Maddy summaryThis bill changes New York's parole process by requiring the state board of parole to consider specific, evidence-based factors when deciding whether to release incarcerated individuals on parole. It mandates that the board evaluate rehabilitation efforts (like vocational training or therapy participation), release plans (including job opportunities and community support), and the seriousness of the crime, while prohibiting decisions based solely on victim input. The board must now provide detailed written explanations for denials and report quarterly to the public on parole denials, including demographic data (without identifying individuals) and reasons for each decision. This directly affects incarcerated individuals seeking parole and the parole board's decision-making procedures.
Sen. Pete Harckham
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 5759) imposes a 5-year moratorium on spreading or selling biosolids - treated sewage byproducts used as fertilizer or soil amendment - on farmland, parks, or other non-crop areas. It directly affects wastewater treatment facilities, farmers, and businesses that sell or use biosolids for agricultural purposes. The law bans land application, permits for such use, and sales of biosolids or products containing them, with exceptions for landfill disposal and compost made from food waste, manure, or other non-biosolids materials. The ban applies statewide and includes penalties for violations, such as fines up to $2,500 per offense.
Prohibits cases from being closed without a hearing or written stipulation; requires a stenographic record of all hearings held; requires minutes and decisions to be provided to the injured worker in their native language.
Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially recognize June 2026 as Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month in New York. The resolution highlights the significant impact of the disease, noting that it affects hundreds of thousands of residents and causes more deaths than certain cancers. It also points out the high costs of care and the challenges faced by caregivers, including issues of discrimination in healthcare settings. By adopting this measure, the legislature intends to increase public awareness and encourage further action on this health issue.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 101st birthday of Malcolm X, recognizing him as a significant advocate for human rights and an influential African American leader. The bill directs the legislative body to pause its proceedings to honor his life, detailing his history from his birth in Omaha to his work as a minister, his founding of civil rights organizations, and his assassination in 1965. By adopting this measure, the legislature formally acknowledges his contributions to the struggle for equality without imposing any new laws or policies.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors the life and legacy of Marilyn D. Mosley, a Brooklyn educator and community leader who passed away on May 4, 2026. The bill formally recognizes her contributions to public education, local government, and progressive political advocacy through a series of "whereas" clauses detailing her career and achievements. It concludes by directing the legislative body to pause its proceedings to pay tribute to her and instructs that a copy of the resolution be sent to her family.
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 2102 formally recognizes the 50th anniversary of InterFaith Works of Central New York, an organization based in Syracuse. The bill does not change any laws or policies but instead serves as a ceremonial tribute to the group's five decades of service in refugee resettlement, interfaith dialogue, and community support. It directs the state legislature to pause its proceedings to honor the organization and requires sending a copy of the resolution to InterFaith Works.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the life of Ronald F. Lipton, a community leader and public servant who passed away in January 2026. The bill formally acknowledges his contributions to civic engagement, public service, and local governance throughout his life. It directs the legislative body to pause its proceedings to pay tribute to Lipton and sends a copy of the resolution to his family.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage, raising premiums, canceling policies, or limiting coverage based solely on a policyholder owning or harboring a specific dog breed or mix. It directly affects homeowners and renters insurance policyholders who might previously have faced discrimination due to their dog's breed. The law amends insurance regulations to ban these restrictions, ensuring coverage decisions cannot be influenced by breed alone. It applies to all policies issued, renewed, or modified after the effective date.
Provides benefits to Metro-North employees involved in or who witness a serious injury or fatality of another person in the course of an assigned duty.