Sen. Steve Rhoads

Directs the metropolitan transportation authority, in consultation with the Long Island Rail Road, to establish a no fare program for transportation on the Long Island Rail Road for individuals in active military service of the United States and active duty members of the New York national guard, upon showing a military or national guard identification card.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (J 1607) requesting Governor Hochul to issue a proclamation designating March 2026 as American Red Cross Month in New York State. It does not create new laws or affect any specific group; it is a symbolic gesture to honor the Red Cross's humanitarian work. The resolution cites the organization's 145-year history, disaster response, blood services, military support, and community training programs. As a procedural resolution, it has no binding effect beyond the Governor's discretionary proclamation.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic Senate Resolution (not binding legislation) commending Open Space Institute and Parks & Trails New York for hosting their 20th Annual Park & Public Lands Advocacy Day on February 25, 2026. It honors these organizations for their work protecting over 2.5 million acres of land and promoting 2,000+ miles of trails across New York. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses the legislature's appreciation through a formal commendation. It directly affects no individuals or entities beyond the named organizations receiving the recognition.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a law) requesting Governor Hochul designate May 17, 2026, as Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) Awareness Day in New York. It does not create new policies or funding but aims to raise public awareness about NEC, a severe intestinal condition primarily affecting premature infants. The resolution highlights NEC's high mortality rate, associated healthcare costs ($200,000+ per case), and racial disparities in outcomes. It targets New York residents and healthcare systems by encouraging awareness efforts, referencing advocacy work by the NEC Society and local resident Stephanie Ruidiaz.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (J 1620) adopted by the New York State Senate to honor the late Denis Michael Troy, a longtime Orangetown Councilman and Rockland County Legislator. It expresses the Senate's "profound regret" over his death and commemorates his 30+ years of community service, including his work on the Orangetown Council, advocacy for local services, and roles in organizations like the Ancient Order of Hibernians. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely a formal expression of condolence to his family and community. It was adopted by the Senate on February 25, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires schools to develop policies for using FDA-registered airway clearance devices (portable medical tools for choking emergencies) and mandates training for school nurses and designated staff on their use. It allows school boards to reimburse training costs and protects schools from liability when volunteers provide emergency care using these devices, except as specified in public health law. The law directly affects all schools operating these devices, ensuring staff are trained and reducing legal barriers to emergency response. It takes effect 180 days after enactment, with rules needed for implementation before that date.

Establishes the safe water and infrastructure action program for the purpose of making payments toward the replacement and rehabilitation of certain existing local drinking water, storm water and sanitary sewer systems; applies to any county, city, town, village or public authority drinking water system, storm water system or sanitary sewer system within the state that is not under the maintenance and/or operational jurisdiction of a private entity.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special optional retirement plan for New York State correction officers (and others performing correction duties). It allows eligible members to retire after 20 years of service (or at age 62) and receive a pension equal to 1/40th of their final average salary per year of service (capped at 50% of that salary). Members with over 20 years of service get an additional pension of 1/60th of final salary per extra year (capping total benefits at 75% of final salary). The state will pay additional contributions to cover these enhanced benefits, calculated by the retirement system's actuary. The plan is optional and does not affect existing retirement rules for other state employees.

Establishes law enforcement officer grant funds and firefighter grant funds to cover expenses related to hiring law enforcement officers and firefighters and equipment and resources for such officers and firefighters.

Relates to improving Medicaid accountability; verifies Medicaid enrollment data; audits certain Medicaid program areas; creates managed care payment safeguards; establishes a biometric verification pilot program.