Sen. Gustavo Rivera

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic Senate Resolution (not binding legislation) commending Open Space Institute and Parks & Trails New York for hosting their 20th Annual Park & Public Lands Advocacy Day on February 25, 2026. It honors these organizations for their work protecting over 2.5 million acres of land and promoting 2,000+ miles of trails across New York. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses the legislature's appreciation through a formal commendation. It directly affects no individuals or entities beyond the named organizations receiving the recognition.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (J 1620) adopted by the New York State Senate to honor the late Denis Michael Troy, a longtime Orangetown Councilman and Rockland County Legislator. It expresses the Senate's "profound regret" over his death and commemorates his 30+ years of community service, including his work on the Orangetown Council, advocacy for local services, and roles in organizations like the Ancient Order of Hibernians. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely a formal expression of condolence to his family and community. It was adopted by the Senate on February 25, 2026.

Enacts the "New York affordable drug manufacturing act" to direct the commissioner of health to enter into partnerships to increase competition, lower prices, and address shortages in the market for generic prescription drugs, to reduce the cost of prescription drugs for public and private purchasers, taxpayers, and consumers, and to increase patient access to affordable drugs.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit for sustainable aviation fuel producers in New York, offering $1 per gallon (up to $2 per gallon) based on emissions reductions. Producers must meet strict criteria: fuel must reduce lifecycle greenhouse gases by at least 50% compared to jet fuel, be derived from biomass/waste, and avoid palm/petroleum sources. The credit requires certification from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), with a $30 million annual spending cap. It directly affects fuel producers and businesses using qualifying fuel for flights departing from New York airports, aiming to incentivize cleaner aviation fuel adoption.

Prohibits non-compete agreements for certain medical professionals; authorizes covered individuals to bring a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction against any employer or persons alleged to have violated such prohibition.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 8756) modifies the implementation timeline for a law allowing close friends to arrange body donations for medical purposes after a person's death. It changes the effective date so that the health commissioner can immediately begin implementing the law - rather than waiting 180 days - upon the bill's passage. This adjustment primarily affects individuals who wish to donate a deceased person's body for medical education or research, ensuring faster administrative readiness. The bill is procedural in nature, focusing solely on implementation timing, not the eligibility for body donations.

Relates to conditions under which non-public residential health care facilities may withdraw equity or assets totaling five percent of total reported annual revenue for patient care services without prior notification to the commissioner of health.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the age restriction that previously limited foreign adoptions in New York to individuals under 18. It allows adoptive parents to finalize adoptions for foreign-born individuals of any age, directly affecting older adoptees and their families. Key provisions require the state commissioner to issue a new birth certificate upon receiving specific documents, including proof of New York residency, foreign adoption records with certified translation, birth evidence, and valid immigrant visa status (like IR-3/IR-4). The change applies to all foreign adoptions finalized under New York law, streamlining the process for adult adoptees.

Establishes an affordable independent senior housing assistance program which shall provide grants within amounts appropriated or otherwise available therefor to affordable independent senior housing properties to establish and operate resident assistance programs.

Permits a chief fiscal officer of a county or a public administrator, when having the right to control the disposition of the remains of a decedent and acting reasonably and in good faith, to, without civil liability, select cremation or natural organic reduction as the method of disposition for such decedent where the financial resources of such decedent are limited and such disposition is selected with the reasonable belief that the method is consistent with the religious practices of the decedent.