's humanitarian work. The resolution cites the organization's 145-year history, disaster response, blood services, military support, and community training programs. As a procedural resolution, it has no binding effect beyond the Governor's discretionary proclamation.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic Senate Resolution (not binding legislation) commending Open Space Institute and Parks & Trails New York for hosting their 20th Annual Park & Public Lands Advocacy Day on February 25, 2026. It honors these organizations for their work protecting over 2.5 million acres of land and promoting 2,000+ miles of trails across New York. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses the legislature's appreciation through a formal commendation. It directly affects no individuals or entities beyond the named organizations receiving the recognition.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (J 1620) adopted by the New York State Senate to honor the late Denis Michael Troy, a longtime Orangetown Councilman and Rockland County Legislator. It expresses the Senate's "profound regret" over his death and commemorates his 30+ years of community service, including his work on the Orangetown Council, advocacy for local services, and roles in organizations like the Ancient Order of Hibernians. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely a formal expression of condolence to his family and community. It was adopted by the Senate on February 25, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 9222) prohibits pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from owning, operating, or controlling pharmacies directly or indirectly. It directly affects PBMs and any entities that currently hold both pharmacy and PBM operations. The law requires violators to divest from pharmacy ownership within three years of the law taking effect, as defined under New York’s Public Health Law. The bill aims to separate pharmacy operations from PBM management to prevent potential conflicts of interest.