Sen. Monica Martinez

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to add spina bifida to the official list of conditions considered developmental disabilities under the state's mental hygiene law. By making this change, individuals with spina bifida would legally qualify for the same services and support systems currently available to those with other listed conditions like cerebral palsy or autism. The amendment is set to take effect immediately upon passage, ensuring that affected individuals can access relevant resources without delay.

Maddy summaryS 703 amends New York's animal cruelty law by removing the requirement that injury must be "serious" to qualify as aggravated cruelty. This change means prosecutors no longer need to prove severe physical harm to charge someone with aggravated cruelty to animals. The bill defines "aggravated cruelty" as conduct intentionally causing extreme pain or carried out in a depraved or sadistic manner, applying to companion animals. The law directly affects individuals accused of animal cruelty, broadening the scope of what constitutes a punishable offense under this specific charge.

Relates to veterans' health care; creates a veteran health care review to ensure veterans and their families have access to health and mental health treatment, including for post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, military sexual trauma, reproductive and mental health conditions, and suicide prevention.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes SUNY trustees to lease approximately 11.5 acres of underutilized land at the Stony Brook campus to a nonprofit housing development corporation. The agreement would allow the construction and operation of multi-purpose facilities to address housing needs and community amenities for up to 99 years, with the land reverting to the university if the project stops or the lease ends. To ensure public accountability, the lease requires approval from state budget, legal, and accounting officials, and all construction work must follow state labor laws and prevailing wage requirements. Additionally, the legislation explicitly prohibits the university from contracting out any current public employee duties, such as instruction or administrative services, to the private lessee or its subsidiaries.

Increases the penalty of knowingly violating the provisions relating to the appropriate shelter for dogs from a violation to a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than one year, or by a fine not less than five hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars, or by both.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures students with disabilities attending non-public schools in New York have the same due process rights and access to special education services as students in public schools. It requires school districts to provide these services upon written request from parents or guardians by specific deadlines, with exceptions for students identified with disabilities after certain dates. School districts must develop a personalized education plan for each student and allow parents to challenge decisions through due process procedures if they disagree with service recommendations or evaluations. The bill applies to all non-public school students with disabilities in New York and mandates equitable service provision compared to public school students.

Requires the inclusion of local and municipal animal shelters, any duly incorporated society for the prevention of cruelty to animals and veterinary services when establishing local comprehensive emergency management plans; requires that information to the public include the communication accommodation needs of persons with vision or hearing impairments and information on which temporary housing and other necessary facilities are designated as animal-friendly.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor to officially declare the week of April 20-26, 2026, as Space Week in New York. The resolution highlights the state's strong history in aerospace and its current robust industry, which supports tens of thousands of jobs. By proclaiming this week, the state aims to connect various groups, including businesses, schools, and the public, to celebrate and promote the space sector. The measure is a ceremonial gesture rather than a law that changes how the state operates.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 2043 formally congratulates 52 individuals who have been named the 2026 New York State Senate Women of Distinction. This ceremonial resolution recognizes these women for their professional achievements and personal contributions to their communities. The Senate will send copies of the resolution to each honoree as a gesture of appreciation. The bill does not create new laws or change existing policies, but rather serves to honor these individuals for their impact on New York State.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution congratulates the Marlboro High School Boys Bowling Team and their coach for winning the 2026 New York State Public High School Athletic Association Division II State Championship. The bill formally acknowledges the team's 15-1 season record and their status as back-to-back state champions, highlighting the contributions of the players and their support network. It directs that a copy of the resolution be sent to the team members, the head coach, and the athletic director as an official commendation. No new laws or funding are created; the measure serves solely as a ceremonial recognition of the team's athletic achievement.