Sen. Luis Sepúlveda

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally honors the life and legacy of Freddi Macek, a retired educator and labor union advocate from Rochester, New York. The measure directs the legislative body to pause in mourning her death and authorizes sending a copy of the resolution to her family. It serves as a ceremonial tribute recognizing her contributions to education and community service without establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution directs Governor Kathy Hochul to officially designate April 28, 2026, as MWBE Advocacy Day in New York State. The measure honors the state's ongoing efforts to support Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises by recognizing their role in economic empowerment and addressing historical disparities in government contracting. While the bill does not alter existing laws or funding, it serves as a formal acknowledgment of past initiatives and encourages continued collaboration between state agencies, business owners, and stakeholders to improve program effectiveness. Copies of the resolution will be sent to the Governor and relevant business owners across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally congratulates the Tappan Zee High School Girls Basketball Team and their coaching staff on winning the NYSPHSAA Class A Championship. It specifically recognizes the players, head coach Riley Chevrier, assistant coaches Sarah Kukla and Darrell Flynn, and athletic director William Pilla for their athletic achievement and dedication. The resolution also notes that the team will visit the State Capitol in Albany on May 7, 2026, to celebrate their victory. Copies of this document will be sent to the recognized individuals as an official record of the state's commendation.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially declare April 19-25, 2026, as Library Week in New York State. The resolution highlights the value of libraries and librarians during this annual observance, which aligns with National Library Week. It does not create new laws or change policies, but instead serves as a symbolic gesture to recognize the role of libraries in the community.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor of New York to officially declare April 28, 2026, as Animal Advocacy Day. The resolution highlights the positive roles animals play in families, public safety, and the well-being of vulnerable populations. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness about animal welfare. The measure is a ceremonial action that requires no further legislative steps once the proclamation is issued.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor of New York to officially recognize April 2026 as Sikh Heritage Month. The resolution highlights the contributions of the Sikh community to the state and aims to increase awareness of Sikh history and traditions. It does not change laws or create new programs but serves as a formal proclamation to honor the community.

Maddy summaryBill S 871 establishes uniform waiting list priorities for domestic violence survivors applying for public housing. It requires local housing authorities to give these survivors the same priority as other vulnerable groups, such as the disabled, elderly, and homeless. To qualify, a survivor must either continue to face domestic violence in their current home or have left due to violence and not be living in standard permanent housing. For applicants with the same priority status, housing authorities will select based on the date and time their application was received.

Prohibits the use of intoxication of the victim as a defense in sex crimes where the victim is under the extreme influence of any substance which renders them incapable of appraising or controlling such victim's conduct and incapable of clearly expressing lack of consent.

Establishes a master of social work paid field practicum pilot program to provide a stipend to students who are enrolled in a master of social work program for the first 450 hours of field practicum completed towards such masters' degree; requires the office of mental health to complete a report making recommendations on how to expand the pilot program to increase the number of social workers in the state, improve representation in the field of social work, mitigate student debt and improve labor conditions for social workers upon graduation.

Modernizes, improves fairness, efficiency, transparency, and reduces costs in civil justice procedures; clarifies disclosure and discovery procedures to further protect litigants' rights.