Sen. Steve Rhoads

Establishes a statewide program to provide free SUNY, CUNY, and community college tuition to active volunteer firefighters, volunteer emergency medical services providers, and volunteer auxiliary police officers.

Enacts the "home utility weatherization jobs act"; requires each gas corporation, electric corporation, or combination gas or electric corporation to submit to the public service commission for review and approval at least one and up to ten neighborhood scale weatherization and electrification-ready projects.

Prohibits the construction or maintenance of energy storage systems capable of storing more than twenty kilowatt hours within five hundred feet of a school or dwelling in a city with a population of one million or more.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a future rule that would have prohibited fossil fuel equipment (like gas furnaces or water heaters) in new buildings starting in 2026. It removes the restriction from state law, meaning new buildings constructed after 2026 could still use fossil fuel-based systems without legal barriers. The repeal directly affects builders, developers, and property owners constructing new buildings in New York State. The change takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New York's Public Service Commission from adding a "system benefits charge" to utility bills paid by ratepayers. It directly affects residential and business customers who pay electricity, gas, or water bills by preventing an additional surcharge from being imposed. The law requires the Commission to stop using this specific fee, which was designated as a "system benefits charge" on the effective date of the bill. The prohibition takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Requires consideration of evidence relating to the economic impact of major increases of rates or charges upon consumers and the areas affected by such increases of rates or charges prior to approval of any such rates or charges; establishes minimum data to be considered by the public service commission relating to such economic impact.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 2043 formally congratulates 52 individuals who have been named the 2026 New York State Senate Women of Distinction. This ceremonial resolution recognizes these women for their professional achievements and personal contributions to their communities. The Senate will send copies of the resolution to each honoree as a gesture of appreciation. The bill does not create new laws or change existing policies, but rather serves to honor these individuals for their impact on New York State.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 2037 formally honors Jake Wilson, a senior at W. C. Mepham High School in Bellmore, New York, for receiving the New York State Citizenship Award. The resolution recognizes his leadership as class president, his volunteer work welcoming new students, and his participation in sports and school events as examples of civic responsibility. Adopted on May 5, 2026, the bill directs the legislature to pause briefly to acknowledge his achievements and sends a copy of the resolution to him.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution congratulates the Marlboro High School Boys Bowling Team and their coach for winning the 2026 New York State Public High School Athletic Association Division II State Championship. The bill formally acknowledges the team's 15-1 season record and their status as back-to-back state champions, highlighting the contributions of the players and their support network. It directs that a copy of the resolution be sent to the team members, the head coach, and the athletic director as an official commendation. No new laws or funding are created; the measure serves solely as a ceremonial recognition of the team's athletic achievement.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors Carlos Beltran, a professional baseball player, on the occasion of his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The bill formally recognizes his athletic achievements, including his time with the New York Mets and Yankees, and his philanthropic work through his foundation and community service. It directs the New York State Capitol to pause its proceedings to acknowledge Beltran and mandates that a copy of the resolution be sent to him. The measure does not allocate funds or change laws but serves as an official statement of appreciation from the legislative body.