Sen. Michelle Hinchey

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 558) formally commemorates the 100th anniversary of "The Buffalo Criterion," a Black-owned newspaper founded in Buffalo, New York, in 1925 by Frank E. Merriweather Sr. and his wife. It recognizes the newspaper's century-long role in serving Buffalo's Black community through journalism, documenting history, and advocating on issues like civil rights, education, and economic development. The resolution directs the New York State Legislature to pause its proceedings to honor the newspaper's legacy and sends a copy of the resolution to "The Buffalo Criterion" for its archives. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no binding legal effect or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a policy bill) requesting Governor Hochul to officially designate April 9, 2025, as "Yellow Ribbon Day" in New York. It honors military service members, particularly prisoners of war and those missing in action, referencing the tradition started in 2006 by "The Yellow Ribbon Lady" Carol Pingelski Hotaling. The resolution specifically commemorates the date when US Army Staff Sergeant Maupin was captured as the first POW of the Iraq War (April 9, 2004). It has no policy impact but asks the Governor to recognize this day for public awareness and gratitude toward military personnel.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a legislative bill with policy impact). It formally congratulates Christian Jerome, a high school swimmer from Hoosic Valley, for winning the NYSPHSAA Boys Swimming and Diving Championship in the 100-yard butterfly on March 8, 2025. The resolution acknowledges his athletic achievement, his coach (Rob MacLeod), and the values of sportsmanship. It has no binding effect or policy changes - it simply directs that copies be sent to Jerome and his coach. (Adopted March 25, 2025.)

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 569) formally commemorates the 1984 anti-Sikh violence in India and recognizes the contributions of the Sikh community to New York State. It honors Sikh resilience and their social, economic, and cultural impact in New York, particularly in communities like Queens. The resolution has been adopted (passed) by the legislature and serves as a symbolic gesture of solidarity, with no legal or policy changes. It does not affect any laws or individuals directly but acknowledges historical events and community contributions.

Sets forth certain provisions for the sale of adult-use cannabis and adult-use cannabis products at cannabis showcase events; requires permittees to partner with cultivators in certain situations.

Relates to the recall of a class B firefighting foam; prohibits the sale or distribution of firefighting personal protective equipment that contains intentionally added PFAS.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (J 529) introduced by Senator Stewart-Cousins. It formally recognizes specific women honored by the New York State Legislative Women's Caucus during Women's History Month. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it simply directs the Legislature to pause its work to acknowledge these honorees. The resolution was adopted on March 19, 2025, with no legislative action beyond the recognition.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (not a law) commending Sergeant William R. Anderson, Jr. posthumously for receiving the New York State Senate's Liberty Medal - the highest individual honor. It honors his military service during the Vietnam War, including his Purple Heart and other awards, and recognizes his community involvement after service. The resolution has no policy impact; it simply serves as a symbolic tribute to his legacy and the values he represented. It directly affects his family and the veterans' community through this formal recognition.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (J 491) formally congratulating Forrest Slingerland, a Queensbury High School student, for winning the 2025 NYSPHSAA Boys Nordic Skiing 7.5K Individual Championship. The resolution recognizes his athletic achievement, time of 25 minutes and 0.7 seconds, and his role as a role model, while highlighting the values of sportsmanship and community support. It does not create any policy changes or affect laws; it is purely symbolic, with a copy to be sent to the athlete. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 18, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 510 requests Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2025 as Greek History Month in New York, coinciding with the 204th anniversary of Greek Independence. The resolution recognizes the cultural and historical contributions of Greek-Americans in New York, including their influence on democratic ideals and the modern Olympic Games, while highlighting Greece's ancient legacy in philosophy, science, and civic governance. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial honor to be shared with the public.