Sen. Lea Webb

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates fees for New York state veterans who are honorably discharged and have a qualifying disability (40%+ service-connected) or meet specific veteran status criteria under the Veterans' Services Law. It directly affects eligible veterans by removing the $765 fee for a lifetime hunting, fishing, and turkey permit license, changing it to $0. The key mechanism updates the environmental conservation law to create a new fee category specifically for these veterans, while maintaining standard fees for other license types. The policy change applies immediately upon enactment, providing permanent fee relief for qualifying veterans purchasing this combined license.

Prohibits confidentiality and non-disclosure provisions from inclusion in contracts pertaining to economic development, entered into by the state or a municipality or any party negotiating on behalf of such governmental entity.

Relates to hearing procedures for certain public employees; provides that the recommendation of a hearing officer in relation to designated managerial and confidential employees shall be considered final and not subject to change or modification.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires money transfer services (like Western Union or online platforms) to provide a clear, upfront warning to consumers before they send funds. The warning must include bold text about fraud risks, examples of common scams (such as fake lottery winnings or loans), and instructions on how to ask questions or stop a transfer. It applies to in-person, phone, or online money transfers but excludes gift cards and certain electronic transfers. Violations could result in civil penalties up to $500 per offense.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1535) requests Governor Kathy Hochul to officially proclaim February 2026 as Black History Month in New York State. It does not create new law but asks the Governor to issue a formal state recognition. The resolution cites historical contributions of Black Americans across civil rights, culture, science, and innovation as context for the observance. The Senate adopted the resolution on February 4, 2026, sending it to the Governor for action.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a binding bill) requesting Governor Hochul to designate January 25-31, 2026, as "Physician Anesthesiologists Week" in New York. It does not create new laws or affect any specific group, but honors anesthesiologists' historical contributions to medical innovations like the Apgar Score and regional anesthesia. The resolution cites their role in advancing patient safety, pain management, and critical care. It was formally adopted by the Senate and will be sent to the Governor for consideration.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (Senate Resolution 1516) passed by the legislature to commemorate the 18th anniversary of Kosovo's independence on February 17, 2026. It formally acknowledges Kosovo's independence from Serbia (declared in 2008) and celebrates its progress in democratic governance, while recognizing the contributions of Kosovar communities in New York. The resolution has no legal effect and does not create new policies or affect any individuals or groups. It serves solely as a ceremonial expression of support for Kosovo's independence and its partnership with the United States.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution congratulating Jolie Chichak, a Shenendehowa High School student, on winning the 2025 NYSPHSAA Girls Tennis Singles State Championship. It formally recognizes her athletic achievement (including her first Section 2 singles title and school's first state singles championship) and academic record (96.33 GPA). The resolution has no policy impact - it solely offers symbolic recognition to Chichak and her coaches/school staff. It does not create legal obligations or alter any laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires correctional facilities to ensure incarcerated individuals whose first language isn't English can understand, participate in, and complete substance abuse programs. It mandates specific actions like hiring more bilingual counselors, translating program materials, and creating targeted programs for non-English speakers. The commissioner must consult with the Office of Addiction Services and Supports to implement these changes. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Relates to the creation of a statewide residential rental registry providing information relating to rental units including the number and types of code violations issued by the appropriate enforcement agency, and the number of findings of harassment currently on record with the code enforcement agencies.