Sen. Michelle Hinchey

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor of New York to officially recognize April 19-25, 2026, as Crime Victims' Rights Week. The resolution aims to raise awareness about the rights and needs of people harmed by crime across the state. It does not change any laws or create new programs but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the importance of victim support services. The measure is directed at the Governor and has no impact on daily operations or funding.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution asks the Governor of New York to designate May 2026 as Lyme Disease Awareness Month. The bill does not change laws or require spending but aims to increase public awareness about the illness and its prevention. After passing the Senate, the resolution is transmitted to the Governor to finalize the official proclamation.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor of New York to officially recognize April 2026 as Pet Cruelty Awareness Month. The resolution defines animal cruelty to include abuse, neglect, abandonment, and lack of proper care, and encourages residents to learn about these issues and report them to authorities. It does not create new laws or change existing regulations, but rather serves to raise public awareness about the treatment of animals in the state.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution commemorates the 66th anniversary of Senegalese Independence on April 4, 2026, by formally recognizing the historical significance of the date and honoring the Senegalese-American community in New York. The bill directs the legislative body to pause its proceedings to acknowledge this event and mandates that a copy of the resolution be sent to the Association of Senegalese in America. It serves as a symbolic gesture to celebrate Senegal's history and the contributions of its diaspora without altering any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryS 3276 changes New York State's highway law to make the state liable for damages caused by potholes or other defects on state highways, but only if the state received actual or constructive notice of the problem. It removes a previous seasonal exception (previously limiting liability between May 1 and November 15) and clarifies that the state remains liable for defects in maintained highway sections where notice was given. The bill does not apply to defects in bridges the state doesn't control or to damages occurring outside the state's maintained highway sections. This directly affects drivers or property owners injured by unaddressed potholes on state roads after the state was notified of the hazard.

Establishes the "earned time act" providing for time allowances against the term or maximum term of sentences imposed by the court to be credited on an annual pro rata basis.

Establishes a duty to inform certain patients about the risks associated with cesarean section for patients undergoing a planned or unplanned primary cesarean section.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to exempt specific types of pet food from sales taxes. It directly affects pet owners by expanding the definition of tax-exempt items to include a wider variety of products such as kibble, wet food, and fresh or frozen options. The legislation also clarifies that "specialty pet food" for animals with specific dietary needs remains exempt. By adding these categories to the tax law, the measure aims to ensure that more pet food products are not subject to sales tax.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially designate April 2026 as Arab American Heritage Month in New York State. The resolution highlights the historical contributions and cultural significance of Arab Americans within the state, noting that New York is home to over 300,000 individuals from diverse Arab backgrounds. By directing copies of the resolution to the governor and several advocacy organizations, the measure seeks to raise public awareness and promote recognition of this community's heritage.

Maddy summaryBill S 5565 requires health insurance policies, including comprehensive-type coverage, and Medicaid to cover patient navigation services. This coverage is for individuals facing serious health conditions expected to last at least three months, who are at high risk for outcomes like hospitalization or physical decline. Patient navigation services include screening for nonclinical needs such as transportation or housing, connecting individuals to support services, and assisting with healthcare appointments. Reimbursement is provided to trained and certified patient navigators who work under the general supervision of a licensed healthcare provider.