Sen. Pete Harckham

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic Senate Resolution (J 259), not a legislative bill with policy changes. It formally commemorates the 17th anniversary of Kosovo's independence (declared February 17, 2008) through a resolution adopted by the legislature. The resolution acknowledges Kosovo's history, progress in democracy, and the contributions of Kosovar communities in New York to cultural and economic life. It has no direct impact on laws, regulations, or affected populations beyond expressing legislative recognition.

Maddy summaryThis is a Senate resolution (J 255) commending Brandon Gruttemeyer for receiving the New York State Senate's Liberty Medal - the highest honor for an individual. It recognizes his heroic 2024 rescue of a non-swimmer who nearly drowned at Lake George, where he located the victim underwater and administered life-saving CPR until emergency services arrived. The resolution formally praises his actions and transmits a copy of the resolution to him. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legislative effect beyond the Senate's ceremonial recognition.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution requests Governor Hochul to proclaim May 2025 as Muslim History Month in New York State. It aims to recognize Muslim cultural contributions, promote education about historical Muslim achievements (such as advancements in science and medicine), and foster community understanding. The resolution does not create new laws but encourages symbolic acknowledgment through the Governor's proclamation.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 247) requests Governor Hochul to issue a proclamation designating January 2025 as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in New York State. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally asks the Governor to recognize the month, aligning with national observance. The resolution highlights cervical cancer statistics in New York (840 new cases and 180 deaths in 2024) and emphasizes the need for public awareness of prevention and screening. As a memorial resolution, it is procedural and symbolic, directly affecting the Governor’s role in issuing the proclamation.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 228 is a commemorative resolution mourning the death of Robert James Linkenhoker, a 26-year veteran firefighter and community member from Brewster, New York, who died suddenly on October 16, 2024. The resolution honors his service with the Brewster Fire Department, his work with the Highway Department, and his dedication to community activities like helping at Stoneleigh Farm. It expresses the legislature's condolences to his family and recognizes his legacy of selflessness, humor, and community impact. As a purely ceremonial resolution, it does not create new policy or affect any laws.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a bill) requesting Governor Hochul to designate March 29, 2025, as Vietnam Veterans Day in New York State. It directly affects New York residents by encouraging the state to formally recognize Vietnam War veterans through a gubernatorial proclamation. The resolution asks the Governor to issue the proclamation in coordination with National Vietnam Veterans Day, urging communities to hold ceremonies honoring veterans' service and contributions. It emphasizes supporting veterans' reintegration into civilian life and acknowledging their sacrifices, including the 58,000 U.S. service members who died during the war. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on January 22, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York public schools to provide plant-based meal options at no extra cost when requested by a student or their parent/guardian. Plant-based options must be USDA-recognized meat alternatives (free of animal products like meat, dairy, or eggs) and must be clearly listed in all school food service materials. Schools may also offer these options to all students, not just those who request them, and must consult with nutrition committees during implementation.

Maddy summaryS 442 (HIV Assistance Act) modifies New York's social services law to better support people with medically diagnosed HIV. It sets a 30% cap on rent costs for individuals with HIV earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level, requiring districts to calculate aid accordingly. The bill also mandates social services districts to provide emergency shelter, transportation, or nutrition payments for homeless or at-risk HIV patients when no cheaper housing alternative exists, with shelter payments capped at 110% of federal fair market rent. Additionally, it requires districts to help secure eligibility documentation and refer patients to specialized resources, while creating a centralized online resource hub for HIV-related services.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 234) requests Governor Hochul to officially designate April 14, 2025, as "Bangla New Year Day" (Pohela Baisakh) in New York State. It directly affects New York's Bengali community, which has a large population in New York City (including over 10,000 annual immigrants) and significant cultural contributions. The resolution commemorates the secular holiday's origins in the Indian subcontinent and acknowledges the community's historical presence and cultural enrichment of New York through arts, education, and literature. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the holiday.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial memorial resolution honoring Willis H. Stephens, a former New York State Assemblyman who died on October 17, 2024, at age 99. The resolution formally recognizes his 30-year service in the Assembly (1952-1982), his military service in WWII, his business leadership, and his community contributions. It includes no policy changes or funding mechanisms - it simply directs the Legislature to pause in mourning and send a copy to his family. As a memorial resolution, it has no legislative effect beyond expressing collective respect for his legacy.