Sen. Erik Bottcher

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor of New York to officially recognize April 19-25, 2026, as Crime Victims' Rights Week. The resolution aims to raise awareness about the rights and needs of people harmed by crime across the state. It does not change any laws or create new programs but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the importance of victim support services. The measure is directed at the Governor and has no impact on daily operations or funding.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution asks the Governor of New York to designate May 2026 as Lyme Disease Awareness Month. The bill does not change laws or require spending but aims to increase public awareness about the illness and its prevention. After passing the Senate, the resolution is transmitted to the Governor to finalize the official proclamation.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor of New York to officially recognize April 2026 as Pet Cruelty Awareness Month. The resolution defines animal cruelty to include abuse, neglect, abandonment, and lack of proper care, and encourages residents to learn about these issues and report them to authorities. It does not create new laws or change existing regulations, but rather serves to raise public awareness about the treatment of animals in the state.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution commemorates the 66th anniversary of Senegalese Independence on April 4, 2026, by formally recognizing the historical significance of the date and honoring the Senegalese-American community in New York. The bill directs the legislative body to pause its proceedings to acknowledge this event and mandates that a copy of the resolution be sent to the Association of Senegalese in America. It serves as a symbolic gesture to celebrate Senegal's history and the contributions of its diaspora without altering any laws or policies.

Establishes the "earned time act" providing for time allowances against the term or maximum term of sentences imposed by the court to be credited on an annual pro rata basis.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially designate April 2026 as Arab American Heritage Month in New York State. The resolution highlights the historical contributions and cultural significance of Arab Americans within the state, noting that New York is home to over 300,000 individuals from diverse Arab backgrounds. By directing copies of the resolution to the governor and several advocacy organizations, the measure seeks to raise public awareness and promote recognition of this community's heritage.

Prohibits students from accessing their wireless communications devices on school property, unless authorized for classroom use; prohibits students from accessing social media platforms through the use of internet access provided by the school district, except when expressly directed to for class instruction.

Expands the exemption provided to professional journalists and newscasters from contempt to include employment or association with a web log; defines web log as a website or webpage that contains an online journal containing news, comments and offers hyperlinks provided by the writer.

Maddy summaryThis bill regulates the sale of oral nicotine pouches, which are small pouches containing nicotine but no tobacco that users place between their lip and gum. It defines these products legally and expands existing rules to include them alongside traditional tobacco items, vapor products, and herbal cigarettes. The law prohibits retailers from giving away these products for free, offering discounts, or selling them below the listed price, with specific exceptions for certain events and private functions. Additionally, the bill requires strict age verification, ensuring that any free distribution or sale to individuals under twenty-one is prevented by checking valid government-issued identification.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the mandatory retirement age of 70 for most judges and justices in New York State, allowing them to serve until the end of their current term regardless of age. It directly affects judges of the Court of Appeals, Supreme Court, Court of Claims, County Court, Surrogate's Court, Family Court, and District Court, as well as certain judges in New York City. The change applies immediately to new appointments and reappointments, though judges already in office when the law takes effect can continue serving only for the remainder of their existing terms.