Sen. Pete Harckham

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor of New York to officially recognize April 14, 2026, as Bangla New Year Day in the state. It directly affects state officials and the Bangladeshi and Bengali communities in New York by formally acknowledging their cultural traditions. The resolution highlights the historical and cultural significance of the Bangla New Year celebration, noting its origins and the contributions of Bengali Americans to New York's diverse heritage. This is a ceremonial measure that does not change laws or funding but serves to honor cultural diversity within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Resolution that formally acknowledges and honors the life of Mark Goldfarb, a resident of Croton-on-Hudson, New York, who passed away in February 2026. The resolution recognizes his contributions as an attorney, community member, and athlete, noting his long-standing involvement in local civic and charitable activities. It directs the legislative body to pause its proceedings to express mourning for Goldfarb and authorizes sending a copy of the resolution to his family as a tribute.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution congratulates the 2026 New York State Senate Women of Distinction by formally acknowledging five new honorees inducted into the Historical Women of Distinction exhibit. The bill recognizes Dorothy Chin Brandt, Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, Tonya Gonnella Frichner, Dr. Marilu Maria Galvßn, and Nita Lowey for their significant contributions to New York State. It also honors a long list of historical women who broke barriers in various fields, from civil rights to science and politics. The resolution directs copies to the National Women's Hall of Fame and the New York State Division for Women to commemorate these achievements.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that commemorates the 61st anniversary of Bloody Sunday and the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery march, which helped lead to the Voting Rights Act. The resolution formally acknowledges the historical significance of the civil rights march and its role in advancing voting rights for African Americans. It directs that a copy of the resolution be sent to the NAACP New York State Conference. The measure does not change any laws or policies but serves as a symbolic recognition of a pivotal moment in American history.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 175th anniversary of Albany Law School, the nation's oldest independent law school, which was founded in 1851. The bill formally recognizes the institution's historical significance and ongoing contributions to legal education and public service in New York State. It directs the Legislature to pause its proceedings to acknowledge the anniversary and mandates that a copy of the resolution be sent to the school's leadership. The measure serves as a symbolic tribute rather than enacting new policy or funding requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution commemorates the tenth annual Sock Out Cancer Day on June 7, 2026, in conjunction with National Cancer Survivors Day. The bill formally recognizes the efforts of Sock Out Cancer, an organization that raises funds through events like concerts and sporting events to support financially distressed cancer patients with non-medical needs such as food, housing, and transportation. It acknowledges the organization's partnerships with sponsors and its manufacturing of signature multi-colored socks in Waterloo, New York, which represent over 20 different types of cancer. The resolution is directed to the chair and president of Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, a major sponsor of the program, and serves as an official acknowledgment of the organization's work rather than creating new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially designate March 2026 as Problem Gambling Awareness Month in New York State. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about problem gambling and encourage people to learn about prevention, treatment, and recovery resources. It highlights statistics showing that problem gambling affects hundreds of thousands of adults and students in the state, particularly as mobile sports betting continues to grow. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal proclamation to promote awareness during a designated month.

Maddy summaryBill S 5432 increases various disability benefits for volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers injured in the line of duty. It doubles the weekly permanent total disability benefit from $600 to $1200 and raises the maximum combined earnings and benefits for severely injured volunteers from $800 to $1600. The bill also significantly increases temporary total disability benefits, setting a rate of $650 per week for injuries from July 2021 to June 2025, and $800 per week for injuries occurring after July 2025. These adjustments aim to provide enhanced financial support to volunteers experiencing disabilities from their service.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3052) gives municipalities, villages, towns, cities, and counties the right to purchase state-owned land before it is sold at public auction. Local governments can buy the land for $1 if intended for parks or recreation, or at appraised value for other public uses, within 90 days of a written offer from the state. If a local government declines, the offer moves sequentially to the next level (e.g., village → town → county). The state must still follow standard auction procedures if all local options pass on the offer. This changes the sale process for unappropriated state land without altering public auction requirements.

Relates to increasing the earnings limitation for positions of public service; increases the earnings limitation from $35,000 to $65,000 in 2027 and thereafter.