Sen. Gustavo Rivera

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 1252 is a ceremonial resolution memorializing Governor Hochul to formally recognize June 2025 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in New York State. It does not create new laws or policies; instead, it requests the Governor issue a symbolic proclamation to honor the community's history and ongoing advocacy. The resolution cites key LGBTQIA+ milestones, including the Stonewall uprising and New York's marriage equality law, to frame the recognition. This is a procedural resolution with no direct effect on residents or policy implementation.

Codifies the disparate impact standard in the human rights law; provides that in cases of alleged housing discrimination, an unlawful discriminatory practice may be established by a practice's discriminatory effect.

Requires the modification of restrictive covenants prior to the sale of real property when covenants, conditions and restrictions exist which discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, familial status, marital status, disability, national origin, source of income or ancestry.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3360) expands who can legally authorize the donation of a deceased person's body for medical education or research. It adds "a close friend" (as defined in section 2994-a of the law) to the list of people permitted to make an anatomical gift, alongside existing categories like family members or guardians. The bill also clarifies that if multiple people in the same category (including close friends) are eligible, a gift requires majority agreement among reasonably available individuals to avoid conflicts. It directly affects close friends of decedents seeking to facilitate body donations for medical purposes.

Maddy summaryNew York's S 3362 repeals Section 3372 of the Public Health Law, which previously required healthcare practitioners to report patients' drug use to authorities. This change directly affects doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals who previously had this reporting obligation. The bill removes the specific legal requirement for practitioners to document and submit such information about patient substance use. The repeal simplifies administrative duties for healthcare providers but does not alter other patient privacy protections or drug-related regulations.

Relates to including outpatient care provided by creative arts therapists in certain insurance policies covering care for other mental health services.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 1155 requests Governor Hochul to proclaim August 2025 as Ambulatory Surgery Center Month in New York State, aligning with the national observance. The resolution highlights that New York's 179 Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) - operating as licensed facilities since 2025 - provide cost-efficient, same-day surgical care for thousands of procedures, reducing patient wait times while adhering to strict federal and state regulations. This procedural resolution does not create new law but formally recognizes ASCs' role in healthcare access and efficiency.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) congratulating Shawn MacKinnon on retiring after 30 years of service as a Senate staffer. It recognizes his roles including Secretary to the Senate Finance Committee, expertise in school funding, and mentorship, but contains no policy changes or mechanisms. The resolution formally acknowledges his contributions and will be sent to him as a copy. It directly affects MacKinnon as the honoree, with no impact on legislation or constituents.

Prohibits the use of drilling fluids, brine and flowback water from gas or oil wells, pools, or fields on any highway for any purpose including but not limited to de-icing or dust suppression.

Maddy summaryS 1804 requires health insurance plans in New York to cover one rescue inhaler and one maintenance inhaler for asthma treatment at no cost to the patient, eliminating deductibles, copays, or coinsurance. This applies to all comprehensive health insurance policies (including major medical, group, and health service corporation plans) that cover prescription drugs. The law specifically mandates coverage for inhalers prescribed by a physician or licensed provider, with a limited exception for high-deductible plans that would otherwise disqualify enrollees from health savings accounts. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027, for all new or renewed policies after that date. It directly affects New Yorkers with asthma who rely on insurance for inhaler access.