Sen. Mark Walczyk

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally acknowledges the death of Floyd "Todd" Peterson III, a respected community member from Ithaca, New York. The text honors his diverse career as a performer and educator, noting his 38 years of service in the Ithaca School District and his dedication to youth programs like the Stewart Park Day Camp. It also records that a new picnic pavilion at Stewart Park was dedicated to his memory in May 2025. The resolution concludes by directing the legislature to pause its proceedings in mourning and to send a copy of the document to Peterson's family.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor to officially recognize May 1, 2026, as May Day in New York State. The resolution honors the history of workers' rights and acknowledges the contributions of all employees, including those in unions and the public sector. By adopting this measure, the Legislature formally requests the Governor to issue a proclamation for the date. The action is ceremonial and does not create new laws or change existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally congratulates Madeline Wilson of Brooklyn, New York, on her 100th birthday. The measure recognizes her as a centenarian who has contributed to her community and family through a long life of service and dedication. Upon adoption, the resolution directs that a copy of the document be sent to Ms. Wilson as an official acknowledgment from the legislative body.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates May 2026 as Black Heritage Month and May 31, 2026, as National Black Heritage Day in Panama. The measure honors the cultural and historical contributions of Afro-Panamanian communities, including their music, art, and role in shaping the nation's identity. It specifically calls on New Yorkers to recognize and celebrate the legacy of African and Antillean descendants in Panama. A copy of the resolution will be sent to the Panamanian-American community in New York State.

Eliminates the zero-emission school bus mandate; authorizes the New York state energy research and development authority conduct a study to determine the feasibility of converting school buses to zero-emission vehicles.

Relates to segregated confinement; provides that certain incarcerated individuals shall not be placed in a residential rehabilitation unit; makes related provisions.

Maddy summaryS 16, "Jacobe's Law," requires school staff to contact parents or guardians when bullying or harassment is confirmed involving a student. School counselors, principals, or other designated staff must first discuss with the student whether contacting parents would raise health, safety, or privacy concerns before making reasonable efforts to notify them via phone, email, or mail. The law also protects individuals who report bullying or harassment in good faith from retaliation or legal liability. This affects students involved in such incidents, their parents/guardians, and school staff responsible for handling reports.

Maddy summaryBill S 48 proposes an amendment to the state constitution regarding the passage of budget bills. Currently, the Governor or acting Governor can certify the need for an immediate vote on a bill, which waives the standard three-day review period for it to be on legislators' desks. This bill would prohibit the Governor from calling such an immediate vote specifically for budget bills or appropriation bills. This change would ensure that all budget-related legislation must be available to legislators in its final form for at least three calendar legislative days before a final vote can occur.

Establishes a digital legal mail program for the delivery of privileged correspondences to incarcerated individuals housed at correctional facilities; requires law offices sending legal mail via digital platforms to incarcerated individuals to register with the department of corrections.

Establishes procurement goals that certain percentages of all food and food products purchased by state agencies shall be New York state food products.