Sen. Michelle Hinchey

Maddy summaryThis bill allows criminal defendants in counties outside New York City to have their cases moved to a mental health court in a neighboring county, with consent from the defendant, both district attorneys, and the receiving court. It requires a 5-day waiting period before the transfer takes effect unless the receiving court agrees to accept the case sooner. The law specifically prohibits moving family offense cases involving household members to veterans treatment courts under this provision. This primarily affects defendants facing criminal charges who qualify for specialized court programs in adjacent jurisdictions, streamlining access to mental health-focused sentencing.

Maddy summaryS 138 establishes a "Medical Aid in Dying Act" for New York, allowing terminally ill patients (with decision-making capacity and a confirmed terminal illness expected to cause death within six months) to request and self-administer medication to end their life. Key provisions require patients to make an oral and written request, receive confirmation from two physicians (an attending physician and a consulting physician), and sign a witnessed written request with two non-related, non-beneficiary adults. The bill mandates patients be fully informed of alternatives like palliative care, outlines physician responsibilities, and includes requirements for documentation, safe medication disposal, and protections for healthcare providers.

Repeals provisions relating to mandatory anti-arson applications for insurance coverage to insure any building against the peril of fire or explosion.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (J 1122), not a bill with policy changes. It commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Sport Fish Restoration Program, established by the 1950 Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act. The resolution honors anglers, the sportfishing industry, state agencies, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for their role in creating the "American System of Conservation Funding," which has generated over $78 billion for fisheries conservation since 1939. As a non-binding resolution, it has no direct effect on funding, regulations, or individuals, and serves only to recognize historical contributions.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1100) asks Governor Hochul to officially recognize September 21-27, 2025, as Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) Awareness Week in New York State. It does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise public awareness about FTD, a terminal brain disease affecting speech, behavior, and motor skills, often misdiagnosed in people aged 40-60. The resolution highlights FTD's impact - accounting for 10-20% of dementia cases under 60 - and its high care costs, urging greater attention to the condition. This symbolic action directly affects New Yorkers living with FTD and their families by promoting community recognition.

Provides that the thruway authority shall issue permits for ambulances and fire vehicles exempting such vehicles from paying tolls on the thruway when engaged in an emergency operation.

Requires that any proposed capital expenditure to be considered in any matter affecting a major change in rates must be described by the utility and shall include the purpose, cost, and benefits to the ratepayers and shall be posted on the PSC website.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1131) is a ceremonial tribute honoring U.S. Army Air Forces Staff Sergeant Eugene J. Darrigan, who died in World War II on March 11, 1944. It commemorates his service and recognizes his long-overdue burial in Wappingers Falls, New York, on May 24, 2025, after remains were recovered 81 years posthumously. The resolution expresses New York State's gratitude to Darrigan's family and community for his sacrifice, but it does not create new laws or affect any policies. As a symbolic gesture, it was adopted by the Senate on June 5, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's existing authority to manage weakfish (a type of fish) until December 31, 2028. It allows the department to set regulations on catch limits, size restrictions, fishing seasons, closed areas, and gear requirements for weakfish. These rules must be at least as strict as current state and federal fishery management plans. The bill directly affects commercial and recreational fishermen who target weakfish in New York waters.

Defines therapeutic agriculture for the purposes of community gardens as the use of agricultural activities as a means of promoting physical, mental and emotional well-being, rehabilitation and therapy for certain individuals.