Sen. Mark Walczyk

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 595 requests Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 6-12, 2025, as Crime Victims' Rights Week in New York State, aligning with National Crime Victims' Rights Week. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws or alter existing policies but aims to raise public awareness about crime victims' rights and the support services available to them. It highlights the impact of crime on individuals and communities while acknowledging efforts to provide trauma-informed, culturally relevant assistance. The resolution is addressed to the Governor as a formal request for a ceremonial proclamation.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a formal Senate resolution (J 149) commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 2025. It recognizes these pivotal 1775 events as the start of the American Revolutionary War and highlights their historical significance to New York State, including local connections like the origin of "Yankee Doodle" in Rensselaer. The resolution serves only as a symbolic gesture - pausing legislative business to honor this anniversary - and does not create new laws, allocate funding, or affect any policies or individuals. It is purely ceremonial, acknowledging historical events without implementing concrete changes.

Maddy summaryS 6919, the "Child Abuse Reporting Expansion Act," requires clergy members to report suspected child abuse or mistreatment when they have reasonable cause to suspect it in their professional capacity (e.g., as spiritual advisors to children or families), expanding the list of mandated reporters under New York’s social services law. However, it explicitly preserves the confidentiality of religious confessions by stating clergy cannot be compelled to report disclosures made during such confidential religious counseling. The bill adds clergy to the existing list of mandatory reporters (including teachers, healthcare workers, and social workers) while creating a clear exception for information received through religious confessions. This policy change directly affects clergy members working with children in professional settings, requiring them to report abuse outside of confidential religious contexts.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 554) asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially declare June 2025 as "Black Music Month" in New York State. It is a ceremonial request, not a law, and does not impose new requirements or affect any specific groups. The resolution recognizes the cultural significance of Black music in New York and aligns with the national observance of African American Music Appreciation Month. It serves as a symbolic gesture to honor Black musical heritage, with no concrete policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (J 525) congratulating Isabella Satalino, a wrestler from Columbia High School, for winning the NYSPHSAA Girls Wrestling Championship in the 138lbs weight class on February 27, 2025. It recognizes her undefeated 42-0 season and historic achievement as the first wrestler at her school to finish a season undefeated. The resolution has no policy impact; it serves solely as a formal expression of legislative praise for her athletic accomplishment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution asks Governor Hochul to officially proclaim April 2025 as "Month of the Military Child" in New York, honoring military children who navigate frequent relocations due to parents' service. It aligns with Purple Up Day on April 15, 2025, and recognizes the resilience of military children across New York, where over 44,000 live outside military installations. The resolution is symbolic, not a policy change, and focuses on public recognition of their challenges.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 546 requests Governor Hochul to proclaim May 7, 2025, as 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Day in New York. It honors the 10th Mountain Division's military service, including deployments since 9/11, and recognizes Fort Drum as the state's largest military installation and economic driver (employing over 33,000 people and contributing $1.9 billion to the regional economy). The resolution has no binding effect but aims to formally acknowledge these contributions through a gubernatorial proclamation.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 545 co-names a section of Presidents Street in Brooklyn as "Lubavitcher Rebbe Way" to honor Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson's life and legacy. The resolution recognizes his work as a spiritual leader who emphasized kindness, community outreach, and Jewish education, with the street renaming event celebrating his teachings on "routine acts of kindness." Adopted by the Senate on March 25, 2025, it serves as a symbolic tribute rather than a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a bill with policy changes) asking Governor Hochul to declare May 12-18, 2025, as "Prevention Week" in New York State. It does not create new laws or allocate funds; it simply requests the Governor issue a proclamation to raise awareness about substance use prevention and mental health. The resolution cites rising fentanyl-related overdose deaths and emphasizes collaboration with organizations like SAMHSA. It aligns with National Prevention Week and encourages community events focused on prevention education.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (J 526) congratulating four high school athletes - Maya Kelly, Kaitlin Bogucki, Molly Simmons, and Ava Weiss - on winning the NYSPHSAA 4x400 relay championship at the March 8, 2025, meet. It formally recognizes their achievement, school record time (3:54.99), and their representation of Columbia Track and Field. The resolution directs copies to be sent to the athletes and their head coach, with no policy changes or financial impact. As a symbolic gesture, it does not affect laws, budgets, or regulations.