Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 2298 is a commemorative bill honoring Minerva Solla, a labor activist and social justice advocate who passed away in April 2026. The resolution formally recognizes her lifelong contributions to workers' rights, including her role in organizing strikes, founding Latino labor committees, and helping pass legislation like Paid Family Leave. It directs the legislature to pause proceedings to mourn her death and sends a copy of the resolution to her family. The bill does not create new laws or policies but serves as an official acknowledgment of her legacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally honors individuals who received the 2026 LeadingAge New York Long Term Care Employee of Distinction Awards. It specifically recognizes staff members from various not-for-profit and public long-term care facilities across New York State, including nurses, aides, and social workers. The resolution directs the legislature to pause its proceedings to acknowledge these employees and mandates that copies of the document be sent to each recipient. This action serves as a ceremonial tribute rather than establishing new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state law to grant peace officer status to uniformed court officers employed by the village of Dobbs Ferry in Westchester County. Under the new provisions, these officers will receive specific law enforcement powers but are prohibited from carrying firearms unless they hold a valid license. Furthermore, any officer who is not currently a certified police or peace officer must complete mandatory training before exercising these new authorities. The changes become effective immediately upon the bill's passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates security officers working at the village court in Pleasantville as peace officers, but only for specific duties related to court security. It limits their authority to the powers listed in paragraphs (b), (h), and (i) of section 2.20 of the criminal procedure law. The bill also requires these officers to complete required training if they aren't already certified peace officers and prohibits them from carrying firearms without a separate license. This change directly affects Pleasantville's court security staff, granting them limited peace officer status exclusively for court-related responsibilities.

Grants security officers serving at the village of Ardsley village court peace officer status; provides that such officers shall complete training if they are not otherwise police officers or peace officers.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the list of projects eligible for funding under the "County of Westchester Public Works Investment Act" to include the replacement of five specific bridges and three culverts. The legislation directly affects the Westchester County government by formally adding these infrastructure items to the authorized projects list, alongside several existing public buildings in the Valhalla and Mount Pleasant areas. By updating the legal definition of an "authorized project," the bill enables the county to proceed with replacing the Anita Lane, Ward Avenue, Halstead Avenue, Oakland Beach Avenue, and Playland Parkway bridges, as well as daylighting the East Blind Brook Culverts. This change allows the county to utilize the act's resources for these specific transportation improvements without requiring new legislation for each individual project.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the civil service rules for Westchester County by transferring administrative authority from the state civil service commission to a local personnel officer. Under the new provisions, the county would handle most hiring, firing, and promotion decisions, while the state commission would retain specific powers such as classifying job types, evaluating applicant merit, and certifying lists of eligible candidates. The legislation also requires the county to establish its own pay schedules and personnel procedures to ensure equal pay for equal work. Additionally, the bill mandates that any changes to appointment or separation procedures must be approved by the state commission before they take effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the city of Yonkers to impose a special tax surcharge on vacant and abandoned properties. The surcharge can be set at up to two times the standard property tax, meaning the total tax owed on such properties could reach three times the normal rate. To be subject to this fee, a property must be officially designated as vacant or abandoned based on criteria like lack of occupancy, court orders, or owner statements, while excluding homes under active renovation or occupied by family members. The city's finance department will handle the designation process, providing owners with notice and an opportunity to appeal the decision before the tax is applied.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors Senator Michael N. Gianaris as he receives the President Pro Tempore and Senate Majority Leader's Legislative Legacy Award. The bill formally recognizes his decades of public service, highlighting his legislative achievements in areas such as tenant rights, criminal justice reform, and election access. It expresses the Senate's gratitude for his contributions and directs that a copy of the resolution be sent to him as a token of appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Town of Mount Pleasant in Westchester County to sell specific parkland to build housing, provided the town replaces it with an equal or greater amount of new parkland. The legislation requires the town to dedicate a new parcel of land as public park space before selling the existing one, ensuring that the total area of public green space does not decrease. If the new land is less valuable than the land being sold, the town must use the difference in value to buy more parkland or improve existing facilities. Additionally, the sale cannot proceed until the town meets any federal requirements related to the conversion of federally supported parklands.