Sen. Andrew Gounardes

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially designate June 2026 as Black Music Month in New York State. The measure recognizes the historical and cultural significance of African American music, highlighting its roots in genres like jazz, gospel, and hip-hop, and its impact on both national and global culture. By formalizing this observance, the resolution aims to celebrate the contributions of Black musicians and preserve their legacy within the state. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a ceremonial proclamation to honor the artistic heritage of the community.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially declare June 2026 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in New York State. The resolution honors the history of the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly the 1969 Stonewall uprising, and recognizes past legal victories such as marriage equality and workplace protections. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to acknowledge the ongoing struggle for equality. The measure is non-binding and requires no additional action beyond the governor's proclamation.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially declare May 2026 as Maternal Mental Health Month in New York State. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about mental health challenges faced by pregnant and postpartum individuals, such as anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. By designating this specific month, the legislation seeks to highlight the importance of addressing untreated mental health conditions to improve outcomes for birthing people and their infants. The bill is a commemorative action that directs copies of the resolution to the Governor and the Legislative Women's Caucus for record-keeping and dissemination.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors New York veterans who are being inducted into the 2026 Veterans Hall of Fame. It formally pauses legislative proceedings to acknowledge their service and directs the transmission of a copy of the resolution to each of the 68 named inductees. The document serves as a ceremonial tribute rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Requires gas corporations to file maps with the public service commission annually to assess leak-prone gas infrastructure and the decommissioning of such leak-prone gas lines; requires the public service commission to publish such maps and certain accompanying documents on the commission's website; directs the public service commission to designate neighborhood priority decarbonization zones.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes New York's parole process by requiring the state board of parole to consider specific, evidence-based factors when deciding whether to release incarcerated individuals on parole. It mandates that the board evaluate rehabilitation efforts (like vocational training or therapy participation), release plans (including job opportunities and community support), and the seriousness of the crime, while prohibiting decisions based solely on victim input. The board must now provide detailed written explanations for denials and report quarterly to the public on parole denials, including demographic data (without identifying individuals) and reasons for each decision. This directly affects incarcerated individuals seeking parole and the parole board's decision-making procedures.

Prohibits cases from being closed without a hearing or written stipulation; requires a stenographic record of all hearings held; requires minutes and decisions to be provided to the injured worker in their native language.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires large group health insurance plans to cover hearing aids for policyholders who receive a medical evaluation and have them fitted by a licensed hearing aid provider. It mandates coverage for the cost of hearing aids (up to $2,500 per ear every 36 months) but prohibits insurers from denying coverage based on brand, style, or technology. The law applies to all large group medical, major medical, or comprehensive health insurance policies and ensures coverage for in-network providers. It directly affects insured individuals with hearing loss and the insurers offering these plans.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially recognize June 2026 as Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month in New York. The resolution highlights the significant impact of the disease, noting that it affects hundreds of thousands of residents and causes more deaths than certain cancers. It also points out the high costs of care and the challenges faced by caregivers, including issues of discrimination in healthcare settings. By adopting this measure, the legislature intends to increase public awareness and encourage further action on this health issue.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 101st birthday of Malcolm X, recognizing him as a significant advocate for human rights and an influential African American leader. The bill directs the legislative body to pause its proceedings to honor his life, detailing his history from his birth in Omaha to his work as a minister, his founding of civil rights organizations, and his assassination in 1965. By adopting this measure, the legislature formally acknowledges his contributions to the struggle for equality without imposing any new laws or policies.