Sen. Jabari Brisport

Maddy summaryS 138 establishes a "Medical Aid in Dying Act" for New York, allowing terminally ill patients (with decision-making capacity and a confirmed terminal illness expected to cause death within six months) to request and self-administer medication to end their life. Key provisions require patients to make an oral and written request, receive confirmation from two physicians (an attending physician and a consulting physician), and sign a witnessed written request with two non-related, non-beneficiary adults. The bill mandates patients be fully informed of alternatives like palliative care, outlines physician responsibilities, and includes requirements for documentation, safe medication disposal, and protections for healthcare providers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires local child welfare agencies and the state Office of Children and Family Services to collect and report annual data on "alternative living arrangements" for children at risk of maltreatment. It defines these arrangements as out-of-home placements developed during child maltreatment investigations, respite requests, or voluntary foster care. The data includes the number of children in each arrangement, placement types (like relative care or respite), duration, outcomes (such as return home or removal), and demographic details like age and zip code for larger districts. The state must publish an annual report on this data by September 1, 2026, and submit it to key legislative committees. This policy change standardizes data collection to improve transparency and inform child welfare practices.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 1186, introduced by Senator Parker, formally honors the 2025 Unlabelled Awards All White Gala, an event celebrating Black excellence through categories like Trailblazer and Civic Leader. The resolution recognizes the gala's contributions to uplifting community leaders and directs a copy to its founder, Carol Tia Dunkley, for acknowledgment. This symbolic resolution has no policy impact but expresses legislative support for the event's mission.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1100) asks Governor Hochul to officially recognize September 21-27, 2025, as Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) Awareness Week in New York State. It does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise public awareness about FTD, a terminal brain disease affecting speech, behavior, and motor skills, often misdiagnosed in people aged 40-60. The resolution highlights FTD's impact - accounting for 10-20% of dementia cases under 60 - and its high care costs, urging greater attention to the condition. This symbolic action directly affects New Yorkers living with FTD and their families by promoting community recognition.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1131) is a ceremonial tribute honoring U.S. Army Air Forces Staff Sergeant Eugene J. Darrigan, who died in World War II on March 11, 1944. It commemorates his service and recognizes his long-overdue burial in Wappingers Falls, New York, on May 24, 2025, after remains were recovered 81 years posthumously. The resolution expresses New York State's gratitude to Darrigan's family and community for his sacrifice, but it does not create new laws or affect any policies. As a symbolic gesture, it was adopted by the Senate on June 5, 2025.

Directs the office of victim services, in consultation with the office for the prevention of domestic violence, to establish a statewide supervised visitation initiative including culturally sensitive services that provide language access for those who need it and that are affordable for those with limited means to pay; requires the submission of regular assessments and reports.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 1098, introduced by Senator Stavisky, formally welcomes the students, teachers, and administrators of the Bronx High School of Science to the New York State Legislative Chambers in Albany on May 28, 2025. It recognizes the school's historic contributions to education, science, and civic leadership, including its global reputation, notable alumni (such as Nobel laureates and industry leaders), and innovative programs like the IDEAS Initiative. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for the school's legacy and impact on New York's educational community. The resolution will be presented to the school after adoption, with the legislature pausing its proceedings to honor the visit.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 1097 honors 50+ New York State veterans being inducted into the 2025 New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes these veterans - selected for combat service or post-military contributions - for their military service and community impact. The resolution directs the Senate to pause its proceedings to honor them and requires sending copies of the resolution to each inductee. This is a ceremonial gesture with no binding effect, solely acknowledging veterans' service.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill), requesting Governor Hochul to proclaim October 9, 2025, as "Sneakers Day" in New York State. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, people, or programs. The resolution simply asks the Governor to issue a formal proclamation recognizing this date, aligning with National Sneakers Day. Its purpose is symbolic awareness of sneakers' cultural and historical significance, not policy change.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 1016 memorializes Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2025 as Dairy Month in the State of New York. This resolution aims to acknowledge the significant contributions of the dairy industry and New York's dairy farmers to the state's economy and agriculture.