Prohibits peremptory challenges of prospective jurors based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, religion, religious practice, age, disability, or sexual orientation.
Maddy summaryBill S 374 expands existing state lobbying laws to include efforts aimed at influencing the nomination or confirmation of individuals to state offices, particularly those requiring Senate approval. It mandates that anyone lobbying for or against such appointments must register as a lobbyist. These registered lobbyists will then be required to publicly disclose their identity, spending, and specific activities related to these nominations and confirmations. This ensures that attempts to influence who fills state positions are subject to the same disclosure rules as other lobbying efforts.
Establishes standards for caseloads for child protective services workers; requires the state to pay for one hundred percent of the costs associated with compliance of such caseload standard; makes related provisions.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution directs Governor Kathy Hochul to officially proclaim March 2026 as Women's History Month in New York State. The bill asks the governor to recognize and honor the historical contributions of women across various fields including politics, education, medicine, civil rights, and business. It highlights specific New York women who have made significant impacts, from early suffrage leaders to modern public servants and athletes. The resolution is ceremonial in nature and does not create new laws or change existing policies.
Relates to establishing the crime of obstruction of governmental duties at the scene of a crime wherein a person acts under the color of law to prevent a police officer from accessing the scene of a crime or any evidence at the scene of a crime.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1664) honors Jonathan A. Dandes, president of Rich Baseball Operations and a Buffalo Baseball Hall of Fame inductee, who died on February 22, 2026. It memorializes his 40+ years of service to the Buffalo Bisons, Sahlen Field, and Western New York community through roles including executive vice president of Rich Entertainment Group and director of the National Kidney Foundation. The resolution directs the legislature to "pause in its deliberations to mourn" his passing and transmit a copy to his family. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create policy changes or affect any legislation.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law), formally recognizing Holi as an ancient Hindu Spring Festival. It acknowledges Holi's cultural significance - celebrating fertility, love, the triumph of good over evil, and the arrival of spring - without creating any new policies or affecting anyone's rights or obligations. The resolution simply directs the legislature to pause its proceedings to observe the festival, with no binding requirements for citizens or government action. It was adopted by the legislature on March 5, 2026, as a symbolic gesture honoring cultural diversity.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1680) designates March 10, 2026, as "Bronx Day" to honor the borough's history and cultural significance. It directs the New York State Legislature to pause its proceedings on that date to recognize the Bronx's contributions, including its role as the birthplace of hip-hop, historical sites, and diverse communities. The resolution will be transmitted to the Bronx Borough President and Bronx Chamber of Commerce. As a commemorative measure, it has no binding policy impact or direct effect on residents or programs.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (J 1681) congratulating the Potsdam Central High School Girls Hockey Team for winning the 2026 NYSPHSAA Girls Hockey Championship. It formally recognizes the team's 17-3-2 season record, their 3-2 championship victory over Adirondack United, and their status as the school's first girls hockey champions in over a decade. The resolution specifically names all 25 players and coaches (including Head Coach Joe Stark and Assistant Coaches Lindsay LaSala and Olivia Scott) and directs that engrossed copies be sent to them. As a symbolic gesture with no policy impact, it does not create new laws or affect any regulations.
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.
