Sen. Pete Harckham

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New York's biofuel production tax credit to expand eligibility from ethanol to include renewable diesel and renewable hydrocarbon diesel. The credit provides fifteen cents per gallon for biofuel produced after January 1, 2022, with a maximum cap of $2.5 million per taxpayer per year for up to four consecutive years. The legislation applies to taxpayers subject to state tax under specific articles and includes provisions for partnerships and S corporations to apply the credit cap at the entity level. The credit applies to taxable years beginning before January 1, 2027, and any excess credit beyond the tax liability will be refunded without interest.

Requires public notice and public engagement when a general hospital seeks to close entirely or a unit that provides maternity, mental health or substance use care.

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.

Provides that the "Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Flag" shall be the official state flag for the raising of awareness of veteran suicide; directs the commissioner of general services to establish a protocol for the flying of such flag.

Authorizes the department of environmental conservation to independently add to the lists of prohibited and regulated invasive species on an emergency basis pending review by the department of agriculture and markets in consultation with the New York invasive species council.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3245) updates how New York local governments and school districts calculate payments in lieu of taxes (PILT) for tax-exempt properties. It requires the Commissioner of Taxation to compute an annual "quantity change factor" showing percentage shifts in taxable property values between specific assessment rolls. This factor must include changes in value for properties under PILT agreements, ensuring these adjustments directly impact local tax revenue calculations. The bill affects municipalities and school districts receiving PILT payments by standardizing how property value changes are factored into their funding.

Relates to protecting the communication rights of individuals with disabilities; provides that each person with a disability has the right to autonomously communicate in their preferred manner and utilize any validated communication supports that meet their needs.