Provides that companion animals, as sentient beings, shall be considered victims of animal cruelty crimes, including but not limited to all offenses as defined in article twenty-six of the agriculture and markets law, and shall be treated as such in a court of law.
Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor of New York to officially designate May 5, 2026, as Queens Day to recognize the borough's cultural diversity and contributions to the state. The resolution directs the Governor to issue a proclamation for this date, which will coincide with a Queens Day celebration event in Albany featuring food, beverages, and displays of local businesses. The bill is sponsored by Senator Stavisky and was adopted by the Senate on March 24, 2026, after being referred to the Finance Committee. Copies of the resolution will be sent to the Governor, the Queens Borough President's office, and the Queens Chamber of Commerce.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Resolution that formally honors Nassau County Police Officer Patricia Espinosa, who died in a car accident on January 31, 2026. The resolution expresses the legislative body's condolences to her family and acknowledges her service, community involvement, and dedication to public safety. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as an official tribute to recognize her life and contributions.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally commemorates the 115th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire on March 25, 2026. It recognizes the 146 garment workers who died in the 1911 tragedy and honors their legacy by acknowledging the continued efforts of labor unions in protecting workers' rights. The resolution also highlights the historical impact of the fire, which led to significant labor law reforms and the advancement of immigrant rights in New York State.
Requires any state aid owed to a school district from a prior year adjustment be paid as part of the first state aid payment of the following school year following the notification of such payments.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally honors Staff Sergeant Michael H. Ollis posthumously after he received the Congressional Medal of Honor and was inducted into the Hall of Heroes. The resolution acknowledges Ollis's sacrifice during a 2013 Taliban attack in Afghanistan, where he shielded an allied officer and saved over 40 personnel. It recognizes the Medal of Honor ceremony held at the White House and Ollis's induction at the Pentagon, noting that his name is now inscribed on the Medal of Honor Garden Wall. The resolution concludes by directing a copy of the document to Ollis's family.
Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for theft and fraud targeting individuals aged 60 or older, classifying these crimes as Class B felonies. It directly affects elderly victims (60+) and perpetrators of such offenses, including common scams like identity theft or fake tech support calls. The law creates two new criminal provisions: Section 165.80 for theft against elderly persons and Section 190.91 for fraud against elderly persons, both elevating penalties from lesser offenses. This change reflects legislative intent to address a 14% rise in elder fraud complaints (2023) and $77.7 billion in global fraud linked to elderly victims annually.
Requires construction contractors hired to perform work on certain school buildings and facilities to acquire a transportation worker identification credential card issued by the Transportation Security Administration prior to beginning work on such buildings and facilities.
Relates to motor vehicle insurance fairness; provides that insurance rates shall not be increased based on certain factors; sets forth processes for motor vehicle insurers to have rate increases approved; allows public access in relation to any proposed insurance rate increases; allows members of the public to request permission to intervene in proceedings related to rate increases; directs rules and regulations to be established.
Enacts the "End the Toll Trap: Real Relief for Drivers Act" to address excess administrative costs incurred by public authorities for the collection of toll payments and to ensure repeat toll evaders pay such costs; creates the New York and New Jersey toll and fees reduction task force to examine and evaluate the efficacy of current payment processing procedures and systems, and to provide recommendations to increase efficacy and reduce tolls and administrative fees.
