Sen. Jake Ashby

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Staff Sergeant Alex R. Jimenez New York State Military Immigrant Family Legacy Program within the Department of Veterans' Services to assist military members, veterans, and their families with immigration matters. The program creates a network of liaisons who will connect eligible individuals with legal resources to help them secure immigration status, including citizenship, and will coordinate efforts with various government agencies and community organizations. Additionally, the bill requires these liaisons to maintain a resource clearinghouse and submit annual reports detailing the program's activities and the demographics of those assisted.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the General Municipal Law to clarify that regional planning councils, formed by collaborating local governments, are eligible to apply for federal and state grants. By amending existing statutes, the legislation explicitly defines these councils as agencies of political subdivisions for the specific purpose of grant eligibility, removing any ambiguity about their status. Local legislative bodies would continue to create these councils through resolutions that outline their terms of collaboration, while the change ensures they can access funding previously available to municipalities. The bill also includes a provision for its effective date and notes that it was substituted by another bill during its legislative process.

Extends eligibility for real property tax exemptions to veterans who served on a submarine or on classified missions during a period of war as documented by military service records.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially recognize June 2024 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in New York State. The measure does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a formal acknowledgment of the community's history and achievements. It highlights key milestones such as the 55th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots and recent legal victories for LGBTQIA+ rights. The bill is purely ceremonial and affects only the state's official calendar and public recognition of the month.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally recognizes former Senator Neil D. Breslin as the recipient of the President Pro Tempore and Senate Majority Leader's Legislative Legacy Award. The document highlights his extensive career in public service, including his 13 terms in the New York State Senate, his leadership roles in ethics and insurance committees, and his advocacy for vulnerable populations. It also lists specific laws he sponsored that improved access to healthcare and prescription drug coverage for New York residents. The resolution concludes by directing that a copy of the text be sent to Senator Breslin to honor his contributions to the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts the use of specific chemicals in menstrual products sold or distributed within the state. It defines "restricted substances" to include unsafe items like lead, mercury, and various phthalates, and prohibits their inclusion as intentionally added ingredients immediately upon the law's effective date. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Health to set lower safety thresholds for these chemicals within two years, with a mandate to review and potentially lower those limits every five years. The legislation applies to all menstrual products, including tampons, pads, and cups, and takes effect twelve months after becoming law.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the laws governing wrongful death lawsuits to clarify which types of financial compensation survivors can receive and how those funds are shared. It explicitly allows juries to award damages for specific costs such as funeral and medical bills, as well as for emotional suffering, loss of financial support, and the loss of guidance or companionship from the deceased. The legislation also defines who is eligible to receive these funds, including spouses, domestic partners, children, and individuals who stood in a parent-like role to the deceased. Additionally, the bill establishes rules for distributing the recovered money among eligible family members based on the specific financial injuries each person suffered and clarifies how legal fees and other expenses are handled.

Directs that moneys in the veterans' home services fund shall be payable on vouchers certified by the commissioner of veterans' services; directs a report to be submitted by such commissioner; directs that moneys in the military family relief fund shall be payable on vouchers certified by the commissioner of veterans' services.

Relates to participation in World Trade Center rescue, recovery and cleanup operations by members of the organized militia; provides that members of the organized militia shall qualify as employees for the purposes of making a claim under the workers' compensation law for participation in the World Trade Center rescue, recovery and cleanup operations.

Enacts the "pediatric cancer neuropsychological needs assessment act"; requires insurers to provide coverage for neuropsychological assessments for children with pediatric cancers which affect brain development or function.