Sen. Mark Walczyk

Maddy summaryS 5493 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring all state elections (except for specific town officers) to use paper ballots, with exceptions only if other methods preserve voting secrecy. It directly affects all voters and election administrators by mandating paper ballots as the default method and adding requirements for voter identification through signatures at the polls. The bill does not change existing voting machines but specifies that signatures must be collected for in-person voting, except for those with illiteracy or physical disabilities. This is a procedural constitutional amendment, not a policy change affecting current election procedures.

Establishes term limits for the offices of governor, attorney-general and comptroller; limits the amount of time any person can act as governor; limits terms of office of members of the legislature.

Relates to capping the state budget at fifteen percent of total state gross domestic product for the prior calendar year, as determined by the state comptroller.

Relates to the number of senators and the apportionment of senate districts; provides that each senate district shall be comprised of one county in its entirety.

Prohibits certain borrowing arrangements; relates to the authorization for the contracting of debt; relates to the manner by which payments are appropriated and paid.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the state constitution to establish specific rules for filling vacancies in U.S. House and Senate seats. It requires special elections for House vacancies occurring more than three months before a general election (held 70-80 days after a governor's proclamation) and sets temporary appointment periods for Senate vacancies based on calendar year timing. These rules directly affect how federal offices are filled when vacancies arise, ensuring vacancies are addressed within defined election cycles. The changes apply specifically to federal elected positions, not state offices.

Relates to conveying approximately 1.2 acres of land located within the forest preserve to the town of Montague, Lewis county, in order to allow the expansion of the town's barn for public use, in exchange for 26 acres of land to be conveyed by such town to the state.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 1472 formally commends Gabriella Scheer for receiving the New York State Senate Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual. The resolution specifically recognizes her heroic actions on April 28, 2025, when she performed CPR on her unconscious boss during a medical emergency, saving his life. This ceremonial resolution has no policy impact - it serves solely as a formal tribute to her selfless act of compassion.

Maddy summaryThis resolution asks Governor Hochul to proclaim February 21-28, 2026, as National FFA Organization Week in New York. It recognizes the FFA's role in supporting agricultural education, student leadership development, and career readiness for over 13,500 New York students across nearly 200 chapters. The resolution has no binding policy impact - it is a symbolic request for the governor to issue a formal proclamation.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 1488 formally congratulates the Shenendehowa High School Girls Varsity Cross Country Team and Head Coach Rob Cloutier for winning the New York State Federation Cross Country Team Championship in 2025. The resolution highlights their championship victory, academic achievements (a team GPA of 94.05 percent), and participation in the Nike Cross Nationals. Adopted by the legislature, it directs copies to the team members, coaches, and school officials as a formal recognition of their accomplishments. This is a non-binding resolution expressing legislative support, not a policy change affecting any laws or regulations.