Sen. Michelle Hinchey

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Access to Representation Act, would guarantee the right to legal counsel for certain low-income individuals facing immigration proceedings in New York. It directly affects non-citizens and citizens with disputed status who are detained or subject to removal, as well as those with a significant connection to the state. Under the proposed law, eligible individuals would receive ongoing legal representation from designated providers starting from their first court appearance or as soon as possible thereafter. The program would be administered by the New York State Office for New Americans, which would set income limits and oversee the delivery of legal services.

Permits libraries occupying or possessing public land to develop, lease, or use such property for the purposes of constructing affordable, mixed-use housing; provides that such use aligns with libraries' educational purposes, represents a valid exercise of the trustees' power, and is in the best interests of the libraries.

Relates to prohibiting the acquisition or transfer of agricultural land by foreign adversaries after January 1, 2026; provides that such prohibition will not apply to any interest in agricultural land held by a foreign adversary prior to such date or any federally recognized Indian tribe or its government units and enterprises; defines terms.

Waives the registration fee and service charge for distinctive plates for volunteer firefighters and members of volunteer ambulance services where the applicant has attended twenty-five percent or more of the emergency calls for the previous year.

Requires the commissioner of the division of criminal justice services, the superintendent of the division of state police, and the commissioner of the department of corrections and community supervision and the person in charge of every state law enforcement agency to adopt and implement a tattoo policy for all members of such law enforcement agency who are designated as police officers, peace officers and applicants for employment in such positions.

Requires certain documents and forms to be provided in the twelve most common non-English languages spoken by limited English proficient immigrants of five years or less according to the American community survey, as published by the United States census bureau.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Resolution that formally congratulates the Bolton Central School Boys Varsity Basketball Team, their coaches, and athletic director on winning the Class D State Championship. The resolution specifically names the individual players, Head Coach Cody Kober, Assistant Coach Angel Figueroa, and Athletic Director Mark Andrejkovics, and directs that copies of the document be sent to them. It recognizes the team's 26-1 season record and their victory over Sackets Harbor High School, highlighting the athletic achievement without altering any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially recognize March 31, 2026, as Farmworkers Day in New York State. The resolution honors the historical contributions of farmworkers to democracy and human rights, particularly referencing the United Farm Workers movement and their advocacy for better working conditions. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a commemorative proclamation to acknowledge the legacy of farmworkers. The measure directs the governor to issue a formal statement recognizing this date and highlights New York's 2019 Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act as part of the state's ongoing support for farmworker protections.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially designate March 20, 2026, as Behavior Analysis Day in New York State. The resolution recognizes the history and importance of behavior analysis as a scientific field that studies how behavior works and develops skills through positive reinforcement. It highlights the profession's growth since New York began licensing behavior analysts in 2014 and aligns the state observance with the global celebration of World Behavioral Analysis Day. The bill does not change laws or funding but serves as a formal acknowledgment of the field's contributions to education and healthcare.

Requires limited services pregnancy centers to disclose to clients that they do not have a licensed medical provider on staff who provides or supervises reproductive health services at such center; requires such disclosure to be provided in writing and orally, and to be available in English and Spanish; provides for reporting of violations; provides penalties for violations.