Sen. Jose Serrano

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural Senate resolution (not a bill), requesting Governor Hochul to declare July 1, 2026, as "Canada Day" in New York State. It memorializes the strong economic, cultural, and trade ties between New York and Canada, including $17 billion in annual exports and over 1,300 Canadian businesses operating in the state. The resolution has no binding effect; it simply asks the Governor to issue a ceremonial proclamation recognizing these connections. The legislature adopted it on February 3, 2026, and will send it to the Governor and Canada's New York Consul General.

Maddy summaryS 2221 would change New York's state budget process from an annual cycle to a biennial one, requiring the governor to submit a single budget covering two fiscal years instead of one per year. This affects state agencies (which must provide budget estimates to the governor), the legislature (which receives and reviews the biennial budget), and the judiciary (which must submit its financial needs by December 1 annually). The bill amends constitutional provisions to require biennial budget submissions by February 1 following gubernatorial elections, with the budget detailing expenditures and revenues for the next two years. It also modifies the rule that funds must be spent within three years of appropriation. The change aims to create longer-term budget planning by state government.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4393) proposes a constitutional amendment to allow all qualified voters to request mail-in ballots without needing to provide a specific reason, such as being away from their county or having a disability. It would remove the current requirement that voters state a "cause" (like absence or illness) to qualify for absentee voting. The change would make mail-in voting accessible to any eligible voter, streamlining the process and expanding voting options. The bill is currently under review by the Judiciary committee and awaiting an attorney general opinion.

Amends the constitution to delete the requirement that registration for purposes of voting be completed at least ten days before election day; provides that laws be made to adequately safeguard against deception in the exercise of the right of suffrage.

Relates to unlawful tenancies under the emergency tenant protection act of 1974; prohibits owners from entering or renewing leases where such owner has reason to know that such tenant will not occupy the housing accommodation as the tenant's primary residence.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits evictions from residential properties in New York State during periods of "inclement winter weather," defined as temperatures at or below 32°F (including wind chill), typically occurring from November through April. It directly affects all residential tenants in New York, with the legislature noting evictions disproportionately impact Black and Latinx households. The law amends real property law to block eviction proceedings during these cold-weather periods, citing health risks like increased mortality and homelessness linked to winter displacement. The ban aims to protect public health and safety by preventing homelessness during conditions that exacerbate exposure-related health crises.

Eliminates certain court surcharges and fees and probation and parole surcharges and fees; eliminates the requirement that a parolee or releasee receiving a merit termination of sentence be financially able to comply with an order of restitution; eliminates the requirement that a person receiving a discharge of sentence be financially able to comply with an order of restitution and the payment of certain surcharges or fees (Part A); mandates that courts engage in an individualized assessment of a person's financial ability to pay a fine prior to imposing a fine (Part B); eliminates the availability of incarceration as a remedy for a failure to pay a fine, surcharge, or fee, lifts and vacates existing warrants issued solely on a person's failure to timely pay a fine, surcharge or fee and ends existing sentences of incarceration based on such failure (Part C); vacates existing unsatisfied civil judgments based on a person's failure to timely pay a surcharge, or fee (Part D); prohibits the collection of a fine, restitution or reparation from the funds of an incarcerated person; prohibits the payment of court fines, mandatory surcharges, certain fees, restitution, reparation or forfeitures from the earnings of prisoners (Part E); vacates existing unpaid surcharges, DNA databank fees, crime victim assistance fees, sexual offender registration fees, supplemental sex offender victim fees, or probation or parole supervision fees; repeals certain provisions of law relating to restrictions on remitting such fees (Part F).

Relates to granting certain individuals youthful offender status; adds a new category of individuals eligible for young adult offender status; provides for process and sentencing requirements related to such statuses.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 1472 formally commends Gabriella Scheer for receiving the New York State Senate Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual. The resolution specifically recognizes her heroic actions on April 28, 2025, when she performed CPR on her unconscious boss during a medical emergency, saving his life. This ceremonial resolution has no policy impact - it serves solely as a formal tribute to her selfless act of compassion.

Maddy summaryThis resolution asks Governor Hochul to proclaim February 21-28, 2026, as National FFA Organization Week in New York. It recognizes the FFA's role in supporting agricultural education, student leadership development, and career readiness for over 13,500 New York students across nearly 200 chapters. The resolution has no binding policy impact - it is a symbolic request for the governor to issue a formal proclamation.