Sen. Rachel May

Maddy summaryBill S 4589 modifies how Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are reimbursed for their operating costs. Beginning in April 2025, and every three years thereafter, the department will analyze actual FQHC costs over the prior five years, considering factors like services provided, staffing, and technology. Based on this analysis, the department will develop and issue updated payment rates, removing existing payment ceilings or caps. The bill ensures that no FQHC will receive a lower operating cost component or overall payment rate than what was applied before September 30, 2025.

Establishes the "garden protection act", protecting the rights of individuals to cultivate home vegetable gardens, native plant gardens, and/or pollinator gardens.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors Saint Patrick and all persons of Irish descent on the occasion of Saint Patrick's Day on March 17, 2026, while also directing the Governor to proclaim March 2026 as Irish American Heritage Month in New York. The bill recognizes the historical contributions of Irish Americans to the state and nation through public service, military service, and cultural achievements, and acknowledges the traditions associated with the celebration. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a commemorative measure to recognize heritage and encourage the Governor to issue an official proclamation. Copies of the resolution will be sent to the Governor, the Archbishop of New York, and officials associated with the New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade.

Maddy summaryS 566 expands New York's Address Confidentiality Program to include election officers, allowing them to use a designated address instead of their actual residence for privacy and safety. The bill amends the Executive Law to explicitly list "election officers" among eligible participants alongside victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, and reproductive health care staff. Key provisions include defining "election officer" per Election Law and updating eligibility criteria to cover election officers facing threats. This change directly affects current and future election officials who qualify for the program, enabling them to shield their home addresses from public disclosure. The program remains administered by the Secretary of State, with county election boards assisting election officers in enrollment.

Directs the department of economic development to move the central New York welcome center to the equal rights heritage center in the city of Auburn; directs the department of economic development to enter into a contract with the city of Auburn for the operation of such welcome center.

Establishes the New York state Black history preservation commission to ensure the documentation and preservation of Black history in New York state within the state university of New York.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all new washing machines sold in the state after January 1, 2030, to include a microfiber filtration system that captures at least 90% of fibers 100 micrometers or larger. It directly affects manufacturers (who must provide compliance certificates) and retailers (who must display a consumer label explaining the filtration system). The key provisions include mandatory filtration standards, visible consumer labeling with maintenance instructions, and a transition period allowing unsold inventory purchased before December 31, 2029, to be sold. The law aims to reduce microfiber pollution from laundry without specifying environmental outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires most health insurance plans sold in the state to cover pharmacist-provided contraceptive services, such as counseling, prescribing, or dispensing. It directly affects health insurers and patients seeking contraceptive care through pharmacies. The key provision mandates that insurance policies include these specific services without extra costs to the patient. The bill passed the Senate in January 2026 and is now under review by the Assembly's Insurance committee.

Requires instruction in arts and music education to be incorporated into curriculums for all public school students; requires school districts to ensure that appropriately certified teachers are providing such education; authorizes rules and regulations consistent with such provisions.

Authorizes county boards of elections to establish county-wide polling places where any person entitled to vote in such county by personal appearance may so vote on the day of a primary election or general election, subject to approval by the state board of elections.