Sen. Steve Rhoads

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests Governor Hochul to issue a proclamation designating May 6-12, 2026, as Nurses Week in New York State, aligning with National Nurses Week. It recognizes New York's 256,000+ registered nurses and their critical role in healthcare, including patient safety, primary care, and meeting the needs of an aging population. The resolution does not create new law but serves as a formal state-level acknowledgment of nurses' contributions. It directly addresses the Governor to take action, with no direct impact on policy or funding.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a binding bill) requesting Governor Hochul to proclaim January 25-31, 2026, as "Medicolegal Death Investigation Professionals Week" in New York. It does not create new laws or policies - it solely honors professionals who investigate deaths to determine cause and manner. The resolution recognizes these workers' role in supporting families and communities through death investigations. No specific individuals or groups are directly affected by this symbolic gesture.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New York's transportation commissioner to use photo speed monitoring systems in highway construction and maintenance work zones on controlled-access highways, the Thruway, and certain bridge/tunnel facilities. It allows the commissioner to install such systems in up to 40 work areas to automatically capture vehicles traveling more than 10 mph over posted speed limits, with vehicle owners liable for penalties if the violation is documented by the system. The commissioner must consider crash history and speed data when selecting locations, and systems cannot be placed on highway exit ramps. The program applies only to work zones where speed limits are enforced under existing traffic law, and penalties do not apply if the driver was already convicted for the same speeding violation.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution requests Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 10-16, 2026, as Police Week in New York State, aligning with National Police Week. It honors law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, referencing historical data on officer fatalities and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. The resolution has no binding legal effect - it is a ceremonial request to the Governor, not a new law. It directly affects public recognition efforts for law enforcement families and communities.

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 3-9, 2026, as Correctional Officers and Employees Week in New York, honoring the state's approximately 16,178 correctional officers and employees who oversee over 31,329 inmates in state facilities. It aligns with federal recognition of "National Correctional Officers and Employees Week" established in 1996 and emphasizes the dangerous nature of their work. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic tribute to these personnel through a gubernatorial proclamation.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 1293 commends Armando and Shayla Gramajo for receiving New York State's Liberty Medal, the Senate's highest honor for individuals. The resolution recognizes their 2024 actions when they intervened to save a woman attacked with a knife in White Plains - Armando (a bus driver and former Guatemalan Army veteran) stopped the attacker, and Shayla (a physician's assistant) provided medical aid using household items until emergency services arrived. This symbolic resolution, passed by the New York State Senate, formally honors their humanitarian act and does not create new laws or affect any policies. It serves as a ceremonial tribute to their spontaneous, life-saving response.

Requires the state fire administrator to make available a specialized electric vehicle emergency response training program to provide training to individuals responsible for providing emergency response and recovery following incidents involving electric vehicles; defines emergency medical services agency.

Requires voting machines or systems to comply with the voluntary voting system guidelines adopted by the United States election assistance commission on December 13, 2005.

Requires security at all publicly accessible entrances of general hospitals; requires every general hospital to have either one off-duty law enforcement officer or trained security personnel be present at all times at each publicly accessible entrance or have installed locking doors at each publicly accessible entrance; requires every general hospital to provide wearable employee panic buttons or alert devices capable of immediately notifying on-site security personnel or law enforcement in the event of a dangerous situation or emergency.

Directs certain employers to establish a dependent care flexible benefits program under which a portion of employees' compensations are deposited directly into dependent care flexible spending accounts.