Sen. Rachel May

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 7281) repeals New York's Section 17-140 of the Election Law, which previously criminalized offering small-value items (like snacks or drinks) to encourage people to vote. It directly affects voters and election workers by removing penalties for providing such nominal incentives. The key provision is the complete removal of this specific criminal provision from state law. The bill makes no other changes to election rules or voting procedures.

Maddy summaryS 138 establishes a "Medical Aid in Dying Act" for New York, allowing terminally ill patients (with decision-making capacity and a confirmed terminal illness expected to cause death within six months) to request and self-administer medication to end their life. Key provisions require patients to make an oral and written request, receive confirmation from two physicians (an attending physician and a consulting physician), and sign a witnessed written request with two non-related, non-beneficiary adults. The bill mandates patients be fully informed of alternatives like palliative care, outlines physician responsibilities, and includes requirements for documentation, safe medication disposal, and protections for healthcare providers.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1100) asks Governor Hochul to officially recognize September 21-27, 2025, as Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) Awareness Week in New York State. It does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise public awareness about FTD, a terminal brain disease affecting speech, behavior, and motor skills, often misdiagnosed in people aged 40-60. The resolution highlights FTD's impact - accounting for 10-20% of dementia cases under 60 - and its high care costs, urging greater attention to the condition. This symbolic action directly affects New Yorkers living with FTD and their families by promoting community recognition.

Includes not-for-profit corporations and public television or radio corporations in the definition of business entity; allows such entities to claim the newspaper and broadcast media jobs tax credit.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1131) is a ceremonial tribute honoring U.S. Army Air Forces Staff Sergeant Eugene J. Darrigan, who died in World War II on March 11, 1944. It commemorates his service and recognizes his long-overdue burial in Wappingers Falls, New York, on May 24, 2025, after remains were recovered 81 years posthumously. The resolution expresses New York State's gratitude to Darrigan's family and community for his sacrifice, but it does not create new laws or affect any policies. As a symbolic gesture, it was adopted by the Senate on June 5, 2025.

Extends provisions of law relating to the authority of the department of environmental conservation to fix by regulation open seasons, size and catch limits and manner of taking fish from December 31, 2025 until December 31, 2028.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) existing authority to manage alewife fish (a migratory species) until December 31, 2028. It amends a specific section of environmental law to update the expiration date from 2025 to 2028, maintaining current management practices without new requirements or changes to the DEC's responsibilities.

Exempts the South Onondaga Fire Department within the town of Onondaga, Onondaga county, from the requirement that the percentage of non-resident fire department members not exceed forty-five percent of the membership.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 1098, introduced by Senator Stavisky, formally welcomes the students, teachers, and administrators of the Bronx High School of Science to the New York State Legislative Chambers in Albany on May 28, 2025. It recognizes the school's historic contributions to education, science, and civic leadership, including its global reputation, notable alumni (such as Nobel laureates and industry leaders), and innovative programs like the IDEAS Initiative. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for the school's legacy and impact on New York's educational community. The resolution will be presented to the school after adoption, with the legislature pausing its proceedings to honor the visit.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 1097 honors 50+ New York State veterans being inducted into the 2025 New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes these veterans - selected for combat service or post-military contributions - for their military service and community impact. The resolution directs the Senate to pause its proceedings to honor them and requires sending copies of the resolution to each inductee. This is a ceremonial gesture with no binding effect, solely acknowledging veterans' service.