Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic Senate Resolution (J 321), not a law, that formally recognizes the 20th Annual Staten Island Black History Town Hall Meeting scheduled for February 22, 2025. It honors the event organized by First Central Baptist Church of Staten Island and Rev. Dr. Demetrius S. Carolina, which focuses on health and wellness under the theme "Your Health is Your Wealth - Mind, Body, and Soul." The resolution expresses the legislature's support for the meeting's mission to address health disparities and promote holistic well-being in the Black community. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new policy or affect any legal rights.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 316 honors Mary E. Rainey, a Peekskill community leader who died on January 3, 2025, for her 40-year career at the Westchester Community Action Program, including her work with youth through the Youth Employment Program. The resolution recognizes her dedication to community welfare, civic service, and leadership at the Kiley Center. It directs that a copy be transmitted to her family as a formal tribute. This is a commemorative resolution with no policy impact or affected parties beyond honoring her legacy.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (J 312) is a ceremonial request for Governor Kathy Hochul to officially designate February 2025 as Black History Month in New York State. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups; instead, it asks the Governor to issue a formal proclamation recognizing the month. The resolution cites historical milestones of African American contributions to U.S. history, culture, and civil rights as context for the observance. It was adopted by the legislature on February 5, 2025, but remains a symbolic gesture without binding policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a maternity care coordinator role to improve coordination of healthcare for pregnant and postpartum veterans. The coordinator will work with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, state health agencies, hospitals, and providers to connect veterans with maternity care services, share information about mental and physical health conditions affecting pregnancy, and promote the Veterans Community Care Program. It amends existing law to require this coordination, including disseminating resources to healthcare providers about veteran-specific care needs and referral systems for veterans with service-connected disabilities. The bill directly affects veterans receiving maternity care and the healthcare providers who serve them.

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural resolution (not a bill with policy changes) memorializing Governor Hochul to proclaim June 2025 as Aphasia Awareness Month in New York State, aligning with National Aphasia Awareness Month. It requests the Governor issue an official proclamation to increase public awareness of aphasia - a communication disorder often caused by stroke or brain injury. The resolution does not create new laws or alter existing policies; it is a symbolic gesture to recognize the condition and its impact on approximately 2 million people in the U.S. The resolution was adopted by the legislature on February 4, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 298 requests Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 13, 2025, as Borinqueneers Day in New York State. This resolution honors the Borinqueneers (65th U.S. Army Infantry Regiment), a unit of Puerto Rican soldiers recognized for their service during the Korean War, including receiving numerous military honors. It aligns with the national observance established by Congress in the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, which designated April 13 as National Borinqueneers Day. The resolution serves as a commemorative recognition of the unit's historical contributions to U.S. military history.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 308) formally honors the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York for its role in celebrating Prince Hall Day 2025. It recognizes the organization's community service, charitable work, and commitment to Prince Hall's legacy of brotherhood and justice, under Grand Master Darren M. Morton. The resolution, adopted on February 4, 2025, commends the Lodge and transmits a copy to its leadership as a symbolic gesture of appreciation. It has no policy impact or direct effect on citizens, as it is a ceremonial resolution.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (not a bill) requesting Governor Hochul to designate September 2025 as "Recovery Month" in New York State. It aligns with the existing National Recovery Month observed every September to celebrate individuals in recovery from substance use and mental health disorders. The resolution symbolically recognizes the work of treatment providers and promotes awareness of prevention, treatment, and recovery services. It does not create new laws, programs, or funding - it is solely a formal request for the Governor to issue a proclamation.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution requests Governor Hochul to proclaim February 4, 2025, as Canada Day in New York, recognizing the state's economic and cultural ties with Canada. It cites New York's $28 billion in annual trade with Canada, 800 Canadian-owned businesses employing 58,000 New Yorkers, and cross-border initiatives like the Champlain Hudson Power Express project. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but formally asks the governor to issue the proclamation. It was adopted by the Senate on February 4, 2025, and will be sent to the governor and Canadian Consulate for consideration.

Enacts the feathered lives also count act directing the commissioner of general services to incorporate practices and strategies to reduce bird fatality resulting from collisions with certain state-owned or state-leased buildings, and for other purposes; requires the commissioner to develop a design guide that includes features, methods and strategies, and best practices for reducing bird fatalities; requires the commissioner to report to the governor and the legislature.