Sen. Steve Rhoads

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic Senate resolution (S 1382) requesting Governor Hochul to declare May 11-17, 2026, as "Period Poverty Awareness Week" in New York. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but aims to raise public awareness about period poverty - the inability to afford menstrual products, which affects roughly 1 in 4 women and girls and can lead to missed school or work. The resolution cites statistics on how period poverty impacts health, education, and economic opportunities for menstruators. As a procedural measure, it has no direct policy impact beyond encouraging awareness.

Enacts the "fair pay for home care act" relating to minimum wages applicable to home care aides; provides for a minimum wage of 150% of the applicable statewide or regional minimum wage.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1410) memorializes Governor Hochul to officially proclaim March 25, 2026, as Vietnam Veterans Day in New York State, aligning with National Vietnam Veterans Day. It does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes the service of New York veterans who served during the Vietnam War era (1962-1975). The resolution encourages New Yorkers to observe the day with ceremonies honoring these veterans' contributions and supporting their reintegration into civilian life. It is a symbolic gesture of appreciation, not a policy change affecting specific groups or programs.

Maddy summaryThis is a Senate Resolution (J 1395) commemorating the 56th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, 2026. It symbolically recognizes Earth Day's history and environmental significance without creating new laws or obligations. The resolution urges the New York State Legislature to pause its work on that date and encourages residents, businesses, and institutions to engage in environmental stewardship activities. It has no binding effect on policy or funding.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic Senate Resolution (J 1300) that formally congratulates the York Middle/High School Girls Varsity Volleyball Team for winning the NYSPHSAA Class D State Championship in November 2025. The resolution recognizes their 19-1 season record, championship victory over Candor Senior High School, and the team's coaches and school officials. It does not create any new laws or policies - it simply serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of their athletic achievement. The resolution will be delivered to the team members, coaches, and school leadership as a formal commendation.

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests Governor Hochul to officially designate April 2026 as Sarcoidosis Awareness Month in New York State, aligning with the national observance. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise public awareness about sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease that commonly affects the lungs and can cause symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, and fatigue. The resolution highlights the condition's impact on organs including the lungs, skin, and eyes, without imposing any requirements on the Governor or state agencies.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution asks Governor Hochul to designate September 20-26, 2026, as Sheriff's Week in New York. It honors county sheriffs for their roles in maintaining jails, securing courts, and supporting community safety. The resolution has no legal effect beyond requesting a symbolic proclamation recognizing sheriffs' service. It directly affects New York's county sheriffs and the public they serve.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) adopted by the New York State Senate to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It formally commemorates the 41st annual observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in New York on January 19, 2026, recognizing his life, legacy, and contributions to the civil rights movement. The resolution urges the legislature to pause its work to pay tribute to Dr. King's vision of justice, equality, and nonviolence. It directs the resolution to be shared with the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus.

Requires electric utility corporations, energy services companies and municipalities to provide an itemized breakdown on all monthly bills detailing infrastructure costs, contributions to the New York Power Authority, and other public utility investments.

Requires the department of veterans' services to obtain information from the United States department of veterans affairs related to the county of residence of New York state veterans discharged from active service, in which county such veterans reside, and transfer such information to the appropriate county veteran service agency.