Sen. Steve Rhoads

Maddy summaryThis resolution memorializes Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 17, 2025, as Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) Awareness Day in New York. It seeks to raise public awareness about NEC, a severe intestinal condition primarily affecting premature infants that contributes to high infant mortality, significant healthcare costs (estimated at $200,000+ per case), and disproportionate impacts on Black infants. The resolution highlights breast milk as a key preventive measure and acknowledges the work of the NEC Society in advancing research and advocacy for affected families.

Enacts the feathered lives also count act directing the commissioner of general services to incorporate practices and strategies to reduce bird fatality resulting from collisions with certain state-owned or state-leased buildings, and for other purposes; requires the commissioner to develop a design guide that includes features, methods and strategies, and best practices for reducing bird fatalities; requires the commissioner to report to the governor and the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 260) formally commends Jose Cristales, an off-duty firefighter, for receiving the New York State Senate's Liberty Medal - the Senate's highest honor. It recognizes his heroic actions on September 12, 2024, when he saved a woman trapped under a car by coordinating bystanders and a construction crew to lift the vehicle, performing CPR until emergency services arrived. The resolution has no policy impact; it is a symbolic tribute to Cristales' life-saving intervention and embodies the Senate's tradition of honoring exceptional humanitarian acts.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic Senate Resolution (J 259), not a legislative bill with policy changes. It formally commemorates the 17th anniversary of Kosovo's independence (declared February 17, 2008) through a resolution adopted by the legislature. The resolution acknowledges Kosovo's history, progress in democracy, and the contributions of Kosovar communities in New York to cultural and economic life. It has no direct impact on laws, regulations, or affected populations beyond expressing legislative recognition.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) expressing condolences for Omer Maxim Neutra, an American-Israeli soldier killed in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on October 7, 2023. It formally mourns his death, honors his service as a tank platoon commander, and acknowledges his family, leadership, and commitment to Israel. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply directs the legislature to pause for mourning and sends a copy to his family.

Maddy summaryThis is a Senate resolution (J 255) commending Brandon Gruttemeyer for receiving the New York State Senate's Liberty Medal - the highest honor for an individual. It recognizes his heroic 2024 rescue of a non-swimmer who nearly drowned at Lake George, where he located the victim underwater and administered life-saving CPR until emergency services arrived. The resolution formally praises his actions and transmits a copy of the resolution to him. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legislative effect beyond the Senate's ceremonial recognition.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution requests Governor Hochul to proclaim May 2025 as Muslim History Month in New York State. It aims to recognize Muslim cultural contributions, promote education about historical Muslim achievements (such as advancements in science and medicine), and foster community understanding. The resolution does not create new laws but encourages symbolic acknowledgment through the Governor's proclamation.

Requires insurance coverage of sonograms and other diagnostic procedures used to detect breast cancer for covered persons with a prior history of breast cancer or who have a first degree relative with a prior history of breast cancer.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 247) requests Governor Hochul to issue a proclamation designating January 2025 as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in New York State. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally asks the Governor to recognize the month, aligning with national observance. The resolution highlights cervical cancer statistics in New York (840 new cases and 180 deaths in 2024) and emphasizes the need for public awareness of prevention and screening. As a memorial resolution, it is procedural and symbolic, directly affecting the Governor’s role in issuing the proclamation.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a bill) requesting Governor Hochul to designate March 29, 2025, as Vietnam Veterans Day in New York State. It directly affects New York residents by encouraging the state to formally recognize Vietnam War veterans through a gubernatorial proclamation. The resolution asks the Governor to issue the proclamation in coordination with National Vietnam Veterans Day, urging communities to hold ceremonies honoring veterans' service and contributions. It emphasizes supporting veterans' reintegration into civilian life and acknowledging their sacrifices, including the 58,000 U.S. service members who died during the war. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on January 22, 2025.