Sen. Peter Oberacker

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests Governor Hochul to designate May 28, 2026, as "Taiwan Heritage Day" in New York State. It cites New York's economic ties with Taiwan (including $158.60 billion in trade in 2024), cultural organizations, and shared values as context for the symbolic recognition. The resolution does not create new laws, affect policies, or impose obligations - it is purely a commemorative request. Copies would be sent to the Governor, Taiwan's president, and Taiwan's New York representative.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 1477 requests Governor Kathy Hochul to issue a proclamation designating April 2, 2026, as Autism Awareness Day in New York State, aligning with World Autism Awareness Day. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws, allocate funds, or impose requirements on any entity. Instead, it aims to promote public awareness about autism spectrum disorder through a state-level recognition effort. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on January 28, 2026, and will be transmitted to the Governor for consideration.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1489) is a symbolic gesture to commemorate the 182nd anniversary of the Dominican Republic's independence, to be celebrated on February 27, 2026. It honors the historical significance of the Dominican Republic's independence on February 27, 1844, and recognizes the contributions of over one million Dominican residents and Dominican Americans in New York State. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies; it simply requests the New York State Legislature pause to acknowledge this anniversary and direct copies to Dominican organizations. As a ceremonial resolution, it focuses on cultural recognition rather than legislative action.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 1493 commemorates the 45th anniversary of Dorothy Day's death, honoring her legacy as a Catholic lay leader, journalist, and co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement. The resolution formally recognizes her lifelong work in social justice, pacifism, and service to the poor, particularly her ties to Staten Island. It directs that copies of the resolution be sent to the Staten Island Catholic Worker and St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church in New Brighton, where Day is interred and where her legacy is actively preserved. This is a symbolic gesture with no legal effect or direct impact on individuals or policies.

Creates an exception in the uniform fire prevention and building code for zero on-site greenhouse gas emissions for buildings whose building permit was issued prior to a certain date.

Prevents public employers from diminishing health insurance benefits provided to retirees and their dependents or the contributions such employer makes for such health insurance coverage below the level of such benefits or contributions made on behalf of such retirees and their dependents by such public employer.

Allows 100 of more current customers of a utility to demand that the public service commission perform an audit of a public utility that has knowingly failed or neglected to obey the law or comply with its legal obligations.

Establishes a New York state child care expansion program within the office of general services to assist state agencies with establishing a physical location whereby each state office shall allow a private child day care center to operate.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 9023) changes how utilities handle customer complaints about billing or service. It requires utilities to investigate complaints about gas/electric bills or deposits within 30 days, provide written results in plain language, and not disconnect service during a complaint (while customers still pay undisputed portions). The bill also shifts the burden of proof to utilities in disputes and mandates clear written explanations of complaint outcomes. These changes directly affect residential utility customers facing billing disagreements.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1392) asks Governor Hochul to designate April 11-17, 2026, as Black Maternal Health Week in New York State. It aims to raise public awareness about the severe racial disparities in maternal health outcomes, where Black women in New York face significantly higher risks of pregnancy-related death and complications compared to white women. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funds but serves as a symbolic recognition of these health inequities and supports community efforts led by Black women's health organizations. It aligns with the national Black Mamas Matter Alliance's campaign to highlight preventable maternal health challenges.