Sen. Jose Serrano

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 1488 formally congratulates the Shenendehowa High School Girls Varsity Cross Country Team and Head Coach Rob Cloutier for winning the New York State Federation Cross Country Team Championship in 2025. The resolution highlights their championship victory, academic achievements (a team GPA of 94.05 percent), and participation in the Nike Cross Nationals. Adopted by the legislature, it directs copies to the team members, coaches, and school officials as a formal recognition of their accomplishments. This is a non-binding resolution expressing legislative support, not a policy change affecting any laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests Governor Hochul to designate May 28, 2026, as "Taiwan Heritage Day" in New York State. It cites New York's economic ties with Taiwan (including $158.60 billion in trade in 2024), cultural organizations, and shared values as context for the symbolic recognition. The resolution does not create new laws, affect policies, or impose obligations - it is purely a commemorative request. Copies would be sent to the Governor, Taiwan's president, and Taiwan's New York representative.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1489) is a symbolic gesture to commemorate the 182nd anniversary of the Dominican Republic's independence, to be celebrated on February 27, 2026. It honors the historical significance of the Dominican Republic's independence on February 27, 1844, and recognizes the contributions of over one million Dominican residents and Dominican Americans in New York State. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies; it simply requests the New York State Legislature pause to acknowledge this anniversary and direct copies to Dominican organizations. As a ceremonial resolution, it focuses on cultural recognition rather than legislative action.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 1493 commemorates the 45th anniversary of Dorothy Day's death, honoring her legacy as a Catholic lay leader, journalist, and co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement. The resolution formally recognizes her lifelong work in social justice, pacifism, and service to the poor, particularly her ties to Staten Island. It directs that copies of the resolution be sent to the Staten Island Catholic Worker and St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church in New Brighton, where Day is interred and where her legacy is actively preserved. This is a symbolic gesture with no legal effect or direct impact on individuals or policies.

Provides that the prescribing, dispensing, or receipt of mifepristone or any drug used for medication abortion shall not be considered a criminal conversion act under certain circumstances; provides that mifepristone or any drug used for medication abortion shall not be deemed to be adulterated or misbranded under certain circumstances.

Requires each institution within the state university of New York and the city university of New York offering in-person student instruction to have at least one vending machine making emergency contraception available for purchase.

Prevents public employers from diminishing health insurance benefits provided to retirees and their dependents or the contributions such employer makes for such health insurance coverage below the level of such benefits or contributions made on behalf of such retirees and their dependents by such public employer.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1580) requires state human services agencies to implement a 7.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for eligible programs starting April 1, 2025. It directly affects programs administered by the Office of Mental Health, Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, and Office of Addiction Services and Supports, including mental health clinics, developmental disability services, and addiction treatment programs. The COLA applies to reimbursement rates for these services and mandates that recipients use funds to provide at least a 2.6% targeted salary increase for eligible staff. The bill prohibits other new COLA increases during this period, except for specific federal pandemic relief programs.

Establishes the New York state abortion clinical training program within the department of health for the purpose of training health care practitioners in the performance of abortion and related reproductive health care services; requires the commissioner of health to submit a report to the governor and the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1392) asks Governor Hochul to designate April 11-17, 2026, as Black Maternal Health Week in New York State. It aims to raise public awareness about the severe racial disparities in maternal health outcomes, where Black women in New York face significantly higher risks of pregnancy-related death and complications compared to white women. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funds but serves as a symbolic recognition of these health inequities and supports community efforts led by Black women's health organizations. It aligns with the national Black Mamas Matter Alliance's campaign to highlight preventable maternal health challenges.