Sen. James Skoufis

Maddy summaryThis bill allows certain existing corporations (specifically those legally practicing engineering or land surveying in New York before April 15, 1935) to add professional geology to their corporate purposes. By December 31, 2028, these corporations must amend their charter to include geology and provide proof that at least one director or officer holds a valid professional geologist license. The amendment requires the corporation to comply with all existing geology practice laws and regulations. This change directly affects long-standing engineering and surveying firms seeking to expand their service offerings.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates fees for New York state veterans who are honorably discharged and have a qualifying disability (40%+ service-connected) or meet specific veteran status criteria under the Veterans' Services Law. It directly affects eligible veterans by removing the $765 fee for a lifetime hunting, fishing, and turkey permit license, changing it to $0. The key mechanism updates the environmental conservation law to create a new fee category specifically for these veterans, while maintaining standard fees for other license types. The policy change applies immediately upon enactment, providing permanent fee relief for qualifying veterans purchasing this combined license.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 8144) amends the state constitution to limit the governor and lieutenant-governor to three total terms in office. It excludes terms served before the amendment takes effect and specifies that individuals elected three times cannot serve further, skipping them in the line of succession. The change applies to all future elections and requires voter approval before implementation. The bill does not affect current officeholders' existing terms.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 7813) amends constitutional succession rules for the governor's office. It clarifies that the lieutenant-governor becomes governor if the governor dies, resigns, is removed, impeached, or is unable to serve. If both the governor and lieutenant-governor are unable to serve, the temporary Senate president acts as governor, with the Assembly speaker stepping in if the Senate president is also unavailable. The bill affects state leadership succession during vacancies or absences but does not create new policy. (Procedural bill; summary reflects constitutional amendments only.)

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes clear procedures for filling vacancies in the New York State lieutenant-governor position. It requires the governor to nominate a replacement within 60 days of a vacancy, with the legislature confirming or rejecting the nominee within 60 days (or 30 days if the nomination is resubmitted after rejection). If the legislature fails to act within the specified timeframes, the nominee automatically assumes the office. The governor must choose from the governor's succession line if two nominations are rejected, and nominees must resign from other government roles to take office. The bill directly affects governors, the legislature, and individuals appointed to the lieutenant-governor role.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1535) requests Governor Kathy Hochul to officially proclaim February 2026 as Black History Month in New York State. It does not create new law but asks the Governor to issue a formal state recognition. The resolution cites historical contributions of Black Americans across civil rights, culture, science, and innovation as context for the observance. The Senate adopted the resolution on February 4, 2026, sending it to the Governor for action.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a binding bill) requesting Governor Hochul to designate January 25-31, 2026, as "Physician Anesthesiologists Week" in New York. It does not create new laws or affect any specific group, but honors anesthesiologists' historical contributions to medical innovations like the Apgar Score and regional anesthesia. The resolution cites their role in advancing patient safety, pain management, and critical care. It was formally adopted by the Senate and will be sent to the Governor for consideration.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (Senate Resolution 1516) passed by the legislature to commemorate the 18th anniversary of Kosovo's independence on February 17, 2026. It formally acknowledges Kosovo's independence from Serbia (declared in 2008) and celebrates its progress in democratic governance, while recognizing the contributions of Kosovar communities in New York. The resolution has no legal effect and does not create new policies or affect any individuals or groups. It serves solely as a ceremonial expression of support for Kosovo's independence and its partnership with the United States.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution congratulating Jolie Chichak, a Shenendehowa High School student, on winning the 2025 NYSPHSAA Girls Tennis Singles State Championship. It formally recognizes her athletic achievement (including her first Section 2 singles title and school's first state singles championship) and academic record (96.33 GPA). The resolution has no policy impact - it solely offers symbolic recognition to Chichak and her coaches/school staff. It does not create legal obligations or alter any laws.

Relates to the creation of a statewide residential rental registry providing information relating to rental units including the number and types of code violations issued by the appropriate enforcement agency, and the number of findings of harassment currently on record with the code enforcement agencies.