Sen. Chris Ryan

Maddy summaryBill S 5432 increases various disability benefits for volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers injured in the line of duty. It doubles the weekly permanent total disability benefit from $600 to $1200 and raises the maximum combined earnings and benefits for severely injured volunteers from $800 to $1600. The bill also significantly increases temporary total disability benefits, setting a rate of $650 per week for injuries from July 2021 to June 2025, and $800 per week for injuries occurring after July 2025. These adjustments aim to provide enhanced financial support to volunteers experiencing disabilities from their service.

Requires the state shall offer a statewide emergency services internet protocol network (ESINet) available for connection to local public safety answering points (PSAPs).

Relates to increasing the earnings limitation for positions of public service; increases the earnings limitation from $35,000 to $65,000 in 2027 and thereafter.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution directs Governor Kathy Hochul to officially proclaim March 2026 as Women's History Month in New York State. The bill asks the governor to recognize and honor the historical contributions of women across various fields including politics, education, medicine, civil rights, and business. It highlights specific New York women who have made significant impacts, from early suffrage leaders to modern public servants and athletes. The resolution is ceremonial in nature and does not create new laws or change existing policies.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 1663 honors Black history trailblazers from Cayuga and Onondaga Counties in New York, recognizing their contributions to the region's diversity and progress through figures like Harriet Tubman, Dr. Sarah Loguen Fraser, and community leaders such as Marcellus "Ben" White and Peggy Wood. The resolution, adopted in March 2026, formally acknowledges these individuals' historical achievements in civil rights, education, and public service for the 100th Anniversary of Black History Month. It does not create new laws or programs but serves as a commemorative statement by the New York State Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1664) honors Jonathan A. Dandes, president of Rich Baseball Operations and a Buffalo Baseball Hall of Fame inductee, who died on February 22, 2026. It memorializes his 40+ years of service to the Buffalo Bisons, Sahlen Field, and Western New York community through roles including executive vice president of Rich Entertainment Group and director of the National Kidney Foundation. The resolution directs the legislature to "pause in its deliberations to mourn" his passing and transmit a copy to his family. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create policy changes or affect any legislation.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law), formally recognizing Holi as an ancient Hindu Spring Festival. It acknowledges Holi's cultural significance - celebrating fertility, love, the triumph of good over evil, and the arrival of spring - without creating any new policies or affecting anyone's rights or obligations. The resolution simply directs the legislature to pause its proceedings to observe the festival, with no binding requirements for citizens or government action. It was adopted by the legislature on March 5, 2026, as a symbolic gesture honoring cultural diversity.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1680) designates March 10, 2026, as "Bronx Day" to honor the borough's history and cultural significance. It directs the New York State Legislature to pause its proceedings on that date to recognize the Bronx's contributions, including its role as the birthplace of hip-hop, historical sites, and diverse communities. The resolution will be transmitted to the Bronx Borough President and Bronx Chamber of Commerce. As a commemorative measure, it has no binding policy impact or direct effect on residents or programs.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (J 1681) congratulating the Potsdam Central High School Girls Hockey Team for winning the 2026 NYSPHSAA Girls Hockey Championship. It formally recognizes the team's 17-3-2 season record, their 3-2 championship victory over Adirondack United, and their status as the school's first girls hockey champions in over a decade. The resolution specifically names all 25 players and coaches (including Head Coach Joe Stark and Assistant Coaches Lindsay LaSala and Olivia Scott) and directs that engrossed copies be sent to them. As a symbolic gesture with no policy impact, it does not create new laws or affect any regulations.

Allows for treatment costing less than $1,500 to be done without prior approval, and more clearly defines the list of "pre-authorized procedures" as a floor on treatment as opposed to its current status as a ceiling; allows non-network providers of testing to be compensated at the provider network rate negotiated by the carrier.