Sen. Simcha Felder

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the memory of Don B. Lee, a distinguished citizen and community leader who passed away in May 2024. The bill formally acknowledges his contributions as a public servant, IT professional, and activist who advocated for Asian American rights and supported immigrant seniors in New York. It directs the legislative body to pause its proceedings to mourn his death and authorizes sending a copy of the resolution to his family and the Homecrest Community Services organization.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor of New York to officially recognize May 22, 2024, as the International Day for Biological Diversity within the state. It serves as a formal acknowledgment of the importance of protecting the variety of life in New York's ecosystems, including its plants, animals, and fungi. The resolution does not change laws or allocate funding but instead directs the Governor to issue a proclamation highlighting the global biodiversity crisis and the state's role in conservation. By adopting this measure, the legislature aims to raise public awareness about environmental issues without implementing new regulatory requirements.

Requires the commissioner to establish Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander history and civic impact curriculum or instructions for school districts.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally acknowledges the death of Cecilia Gentili, a community advocate and actress from Brooklyn. It honors her life by highlighting her significant contributions to supporting transgender people, sex workers, and the LGBTQIA+ community through her work in healthcare, policy, and the arts. The resolution does not create new laws or change policies but instead serves as an official tribute to her legacy and asks that the legislative body pause to mourn her passing.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally acknowledges the death of Sergeant Richard T. Gurniak, a retired New York Police Department officer who served 30 years and was a respected member of the Brewster Police Department. The document highlights his long career in law enforcement, his role as a mentor to new officers, and his active participation in community and family life. It concludes by directing that a copy of the resolution be sent to Gurniak's family as a tribute to his service and contributions to his community.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution honoring the life and service of Officer Jose Colon, a retired NYPD officer who recently passed away. It formally acknowledges his career in the U.S. Army and his two decades of police work, including his response to the September 11 attacks and his continued service in the Brewster Police Department. The resolution directs the legislative body to pause its proceedings to mourn his death and instructs that a copy of the document be sent to his family.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor of New York to officially designate June 2024 as Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month. The resolution highlights the significant impact of the disease, noting that over 427,000 New Yorkers are affected and that it kills more people than breast and prostate cancer combined. By directing the Governor to proclaim this month, the legislature aims to increase public awareness and encourage further action against the disease. The text includes statistics on the rising number of cases, the high cost of care, and the challenges faced by caregivers and communities of color.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Franklin Square & Munson Fire Department, honoring its century of service to the community. The bill formally recognizes the department's history, which began in 1907 with volunteer horse-drawn units and evolved into a modern force serving approximately 30,000 residents. It acknowledges the department's growth from a single company to a multi-unit organization that responds to over 1,000 annual calls for fire and medical emergencies. The resolution expresses gratitude for the firefighters' dedication and directs a copy of the document to the department members.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New York State residents aged 65 and older to take up to nine credit hours of courses for credit at state and city universities each semester without paying tuition. The legislation amends existing education laws to establish this benefit, ensuring that senior students can enroll in classes on a space-available basis without taking exams or receiving grades. By modifying regulations for both state-operated institutions and the City University of New York, the bill provides a specific pathway for seniors to pursue academic credits free of charge while maintaining priority for other qualified students.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a one-time tax credit of $250 for individuals who buy and install a security alarm system on their residential property. To qualify, taxpayers must provide a receipt proving the purchase and installation, and the system must be designed to detect unauthorized entry or signal crimes like burglary or theft. The credit applies to tax years starting on or after January 1, 2024, and the system must be installed, serviced, and maintained by a licensed professional.