Sen. Nathalia Fernández

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor of New York to officially recognize May 24, 2024, as Long Island Sound Day. The resolution highlights the ecological importance and economic value of the Long Island Sound, noting its diverse wildlife and significant role in recreation and commerce. By adopting this measure, the state legislature formally acknowledges the region's natural resources and joins Connecticut in celebrating the area. The bill does not create new laws or regulations but serves to honor the sound through a ceremonial proclamation.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally congratulates the Hoosic Valley Odyssey of the Mind teams for winning first place in New York State. It recognizes the achievements of the student teams and their coaches, acknowledging their success in a competition that fosters creativity and problem-solving skills. The resolution directs that copies of the document be sent to the coaches and team members to honor their accomplishments.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution commemorates the 60th anniversary of Fania Records, a historic New York-based label founded in 1964 that pioneered salsa music and launched the careers of many Latin music legends. The bill formally recognizes the label's cultural impact and its role in telling the story of American immigration through music, noting that three of its recordings are already listed in the National Recording Registry. It directs the state legislature to pause its proceedings to honor the label's members and resolves to send a copy of the resolution to Fania Records.

Clarifies that the New York state health insurance program remains subject to certain provisions of the financial services law and coverage for usual and customary costs for out-of-network health care service.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers to provide a designated sink or individual basin for washing breast pump equipment in the room set aside for nursing employees. The provision applies to any workplace that already offers a private, shielded space for expressing breast milk, ensuring the area includes necessary amenities like a chair, working surface, and electrical outlet. By adding this specific requirement, the legislation aims to support lactating workers by making the designated nursing room more functional and hygienic. The change takes effect immediately upon signing.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Correctional Association of New York to regularly inspect and evaluate all residential juvenile detention facilities operated by the Office of Children and Family Services. Under the new rules, the association can conduct unannounced visits, review facility records and incident reports, and maintain confidential contact with both the youth and staff to ensure their welfare. The legislation also expands the role of Prisoners' Legal Services by allowing them to provide legal representation to detained youth, investigate complaints of abuse or poor conditions, and operate a confidential hotline for reporting issues. Additionally, the Correctional Association must submit an annual public report detailing the state of these facilities and any recommended improvements, while the Office of Children and Family Services is required to respond in writing to those findings.

Establishes the "earned time act" providing for time allowances against the term or maximum term of sentences imposed by the court to be credited on an annual pro rata basis.

Directs the department of social services to establish a refugee resettlement program with the goals of achieving economic and social self-sufficiency, assisting victims of human trafficking, and assuring proper foster care for unaccompanied refugees.

Requires nightlife establishments, sporting or event centers, theaters, concert venues, and amusement parks maintain a supply of opioid antagonists.

Maddy summaryThis bill introduces a 5 percent excise tax on alcoholic beverages sold for off-premises consumption, such as those purchased at liquor stores or grocery stores for later use at home. The tax rate is designed to be reviewed annually and adjusted by the state commissioner to account for inflation. All revenue collected from this tax, after setting aside funds for refunds, will be directed to the New York State Drug Treatment and Public Education Fund. The tax will be administered using the same methods currently used for other state sales taxes and will take effect several months after the bill is signed into law.