Sen. Peter Oberacker

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests Governor Hochul to designate April 6, 2026, as Tartan Day in New York State, recognizing Scottish heritage and contributions. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups, but formally asks the Governor to acknowledge Scottish-American cultural ties through a ceremonial proclamation. The resolution highlights historical connections between Scotland and New York, including Scottish roots of many early American leaders and cultural traditions like tartan. As a non-binding memorial resolution, it has no direct policy impact beyond the symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (S 1633) asks Governor Hochul to designate February 23, 2026, as "Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Day" in New York State. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but formally requests the Governor issue a proclamation to recognize the day. The resolution highlights statistics on domestic violence prevalence across diverse communities and the state's high demand for related services. It is a symbolic action intended to raise public awareness, not a policy measure with direct implementation.

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 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 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.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 9229, "Billy's law") adds arson in the fourth degree (Penal Law § 150.05) and arson in the third degree (Penal Law § 150.10) to the list of offenses where judges may deny bail or order pre-trial detention. It directly affects defendants charged with these specific arson felonies who are already out on bail, released under conditions, or awaiting arraignment for other crimes involving harm to people or property. The law amends New York’s criminal procedure law to include these arson charges under the same bail denial criteria applied to other serious offenses like firearm possession or crimes causing identifiable harm. This change requires judges to consider the nature of the arson charge when determining pre-trial release, without altering the existing "reasonable cause" standard prosecutors must meet.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 9231) amends New York's criminal procedure law to include "aggravated cruelty to animals" as an offense for which bail may be authorized. It specifically adds this charge - defined under Agriculture and Markets Law § 353-a - to existing lists of offenses where bail eligibility applies. The bill affects defendants charged with aggravated animal cruelty under current law, directly changing their bail eligibility under sections 510.10, 530.20, and 530.40. It does not alter the definition of the crime or its penalties, only the bail process for this specific charge. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill grants Michael V. Layman, a retired state police officer, retirement credit for his prior service as a university police officer at SUNY Cortland, SUNY Delhi, and SUNY Oneonta (1988-1992), which was previously excluded from his retirement calculation. It allows him to have his retirement benefits recalculated as if that service counted toward his state police retirement, provided he submits a written request to the state comptroller by December 31, 2025. The state of New York will cover all associated costs. This is a targeted adjustment for one individual, not a general policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates Cabernet Franc as New York's official state red wine grape. It directly affects the state's symbolic identity by formally recognizing Cabernet Franc in legislation, though it has no practical impact on wine production, regulation, or consumer choices. The key provision is a new section in state law stating "Cabernet Franc shall be the official red wine grape of the state of New York," effective immediately. As a ceremonial designation, it does not alter any existing laws or create new requirements.