Sen. Joe Griffo

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic Senate resolution (J 1529) commemorating Utica University's 80th anniversary. It formally recognizes the university's history, mission, and contributions to higher education in New York, including its transition from Utica College to university status in 2022. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 4, 2026, and directs a copy to President Dr. Stephanie Nesbitt. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding policy impact or direct effect on any group beyond serving as a ceremonial acknowledgment.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 1528 formally commends the Waterville Historical Society for its 60th anniversary in 2026. It recognizes the society's 60-year mission to document, preserve, and share the history of Waterville, Sangerfield, and surrounding communities since its founding in 1966. The resolution does not create legal obligations or policy changes - it is a symbolic gesture of appreciation, with a copy to be sent to the society.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1526) formally commemorates the 77th anniversary of the Clinton Figure Skating Club in Clinton, New York. It honors the club's history since 1949, its status as one of the oldest and largest figure skating clubs on the East Coast, and its community contributions - including volunteer operations and hosting annual events. The resolution directs the legislature to "pause in its deliberations" to recognize the club and send a copy of the resolution to the organization. It is a ceremonial gesture with no policy changes or direct impact on legislation or constituents.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding resolution memorializing Governor Hochul to proclaim April 2026 as Autism Acceptance Month in New York State. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but requests the Governor issue a formal proclamation aligning with National Autism Acceptance Month and World Autism Acceptance Day. The resolution highlights autism's impact (affecting ~1 in 36 children in the U.S.) and emphasizes shifting from "awareness" to "acceptance" to foster inclusion. It directly affects the Governor's office, requiring no action from other entities.

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural Senate resolution (not a bill), requesting Governor Hochul to declare July 1, 2026, as "Canada Day" in New York State. It memorializes the strong economic, cultural, and trade ties between New York and Canada, including $17 billion in annual exports and over 1,300 Canadian businesses operating in the state. The resolution has no binding effect; it simply asks the Governor to issue a ceremonial proclamation recognizing these connections. The legislature adopted it on February 3, 2026, and will send it to the Governor and Canada's New York Consul General.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 5031) amends the state constitution to allow municipalities to authorize bingo or similar games of chance through local voter approval. It directly affects religious, charitable, veteran, and volunteer firefighter organizations, permitting them to operate these games under strict rules. Key provisions require all net proceeds to fund the organization’s lawful purposes, restrict management to members/employees only (with no personal pay for game operations), and cap single prizes at $250 or total series at $1,000. The amendment creates a framework for future legislation to regulate such games and prevent commercial gambling, while prohibiting municipalities from passing independent local laws on the matter.

Relates to term limits for the office of governor; term limits for the offices of comptroller and attorney-general; limits the terms of office as a member of the legislature any person may serve.

Allows the alteration or repeal of real property tax exemptions for certain private institutions of higher education by the passage of a private bill by the legislature and approval by the governor.

Provides for the filling of vacancies in the office of lieutenant-governor by appointment of the governor subject to confirmation by majority vote in the senate and majority vote in the assembly.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal process allowing voters to remove elected state officials through a recall election. It directly affects all statewide and local elected officials (like governors, legislators, and county officials) by enabling citizens to petition for their removal if they gather sufficient signatures. Key mechanisms include requiring petition signatures equal to 12% of the last vote for the office (with county-specific minimums), setting a 60-80 day window for the recall election after petition certification, and mandating that a majority vote to remove the official, with a successor elected by plurality if a candidate runs. The bill also specifies reimbursement for officials' election costs if not recalled and prohibits new recalls against the same official for six months.