Sen. Rachel May

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New York's Water Resources Planning Council from 15 to 17 voting members, requiring the governor to appoint two members with water science expertise, two with environmental science/engineering expertise, and one with environmental justice expertise (selected from public interest groups). The council must now make recommendations on statewide water management, ensure environmental justice considerations in water decisions, review relevant state/federal laws, and develop a comprehensive water strategy by 2028. It directly affects state agencies (like environmental conservation and health departments), local water systems, and communities managing water resources, with new reporting requirements for deficiencies and financing constraints. The changes aim to improve coordination, equity, and sustainability in water planning across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits food stores and retail establishments from refusing cash payments for in-person purchases. It requires businesses to accept all U.S. coins and currency (excluding foreign money or checks), bans charging more for cash payments than card payments, and allows exceptions for bills over $20 or remote transactions. Violations carry civil penalties of up to $1,500 per offense, with specific requirements for cash-to-prepaid card devices (free, no minimum deposit, no expiration). The law directly affects retailers selling consumer goods or food on-site, ensuring cash remains a valid payment method without surcharges.

Maddy summaryThis bill moves the Amistad Commission from the State Department to the State Education Department. The commission, which focuses on promoting education about the African slave trade, slavery in America, and African-American contributions, will now be managed by the Education Department rather than the State Department. This transfer shifts administrative responsibility for the commission's work - such as developing educational resources, recognizing schools teaching African-American history, and advising on curriculum - to the Education Department. The bill is now law (Chapter 542, signed November 21, 2025).

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3236) allows registered pharmacy technicians to work in any licensed pharmacy under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist. It permits technicians to assist with tasks like preparing, labeling, and dispensing prescriptions or medications - provided these tasks require no professional judgment (which remains the pharmacist's responsibility). The law requires pharmacists to be physically present during these tasks, authorize all work, and approve it before any medication is dispensed. The pharmacy must also ensure technicians receive proper training before they begin assisting. The bill is now law (signed November 21, 2025).

Maddy summaryThis bill requires most health insurance plans to cover contraceptive services provided by pharmacists without cost-sharing. It mandates coverage for all FDA-approved contraceptives (including over-the-counter options), emergency contraception, patient counseling, and follow-up care like device insertion/removal. Plans must allow dispensing up to 12 months of contraceptives at once and reimburse pharmacists the same rate as other healthcare providers. The law applies to group/blanket health insurance policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025, directly affecting insured individuals and pharmacists providing these services.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1224) prevents school-based health center services from being delivered to medical assistance recipients (like Medicaid beneficiaries) through private managed care insurance plans. It amends state law to require these services to continue being provided directly outside of managed care programs. The key change ensures that students receiving medical assistance can access school health services through traditional public health channels, not through private insurance networks. The bill was passed by the legislature in June 2025 but was vetoed by the governor on October 16, 2025, so it did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the village of Baldwinsville to impose a 5% tax on the daily rental rate for rooms in hotels, motels, bed-and-breakfasts, and similar lodging facilities. It directly affects businesses operating these accommodations within the village, requiring them to collect and remit the tax to village officials. The tax revenue must be deposited into the village's general fund for any lawful use, and the bill excludes government entities, non-profit organizations, and guests staying for 90+ consecutive days. The tax cannot exceed 5% of the room's daily rate and follows standard collection procedures for local taxes.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1376) encourages farmers' markets selling farm products in state parks, provided they don't harm the park's environment. It directly affects state parks, farmers' markets operating there, and state agencies like the Department of Agriculture and Markets. Key provisions require parks to post market locations/times online, identify new park locations for markets, and coordinate with agencies like Empire State Development. The law, now effective (signed September 26, 2025), aims to expand access to local food while protecting park integrity.

Authorizes students attending the Syracuse Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics high school, who participated in a high school athletic competition for a school district other than the Syracuse city school district in 7th and/or 8th grade, to be eligible for senior high school athletic competitions.

Clarifies provisions regarding the use of crossbows for hunting, allowing the department of environmental conservation to allow the use of crossbows for the taking of big game in any area long bows are permitted.