Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal

Permits the admissibility into evidence of statements in learned treatises, periodicals, or pamphlets if the statement is called to the attention of an expert witness and the publication is established as a reliable authority by the expert's admission or testimony, by another expert's testimony, or by judicial notice.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 6211 (the "RESTORE Act"), offers property tax abatements to building owners in New York City (population over 1 million) who complete required facade repairs and remove associated scaffolding/sidewalk sheds within specific timeframes. Owners who finish repairs and remove scaffolding within three months receive a 50% tax abatement on repair costs or property taxes (whichever is lower), with the abatement decreasing to 5% if completed within 12 months. Building owners who fail to complete repairs and remove scaffolding within 18 months face penalties of 10% plus 2% per additional month (capped at 25% of property taxes). The program applies to repairs mandated under NYC's 1998 facade safety law, aiming to reduce prolonged sidewalk obstructions while easing financial burdens on owners.

Maddy summaryS 4999 amends New York estate law to disqualify a surviving spouse if their marriage is later annulled or declared invalid after the spouse's death. The bill changes the rule so that if a court issues an annulment or declares a marriage void *after* the spouse dies, the surviving spouse loses inheritance rights as if the marriage was never valid. This directly affects individuals who might claim assets under estate laws (like those in sections 4-1.1, 5-1.1, and 5-3.1) based on a marriage later invalidated. The key provision treats the marriage as null from the time of death, removing the surviving spouse's eligibility for inheritance in such cases.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (J 441) expressing condolences and honoring the legacy of Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, a prominent civil rights leader and NAACP president. It formally recognizes her lifelong work in racial justice, education advocacy, and community service, including her roles as NAACP National President and her efforts with programs like Head Start. The resolution has no policy impact or legislative effect - it serves solely as a memorial gesture by the New York State Legislature. It was referred to the Finance Committee for processing.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 432) requests Governor Hochul to officially proclaim May 15 to June 15, 2025, as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month in New York State. It aims to increase public understanding of Tourette Syndrome, reduce stigma, and promote early diagnosis and treatment for those affected. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funding - it is a symbolic recognition effort aligned with the Tourette Association of America's national observance. The Senate adopted the resolution on March 4, 2025, urging the Governor to issue the proclamation.

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural resolution (Senate Resolution J 439) requesting Governor Hochul to officially proclaim March 2025 as Women's History Month in New York State. It directly asks the Governor to issue a formal proclamation recognizing women's contributions across society. The resolution cites New York's historical role in women's rights milestones, including suffrage, education, and leadership, but does not create new laws or policies. As a commemorative measure, it has no direct impact on residents or legislation beyond the ceremonial recognition.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative Senate resolution (J 423) adopted by the Senate on March 4, 2025, to honor the life and legacy of John O. Peck, a small business owner and community member from Vista, New York. The resolution formally expresses the legislature's condolences to his family following his death on February 14, 2025, at age 73. It details his personal life, career founding J.O. Peck Heating & Cooling, and his roles as a husband, father, grandfather, and community contributor. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legislative effect beyond this symbolic tribute.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 433 commemorates the 38th Annual SOMOS Spring Conference (March 7-9, 2025) and pays tribute to SOMOS, Inc. for its advocacy on behalf of Puerto Rican and Latino communities in New York State. The resolution formally recognizes the organization's work in supporting Hispanic youth through scholarships, internships, and leadership programs like the Angelo Del Toro Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute. It does not create new policies or affect any legislation, but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of SOMOS, Inc.'s community contributions. The resolution was adopted by the legislature on March 4, 2025.

Establishes an assumption of the inadmissibility of evidence of a defendant's creative or artistic expression against such defendant in a criminal proceeding; requires the proffering party to affirmatively prove that the evidence is admissible by clear and convincing evidence.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 819) updates New York's surrogacy laws to clarify legal parentage and financial responsibilities. It requires courts to issue immediate parentage judgments after a surrogacy birth, naming intended parents as the sole legal parents, removing the surrogate's parental rights, and directing hospitals to update birth certificates per the court order. The bill also mandates that intended parents cover all surrogacy-related medical costs - including preconception care, pregnancy expenses, and postnatal care - through comprehensive health insurance or escrow funds. These changes apply directly to intended parents, surrogates, and courts handling surrogacy cases in New York. (Note: Bill was signed into law as Chapter 98 on February 28, 2025.)