Sen. Pat Fahy

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the income limit for the Excelsior scholarship in New York State from $125,000 to $150,000 for academic years starting in 2026-2027 and continuing forward. The scholarship provides financial assistance to students pursuing undergraduate degrees at public New York colleges and universities who meet specific enrollment and credit completion requirements. By increasing the income cap, the bill allows more middle-income families to qualify for the award, which is calculated based on the combined adjusted gross income of the student and their parents or spouse. The change applies to all future applicants without altering other eligibility criteria such as credit requirements or enrollment standards.

Relates to false or misleading advertisements of food and food products; provides factors to determine whether an advertisement is false or misleading; provides for enforcement and a private right of action.

Authorizes the attorney general to approve certain state land acquisitions made for the purposes of land conservation, and to accept a title policy from a commercial insurer to cover any title defects that would otherwise render the title unmarketable.

Enacts the "pediatric palliative care act" to establish pediatric palliative care centers to provide palliative care to individuals who are under twenty-one years of age, have been diagnosed with a chronic, complex, life-threatening illness that is expected to shorten their life expectancy, and is not expected to survive past twenty-one years of age.

Enacts the "securing customer assets against malfeasance" or "S.C.A.M." act; increases penalties for a scheme to defraud; broadens the definitions of commercial bribery and bribing a public servant; creates the crime of structuring; expands jurisdiction for tax revenue deprivation; increases penalties for defrauding the government and certain persons over the age of sixty-five.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1603) memorializes Governor Hochul to officially designate April 2026 as "Workplace Violence Prevention Month" in New York State. It does not create new laws but requests the Governor issue a proclamation to raise public awareness about preventing workplace violence, particularly highlighting healthcare workers' elevated risk (five times higher than other industries). The resolution references April as the nationally recognized Workplace Violence Prevention Awareness Month and directs copies to the Governor and medical associations. It is a ceremonial measure focused on awareness, not policy change.

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests Governor Hochul to designate April 6, 2026, as Tartan Day in New York State, recognizing Scottish heritage and contributions. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups, but formally asks the Governor to acknowledge Scottish-American cultural ties through a ceremonial proclamation. The resolution highlights historical connections between Scotland and New York, including Scottish roots of many early American leaders and cultural traditions like tartan. As a non-binding memorial resolution, it has no direct policy impact beyond the symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (S 1633) asks Governor Hochul to designate February 23, 2026, as "Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Day" in New York State. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but formally requests the Governor issue a proclamation to recognize the day. The resolution highlights statistics on domestic violence prevalence across diverse communities and the state's high demand for related services. It is a symbolic action intended to raise public awareness, not a policy measure with direct implementation.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (J 1607) requesting Governor Hochul to issue a proclamation designating March 2026 as American Red Cross Month in New York State. It does not create new laws or affect any specific group; it is a symbolic gesture to honor the Red Cross's humanitarian work. The resolution cites the organization's 145-year history, disaster response, blood services, military support, and community training programs. As a procedural resolution, it has no binding effect beyond the Governor's discretionary proclamation.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic Senate Resolution (not binding legislation) commending Open Space Institute and Parks & Trails New York for hosting their 20th Annual Park & Public Lands Advocacy Day on February 25, 2026. It honors these organizations for their work protecting over 2.5 million acres of land and promoting 2,000+ miles of trails across New York. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses the legislature's appreciation through a formal commendation. It directly affects no individuals or entities beyond the named organizations receiving the recognition.