Sen. Jake Ashby

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally commends the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., for its Annual Delta Day event held at the New York State Capitol on May 19, 2026. The document recognizes the sorority's long history of community service, political advocacy, and leadership within New York State and the nation. It highlights the organization's five-point programmatic thrust focused on economic, educational, health, and political development to improve communities. The resolution serves as an official acknowledgment of the sorority's contributions rather than establishing new laws or funding. A copy of this commendation will be sent to the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, a nonprofit organization founded in 1977 to support African American lawmakers. The bill formally recognizes the group's role in advocating for equity and providing resources to over 700 state legislators representing more than 50 million people. It directs the legislative body to pause its proceedings to honor the organization's contributions and mandates that a copy of the resolution be sent to the caucus. As a procedural measure, the bill does not alter laws or policies but serves to acknowledge the milestone and the organization's impact on public service.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor of New York to officially recognize May 2025 as Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. The resolution highlights the impact of cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease affecting thousands of New Yorkers, and notes the importance of public awareness and early diagnosis. It does not change laws or allocate funds but serves to bring attention to the condition and support for those affected.

Directs the department of veterans' services to conduct pre-release briefings for incarcerated veterans regarding available federal and state benefits available to veterans and their families and how to apply for such benefits.

Prohibits utility corporations and municipalities from increasing a bill previously rendered to a small non-residential customer after twelve months from the date service was provided; provides limited exceptions to such prohibition; requires the utility corporation or municipality to provide notice regarding the late billing.

Phases out certain reimbursements for expenditures made by or on behalf of social services districts for medical assistance for needy persons, beginning with a 10% reduction for 2025, and ending with a 100% reduction for 2034, and remaining eliminated for each year thereafter.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates how New York state calculates payment rates for residential health care facilities (like nursing homes) that provide long-term care. It requires the state to adjust rates annually based on current operating costs, with mandatory updates by April 2026 and every five years after, using the most recent cost data. Certain specialized facilities (such as those for children, ventilator-dependent patients, or behavioral health) retain historical rates adjusted for inflation, while others transition to the new cost-based system over a minimum four-year period. The bill also mandates a workgroup of experts to advise on rate-setting methodology and includes provisions for quality improvement funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to add spina bifida to the official list of conditions considered developmental disabilities under the state's mental hygiene law. By making this change, individuals with spina bifida would legally qualify for the same services and support systems currently available to those with other listed conditions like cerebral palsy or autism. The amendment is set to take effect immediately upon passage, ensuring that affected individuals can access relevant resources without delay.

Directs the independent developmental disability ombudsperson program to establish a service delivery structure based in New York state that includes a toll-free telephone hotline, an interactive website, and availability of in-person, telephone and email access to ombudsperson program staff or volunteers; to provide assistance for navigating and completing processes; to assist individuals in filing and preparing appeals; to assist individuals with any problems encountered; and to educate individuals on their rights and responsibilities with respect to access to services provided by the office for people with developmental disabilities and care coordination provided by health homes serving individuals with developmental disabilities or services provided by other providers.

Maddy summaryS 703 amends New York's animal cruelty law by removing the requirement that injury must be "serious" to qualify as aggravated cruelty. This change means prosecutors no longer need to prove severe physical harm to charge someone with aggravated cruelty to animals. The bill defines "aggravated cruelty" as conduct intentionally causing extreme pain or carried out in a depraved or sadistic manner, applying to companion animals. The law directly affects individuals accused of animal cruelty, broadening the scope of what constitutes a punishable offense under this specific charge.