Sen. Rob Rolison

Maddy summaryS 587 creates a new income tax deduction for cash tips received by workers, specifically for tips classified as wages under federal tax law. This change directly affects service industry workers (like servers and bartenders) who receive cash tips, allowing them to subtract those tips from their taxable income. The bill adds a specific deduction line to the tax code for cash tips received during a tax year, effective for all tax returns filed for 2025 and later. It does not change how tips are reported to employers but adjusts how they are treated for state tax purposes. The bill is currently pending in committee review.

Maddy summaryBill S 7777 mandates triennial lead testing of potable water in all school districts and boards of cooperative educational services. If lead contamination exceeds action levels, affected schools must implement a "filter-first drinking water management plan" by December 2026. This plan requires installing filtered bottle-filling stations (one per 100 occupants) and filtered faucets where stations are not feasible, along with regular filter replacement and shutting off unfiltered outlets for human consumption. Schools must also provide safe drinking water until remediation is complete, notify parents of test results, and make all testing data publicly available.

Designates services to be provided by a jail-based substance use disorder treatment, peer led recovery support services, and transition services program as essential medical care services.

Requires for construction activities that require a state pollutant discharge elimination system permit owners and operators to submit a copy of the required public notice; requires each county receiving such notice to make such notice publicly available on its website.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 903) creates state-funded training programs for family members and other unpaid caregivers supporting people needing daily assistance due to disability or age. It expands the definition of "informal caregiver" to include non-household members (like older adults caring for minor relatives) and defines "person in need of assistance" broadly to cover those requiring help with daily tasks, including minors with disabilities. Key provisions require the state director to develop culturally sensitive training covering health knowledge, practical care skills, stress management, and resource access, delivered through caregiver resource centers and local networks. The bill mandates annual reports to the legislature tracking program participation and effectiveness in improving care quality.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially recognize March 2026 as Youth Art Month in New York State. It does not change laws or create new programs, but rather designates a specific month for public awareness of art education. The resolution highlights the importance of visual arts in schools and encourages community support for art programs. It is a ceremonial measure that directs the governor to issue a proclamation for the observance.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor of New York to officially designate March 23, 2026, as Pakistan-American Heritage Day in the state. It directly affects the Pakistani-American community in New York by creating a formal day to recognize their cultural contributions and heritage. The resolution directs copies to the Governor, the Pakistani Consulate in New York City, and the American Pakistani Advocacy Group for their records. This is a ceremonial measure that does not change laws or require funding, but rather serves to acknowledge and celebrate the Pakistani-American community's presence and achievements in New York State.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially declare March 15-21, 2026, as Agriculture Week in New York State. The resolution recognizes the importance of farming to the state's economy and food supply, and it aligns with National Agriculture Week celebrations. It does not create new laws or change existing policies, but rather serves as a formal acknowledgment of agriculture's contributions to New York. The bill is a ceremonial measure intended to honor farmers and promote awareness of the agricultural industry.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor of New York to officially designate March 19, 2026, as West Point Day in the state. It directly affects Governor Kathy Hochul by requesting her signature on a proclamation recognizing the historical significance of the United States Military Academy at West Point. The resolution highlights the academy's role in American history and its contributions to national defense and leadership. It does not change any laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of the institution's legacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Resolution that formally acknowledges and commends New York Maple Producers for hosting their Annual Maple Weekends on March 21-22, 2026, and March 28-29, 2026. The resolution highlights the importance of maple syrup production to New York's agricultural heritage, noting that the state is home to over 2,000 maple sugar makers and produces more than 825,000 gallons of syrup annually. It recognizes the producers' efforts in welcoming families to their farms to learn about syrup production and enjoy related activities and products. The resolution concludes by directing that copies be sent to the maple producers as a formal gesture of appreciation.