Sen. Brian Kavanagh

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York public schools to provide plant-based meal options at no extra cost when requested by a student or their parent/guardian. Plant-based options must be USDA-recognized meat alternatives (free of animal products like meat, dairy, or eggs) and must be clearly listed in all school food service materials. Schools may also offer these options to all students, not just those who request them, and must consult with nutrition committees during implementation.

Maddy summaryS 442 (HIV Assistance Act) modifies New York's social services law to better support people with medically diagnosed HIV. It sets a 30% cap on rent costs for individuals with HIV earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level, requiring districts to calculate aid accordingly. The bill also mandates social services districts to provide emergency shelter, transportation, or nutrition payments for homeless or at-risk HIV patients when no cheaper housing alternative exists, with shelter payments capped at 110% of federal fair market rent. Additionally, it requires districts to help secure eligibility documentation and refer patients to specialized resources, while creating a centralized online resource hub for HIV-related services.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 234) requests Governor Hochul to officially designate April 14, 2025, as "Bangla New Year Day" (Pohela Baisakh) in New York State. It directly affects New York's Bengali community, which has a large population in New York City (including over 10,000 annual immigrants) and significant cultural contributions. The resolution commemorates the secular holiday's origins in the Indian subcontinent and acknowledges the community's historical presence and cultural enrichment of New York through arts, education, and literature. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the holiday.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (not a bill) requesting Governor Hochul to issue a proclamation designating January 27, 2025, as Holocaust Remembrance Day in New York State. It does not create new laws or directly affect any individuals or groups; it simply asks the Governor to formally recognize the date. The resolution cites historical context about the Holocaust and the UN-designated International Holocaust Remembrance Day (observed on January 27) but contains no policy changes. It was adopted by the Senate on January 22, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (J 235) commemorating the 181st anniversary of the Dominican Republic's independence, to be observed on February 27, 2025. It recognizes the historical significance of Dominican independence (achieved February 27, 1844) and acknowledges the cultural and economic contributions of over one million Dominican New Yorkers and Dominican Americans across the U.S. The resolution has no legal effect; it formally marks the occasion through a pause in legislative business and transmits copies to Dominican organizations in New York State. It directly honors the Dominican community and their heritage within New York.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates the 40th annual observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in New York State on January 20, 2025. It directs the New York State Legislature to pause its deliberations to honor Dr. King's legacy and contributions to civil rights and social justice, as outlined in the resolution's preamble. The resolution also requires a copy to be transmitted to the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus. As a ceremonial measure, it does not create new laws or affect specific groups beyond the state legislature's ceremonial recognition.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 33 formally congratulates the Schuylerville High School Varsity Football Team and Head Coach John Bowen for winning the 2024 NYSPHSAA Class C Football Championship - their first state title in school history. The resolution specifically recognizes their 26-20 victory over Salamanca High School on December 7, 2024, and highlights the team's 13-1 season record and overcoming a 20-7 deficit in the championship game. It directs that copies of the resolution be sent to the team members, coaches, and school administrators, including Superintendent Dr. Ryan Sherman and Principal James Ducharme. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves to honor the athletic achievement.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a symbolic resolution (S.28) urging Governor Hochul to officially designate April 2025 as "Workplace Violence Prevention Month" in New York. It does not create new laws but seeks to raise public awareness about workplace safety, particularly highlighting that healthcare workers face five times higher violence risk than other industries. The resolution formally memorializes the Governor to issue the proclamation, with copies sent to state officials and healthcare advocacy groups like the American Nurses Association. It aligns with national recognition of April as Workplace Violence Prevention Awareness Month.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 106) asks Governor Hochul to officially designate May 12-18, 2025, as "Period Poverty Awareness Week" in New York. It aims to highlight that one in four women and girls struggle to afford menstrual products, leading to missed school or work, and emphasizes period products as essential health necessities. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but seeks to raise public awareness about period poverty as a public health issue.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (not a law) expressing congratulations to the Brooklyn Technical High School Football Team for winning the 2024-25 NYC PSAL 3A Championship on November 29, 2024. It formally recognizes the team's victory over Fort Hamilton Tigers, their 10-1 season record, and their coaches and managers. The resolution has no policy impact - it serves solely to honor the team's achievement through a formal legislative expression of support. It directly affects the players, coaches (Brian Pugh and Kyle Council), and managers named in the resolution.