Sen. James Skoufis

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution congratulates the Pavilion/York Air Rifle Team and their head coach Jenny Harkins for winning the New York State Rifle Invitational Championship in the Three-Position Event on March 1, 2026. The resolution formally recognizes the team's achievement by pausing legislative proceedings to offer congratulations and directing copies of the document to the team members, coach, and school administrators. It highlights the athletes' specific accomplishments, including individual perfect scores and undefeated league performance, while acknowledging the value of athletic competition in developing character and discipline.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially recognize May 22, 2026, as Maritime Day in New York State. It directly affects state officials and maritime workers by establishing an annual commemorative date. The resolution highlights the economic importance of waterways and the contributions of merchant mariners to New York's economy and history. It also acknowledges SUNY Maritime College's role in training future maritime professionals. The bill is ceremonial and does not create new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryBill S 4589 modifies how Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are reimbursed for their operating costs. Beginning in April 2025, and every three years thereafter, the department will analyze actual FQHC costs over the prior five years, considering factors like services provided, staffing, and technology. Based on this analysis, the department will develop and issue updated payment rates, removing existing payment ceilings or caps. The bill ensures that no FQHC will receive a lower operating cost component or overall payment rate than what was applied before September 30, 2025.

Requires all incarcerated individuals who do not have a high-school diploma or its equivalent to receive a reading proficiency level assessment and dyslexia screening upon intake by the department of corrections; requires for such individuals who perform below a certain proficiency level to be provided with intervention services that are evidence-based, effective and consistent with science-based research specifically tailored to addressing dyslexia.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors Saint Patrick and all persons of Irish descent on the occasion of Saint Patrick's Day on March 17, 2026, while also directing the Governor to proclaim March 2026 as Irish American Heritage Month in New York. The bill recognizes the historical contributions of Irish Americans to the state and nation through public service, military service, and cultural achievements, and acknowledges the traditions associated with the celebration. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a commemorative measure to recognize heritage and encourage the Governor to issue an official proclamation. Copies of the resolution will be sent to the Governor, the Archbishop of New York, and officials associated with the New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade.

Maddy summaryS 566 expands New York's Address Confidentiality Program to include election officers, allowing them to use a designated address instead of their actual residence for privacy and safety. The bill amends the Executive Law to explicitly list "election officers" among eligible participants alongside victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, and reproductive health care staff. Key provisions include defining "election officer" per Election Law and updating eligibility criteria to cover election officers facing threats. This change directly affects current and future election officials who qualify for the program, enabling them to shield their home addresses from public disclosure. The program remains administered by the Secretary of State, with county election boards assisting election officers in enrollment.

Maddy summaryS 5843 requires all lobbying disclosures - such as statements and reports about lobbying activities - to be filed electronically through the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government's online system, replacing paper filings. This directly affects lobbyists, lobbying firms, and organizations that must submit these disclosures under existing law. The bill mandates the use of the Commission's designated online platform for all required filings, with no paper submissions permitted. It takes effect 30 days after enactment. As a procedural change to filing methods, it does not alter lobbying regulations or create new restrictions.

Maddy summaryThe REVIVE Act allows New York municipalities to convert vacant commercial, office, and parking lots into residential housing by streamlining zoning rules. It applies to properties that are at least 15,000 square feet, have been vacant for over 50% of their space for at least one year, and have access to water and sewer services. The bill sets minimum density requirements of 15 to 20 dwelling units per acre depending on location, limits parking to one space per unit, and establishes strict approval timelines to prevent delays. Local governments must approve eligible projects through a ministerial review process without public hearings if the site meets all criteria, and automatic approval occurs if municipalities miss their review deadlines.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires most health insurance plans sold in the state to cover pharmacist-provided contraceptive services, such as counseling, prescribing, or dispensing. It directly affects health insurers and patients seeking contraceptive care through pharmacies. The key provision mandates that insurance policies include these specific services without extra costs to the patient. The bill passed the Senate in January 2026 and is now under review by the Assembly's Insurance committee.

Requires instruction in arts and music education to be incorporated into curriculums for all public school students; requires school districts to ensure that appropriately certified teachers are providing such education; authorizes rules and regulations consistent with such provisions.