Sen. James Skoufis

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally congratulates Madeline Wilson of Brooklyn, New York, on her 100th birthday. The measure recognizes her as a centenarian who has contributed to her community and family through a long life of service and dedication. Upon adoption, the resolution directs that a copy of the document be sent to Ms. Wilson as an official acknowledgment from the legislative body.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates May 2026 as Black Heritage Month and May 31, 2026, as National Black Heritage Day in Panama. The measure honors the cultural and historical contributions of Afro-Panamanian communities, including their music, art, and role in shaping the nation's identity. It specifically calls on New Yorkers to recognize and celebrate the legacy of African and Antillean descendants in Panama. A copy of the resolution will be sent to the Panamanian-American community in New York State.

Establishes a special needs assisted living demonstration program to authorize up to three assisted living programs throughout the state to serve individuals with special needs, including, but not limited to, individuals with dementia or cognitive impairments.

Provides cost-of-living adjustments for certain public retirees, including an adjusted benefit in monthly installments that is equal to the percentage of the change in consumer price index according to the included schedule.

Prohibits the participation of certain animals in traveling animal acts; prohibits the department of environmental conservation from issuing permits or licenses allowing participation of certain animals in traveling animal acts; excludes certain permanent performing institutions; imposes a civil penalty not to exceed $1000 for a violation.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's Penal Law to explicitly include animal fighting as a qualifying felony for enterprise corruption charges. It directly affects individuals or groups operating animal fighting rings, as their activities will now count as "criminal activity" under enterprise corruption statutes. The key change adds "section three hundred fifty-one of the agriculture and markets law relating to animal fighting" to the list of felonies that trigger enterprise corruption penalties. This expands the scope of enterprise corruption prosecutions to cover animal fighting operations without changing the core definition of the crime.

Establishes the "clean fuel standard of 2026"; provides such standard is intended to reduce greenhouse gas intensity from the on-road transportation sector, with further reductions to be implemented based upon advances in technology.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires non-licensed self-help coaches (e.g., those offering personal development, spiritual, or educational guidance for payment) to disclose specific risks to clients upfront. It mandates clear risk disclosures in large print at contract signing, including dangers from activities like sweat lodges, trust exercises, or endurance challenges, plus financial/legal disclaimers and refund policies. Coaches must also provide credentials and create detailed risk management plans for high-risk sessions, including emergency resources, medical access, and evacuation procedures. Violations incur civil penalties ($250 for first offense, $500 for subsequent offenses), exempting licensed professionals like therapists or educators.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases monthly personal needs allowances for residents in specific care facilities. It raises the amount from $55 to $140 per month for residents of residential health care facilities (like nursing homes), and from $35 to $89 per month for residents of developmental disability or mental health facilities. Veterans with reduced VA pensions in nursing homes will receive allowances matching their pension amount (capped at $196/month). These changes apply to individuals eligible for federal Supplemental Security Income or state payments, effective January 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the laws governing wrongful death lawsuits in the state to clarify which types of financial compensation families can receive when a loved one dies due to someone else's actions. It explicitly allows juries to award damages for specific losses, including funeral costs, medical bills incurred before death, emotional grief, and the loss of financial support, guidance, and companionship. The legislation also defines exactly who is eligible to receive these funds, such as spouses, domestic partners, children, and individuals who acted as parents to the deceased, while establishing a legal process to divide the money fairly among them based on their specific relationship to the decedent. Additionally, the bill adjusts the time limit for filing these lawsuits to three years generally, with a shorter deadline for cases related to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.