Sen. Steve Rhoads

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 234) requests Governor Hochul to officially designate April 14, 2025, as "Bangla New Year Day" (Pohela Baisakh) in New York State. It directly affects New York's Bengali community, which has a large population in New York City (including over 10,000 annual immigrants) and significant cultural contributions. The resolution commemorates the secular holiday's origins in the Indian subcontinent and acknowledges the community's historical presence and cultural enrichment of New York through arts, education, and literature. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the holiday.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (not a bill) requesting Governor Hochul to issue a proclamation designating January 27, 2025, as Holocaust Remembrance Day in New York State. It does not create new laws or directly affect any individuals or groups; it simply asks the Governor to formally recognize the date. The resolution cites historical context about the Holocaust and the UN-designated International Holocaust Remembrance Day (observed on January 27) but contains no policy changes. It was adopted by the Senate on January 22, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests Governor Hochul to officially declare February 2025 as Marfan Syndrome Awareness Month in New York. It aims to raise public awareness about Marfan syndrome, a genetic condition affecting the heart, blood vessels, and connective tissues that can cause life-threatening aortic complications. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funding but encourages broader recognition of the condition to support early diagnosis and care.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (J 235) commemorating the 181st anniversary of the Dominican Republic's independence, to be observed on February 27, 2025. It recognizes the historical significance of Dominican independence (achieved February 27, 1844) and acknowledges the cultural and economic contributions of over one million Dominican New Yorkers and Dominican Americans across the U.S. The resolution has no legal effect; it formally marks the occasion through a pause in legislative business and transmits copies to Dominican organizations in New York State. It directly honors the Dominican community and their heritage within New York.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a law) introduced by Senator Murray to commemorate the 26th Annual World Falun Dafa Day on May 13, 2025. It recognizes Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong), a practice described in the resolution as involving meditation, exercises, and principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. The resolution asks the legislative body to pause its work to observe this day and directs copies to Falun Dafa practitioners in New York State. It has no policy impact or effect on any group beyond this ceremonial acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates the 40th annual observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in New York State on January 20, 2025. It directs the New York State Legislature to pause its deliberations to honor Dr. King's legacy and contributions to civil rights and social justice, as outlined in the resolution's preamble. The resolution also requires a copy to be transmitted to the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus. As a ceremonial measure, it does not create new laws or affect specific groups beyond the state legislature's ceremonial recognition.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 223 is a commemorative resolution expressing condolences for the death of Omer Maxim Neutra, a 21-year-old American-Israeli who served as a tank platoon commander in Israel's 7th Armored Brigade and was killed during the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack while defending the kibbutz of Nir Oz. The resolution calls for a pause in legislative proceedings to mourn his loss and directs that an engrossed copy be sent to his family. This resolution has no policy impact - it is a symbolic gesture honoring Neutra's life, military service, and commitment to Israel, with no binding obligations or changes to laws.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 140 requests Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 8, 2025, as Snowmobile Ride Day in New York, aligning with International Snowmobile Ride Day. This non-binding resolution symbolically promotes snowmobiling as a recreational winter activity without creating new laws or directly affecting any individuals or groups. It encourages public participation in snowmobiling events but holds no legal force. The resolution was adopted on January 14, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 33 formally congratulates the Schuylerville High School Varsity Football Team and Head Coach John Bowen for winning the 2024 NYSPHSAA Class C Football Championship - their first state title in school history. The resolution specifically recognizes their 26-20 victory over Salamanca High School on December 7, 2024, and highlights the team's 13-1 season record and overcoming a 20-7 deficit in the championship game. It directs that copies of the resolution be sent to the team members, coaches, and school administrators, including Superintendent Dr. Ryan Sherman and Principal James Ducharme. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves to honor the athletic achievement.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a symbolic resolution (S.28) urging Governor Hochul to officially designate April 2025 as "Workplace Violence Prevention Month" in New York. It does not create new laws but seeks to raise public awareness about workplace safety, particularly highlighting that healthcare workers face five times higher violence risk than other industries. The resolution formally memorializes the Governor to issue the proclamation, with copies sent to state officials and healthcare advocacy groups like the American Nurses Association. It aligns with national recognition of April as Workplace Violence Prevention Awareness Month.