Sen. Luis Sepúlveda

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 summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1491) requests Governor Hochul to proclaim March 11-April 12, 2026, as Garifuna-American Heritage Month in New York State. It directly affects New York's Garifuna community, which has the largest population outside Central America, particularly in New York City. The resolution commemorates the 229th anniversary of the Garifuna people's forced deportation from St. Vincent in 1797 and celebrates their cultural heritage and contributions to New York.

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.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a law) requesting Governor Hochul to issue a proclamation designating November 1, 2026, as "Plant-Based Day" in New York State. It does not create new policies or affect any specific group directly; instead, it asks the Governor to formally recognize this day in alignment with World Vegan Day. The resolution cites health, environmental, and economic benefits of plant-based diets as context for the recognition. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal force and serves only to honor the growing plant-based lifestyle movement in New York.

Establishes "SNAP for all", a state-funded supplemental nutrition assistance program to provide for those who are excluded from federal SNAP benefits solely due to immigration status; outlines eligibility requirements of applicants and operational requirements of the office of temporary and disability assistance.

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 allows New York pharmacists to administer FDA-approved progestin-only contraceptive injections, expanding access to this specific form of birth control. It requires pharmacists to complete training, provide patient screening questionnaires and fact sheets about clinical considerations, and notify a patient's primary care provider (unless the patient opts out). The policy directly affects patients seeking contraception and pharmacists who will administer the injections. Key safety mechanisms include mandatory screenings, provider notifications, and pharmacist discretion to refuse service if health risks are identified.

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.