Sen. James Skoufis

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 807 commends Timothy Jaccard for his designation as a recipient of the New York State Senate Liberty Medal. This resolution recognizes Jaccard for his humanitarian efforts, including founding the AMT Children of Hope Foundation and spearheading the national movement for "Safe Haven" laws.

Maddy summaryBill J 812 is a Senate Resolution that asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially proclaim March 26, 2025, as Bangladesh Independence Day in the State of New York. This resolution aims to recognize the cultural heritage and contributions of Bangladeshi Americans in the state.

Maddy summaryThis resolution memorializes Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 28, 2025, as Workers' Memorial Day in the State of New York. The aim is to honor workers who have been killed, injured, or made ill on the job and to renew advocacy for safety and health protections.

Prohibits public employers from diminishing health insurance benefits provided to Medicare-eligible retirees and their Medicare-eligible dependents or the contributions such employer makes for such health insurance coverage below the level of such benefits or contributions made on behalf of such retirees and dependents by the public employer as of December 31, 2021.

Maddy summaryBill S 7470 requires health insurers and plans to grant automatic preauthorization approvals to eligible health care professionals for specific services. A health care professional qualifies for this if an insurer has approved at least 90% of their preauthorization requests for that particular service during the most recent six-month evaluation period. Once a professional has automatic approval, the corresponding health care service is deemed medically necessary, and the insurer must promptly pay the full claim without denial, reduction, or retroactive recoupment. Insurers are required to conduct initial and annual evaluations to determine eligibility for these automatic approvals.

Requires school districts to conduct mandatory early screening for dyslexia for all children commencing in pre-kindergarten or kindergarten and continuing thereafter on an annual basis until each child successfully completes second grade; requires school districts to designate an individual to maintain complete and accurate records containing early screening reports for each child, and to provide resources and materials to the parent and/or guardian of any child who displays indications of dyslexia.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 741 formally congratulates Shayla Byrne, a student-athlete at South Glens Falls High School, for winning the 2025 New York State Public High School Athletic Association Girls Giant Slalom Championship. The resolution, adopted by the Senate, recognizes Byrne's achievement of breaking the one-minute barrier in both runs of the championship with a combined time of 1:57.06. It is transmitted to Byrne, her coach Erin Welch, and school administrators (including the principal and superintendent) as a formal tribute to her athletic accomplishment. This resolution has no policy impact and serves solely as a ceremonial acknowledgment of her sports achievement.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill with policy changes) memorializing Governor Hochul to officially recognize April 2025 as Sikh Awareness Month in New York. It asks the Governor to issue a proclamation highlighting Sikh contributions to New York's cultural and economic life, including historical context like Sikh immigration patterns and the significance of Vaisakhi and Guru Nanak's birthday in April 2025. The resolution directly affects all New Yorkers by promoting awareness of Sikh history and community contributions through state recognition. It has no binding policy impact but serves as a symbolic gesture to honor Sikh Americans.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (J 594) congratulating Carman Bogle for her decade-long service as Mayor of Cambridge, New York, concluding April 7, 2025. It formally recognizes her public service achievements, including leading pandemic response, police reform, infrastructure projects, and community initiatives. The resolution has no policy impact or legal effect - it is purely an expression of appreciation with no binding provisions. It was adopted by the Senate on April 8, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 753) symbolically recognizes a planned event celebrating the Dominican community's cultural contributions in Albany on April 9, 2025. It acknowledges the event hosted by the state legislature's Dominican Delegation, which aims to empower the community, strengthen civic engagement, and honor the Dominican diaspora's role in New York. The resolution does not create new laws, allocate funds, or directly affect any individuals or policies - it simply directs the legislature to pause its work to honor this cultural celebration.