Sen. Steve Rhoads

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution directs Governor Kathy Hochul to officially designate April 28, 2026, as MWBE Advocacy Day in New York State. The measure honors the state's ongoing efforts to support Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises by recognizing their role in economic empowerment and addressing historical disparities in government contracting. While the bill does not alter existing laws or funding, it serves as a formal acknowledgment of past initiatives and encourages continued collaboration between state agencies, business owners, and stakeholders to improve program effectiveness. Copies of the resolution will be sent to the Governor and relevant business owners across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally congratulates the Tappan Zee High School Girls Basketball Team and their coaching staff on winning the NYSPHSAA Class A Championship. It specifically recognizes the players, head coach Riley Chevrier, assistant coaches Sarah Kukla and Darrell Flynn, and athletic director William Pilla for their athletic achievement and dedication. The resolution also notes that the team will visit the State Capitol in Albany on May 7, 2026, to celebrate their victory. Copies of this document will be sent to the recognized individuals as an official record of the state's commendation.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially declare April 19-25, 2026, as Library Week in New York State. The resolution highlights the value of libraries and librarians during this annual observance, which aligns with National Library Week. It does not create new laws or change policies, but instead serves as a symbolic gesture to recognize the role of libraries in the community.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor of New York to officially declare April 28, 2026, as Animal Advocacy Day. The resolution highlights the positive roles animals play in families, public safety, and the well-being of vulnerable populations. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness about animal welfare. The measure is a ceremonial action that requires no further legislative steps once the proclamation is issued.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor of New York to officially recognize April 2026 as Sikh Heritage Month. The resolution highlights the contributions of the Sikh community to the state and aims to increase awareness of Sikh history and traditions. It does not change laws or create new programs but serves as a formal proclamation to honor the community.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires prosecutors to inform crime victims - including those who experienced sexual offenses - about New York's address confidentiality program. The program helps protect victims' home addresses from public disclosure by providing alternative mailing addresses. Prosecutors must now specifically notify victims about this program during case proceedings, as mandated by the new requirements added to state law. This change directly affects victims navigating the justice system by ensuring they learn about available privacy protections. The bill amends existing laws to make this notification a standard step in victim communication.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new tax deduction for K-12 educators. Eligible educators (those teaching at least 900 hours per year in public or private elementary/secondary schools) can deduct up to $300 annually as a single filer or $600 as a married couple filing jointly (with each spouse limited to $300). The deduction covers out-of-pocket work-related expenses like professional development courses, books, supplies, computer equipment, and supplementary materials (athletic supplies are specified for health/physical education courses). It amends tax law to add this provision, effective immediately upon enactment.

Requires the notification of a crime victim or witness of the death of the accused if such person dies during pending judicial proceedings or during any period of incarceration, parole or post-release supervision, or when an order of protection exists.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows retired New York state employees to change their designated beneficiaries if that beneficiary was convicted of a family offense (such as domestic violence) and the retiree was the complainant in the case. Retirees have 180 days from the conviction date to submit a written request to the retirement system to update their beneficiary or election. The law applies to all retirement systems covered under the state’s retirement and social security laws, including public education and city employee plans. The comptroller must notify retirees about this provision and create implementing rules. It directly affects retirees who are complainants in family offense cases involving their current beneficiaries.

Maddy summaryBill S 871 establishes uniform waiting list priorities for domestic violence survivors applying for public housing. It requires local housing authorities to give these survivors the same priority as other vulnerable groups, such as the disabled, elderly, and homeless. To qualify, a survivor must either continue to face domestic violence in their current home or have left due to violence and not be living in standard permanent housing. For applicants with the same priority status, housing authorities will select based on the date and time their application was received.