Sen. James Skoufis

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state agricultural law to officially classify cannabis as a crop, livestock, or livestock product. By adding a specific paragraph to the existing agriculture and markets law, it brings cannabis under the same regulatory definitions used for traditional farming commodities. The change takes effect immediately and allows cannabis to be treated consistently with other agricultural goods within the state's legal framework.

Requires hotels and lodging facilities to make at least two attempts to contact guests who leave any item of greater than nominal value or identification documents behind within 48 hours of the completion of their stay and to dispose of the identification documents if the owner cannot be contacted; limits the liability of a lodging owner or operator for damage or loss during shipping.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires village elections to be held on the same day as the general election in even-numbered years, aligning local voting schedules with state-wide elections. It allows village boards to adopt resolutions to move their election dates to the general election day and permits the county board of elections to administer these votes if the village chooses. The legislation also updates rules regarding term lengths, special election timing, and candidate tie-breakers to ensure consistency with the new schedule. While villages can still opt for March elections, those that choose to sync with the November general election will see their voting occur on even-numbered years instead of odd-numbered ones.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits elected officials from serving as members of local municipal agencies to prevent conflicts of interest. It directly affects city councils, town boards, and other elected bodies by removing their eligibility to sit on these agencies. The law includes an exception for industrial development agencies where the board is entirely made up of elected officials from the same municipality. Additionally, the bill provides a process for appointing new agency members if a current member must leave due to the new restrictions.

Directs the commissioner of labor to create and distribute to employers written materials regarding mental health services and resources available to employees to be posted in the workplace; directs voluntary guidance for employers to put in place strategies and programs to support the mental health and wellness of their employees; provides that such guidance be in written and digital resources and in English or translated to an additional primary language or languages as applicable.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a nonpartisan poll monitoring program that allows civic organizations and ballot issue committees to appoint up to two monitors per polling place. To participate, these groups must submit an application to the state board of elections at least 32 days before an election, providing proof of their nonpartisan purpose, training materials, and a volunteer pledge. The board will review and approve or deny these requests within a specific timeframe, with an appeal process available for denials. Approved monitors must wear official badges and credentials issued by the relevant election board while observing voters' rights and election procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor of New York to officially declare May 12-18, 2024, as Fibromyalgia Awareness Week. The resolution highlights the challenges faced by people with fibromyalgia, a chronic condition causing widespread pain and fatigue, and notes the need for better medical understanding and support. It also acknowledges the work of the Fibromyalgia Task Force of New York State in advocating for improved diagnosis and treatment. The bill is a symbolic gesture intended to increase public awareness rather than changing specific laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially recognize May 14, 2024, as Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Day in New York. The resolution highlights the widespread impact of domestic violence across various demographics and emphasizes the need for increased awareness and prevention efforts. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a formal statement to honor the issue and support ongoing advocacy work.

Maddy summaryThis bill congratulates the 2024 New York State Senate Women of Distinction, a group that honors women who have made significant contributions to the state. The legislation does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a formal recognition of these individuals' achievements. It is a ceremonial measure intended to acknowledge their service and impact within the legislative body.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the two-year anniversary of the 2022 mass shooting at Tops Friendly Markets in Buffalo, New York. It formally honors the victims, survivors, and their families while acknowledging community events like the 5/14 Blue Flag Initiative and a remembrance ceremony. The measure expresses the state's solidarity with Buffalo and condemns racism and domestic terrorism, with a copy sent to the survivors and families of the victims.