Sen. Pam Helming

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates May 2026 as Black Heritage Month and May 31, 2026, as National Black Heritage Day in Panama. The measure honors the cultural and historical contributions of Afro-Panamanian communities, including their music, art, and role in shaping the nation's identity. It specifically calls on New Yorkers to recognize and celebrate the legacy of African and Antillean descendants in Panama. A copy of the resolution will be sent to the Panamanian-American community in New York State.

Directs the public service commission to conduct a full cost benefit analysis of the technical and economic feasibility of renewable energy systems in the state of New York and to compare such directly with other methods of electricity generation; makes certain changes relating to greenhouse gas emissions limits.

Provides that the penalty for the abandonment of animals is a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than one year, or by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars, or by both.

Eliminates the zero-emission school bus mandate; authorizes the New York state energy research and development authority conduct a study to determine the feasibility of converting school buses to zero-emission vehicles.

Relates to segregated confinement; provides that certain incarcerated individuals shall not be placed in a residential rehabilitation unit; makes related provisions.

Maddy summaryS 16, "Jacobe's Law," requires school staff to contact parents or guardians when bullying or harassment is confirmed involving a student. School counselors, principals, or other designated staff must first discuss with the student whether contacting parents would raise health, safety, or privacy concerns before making reasonable efforts to notify them via phone, email, or mail. The law also protects individuals who report bullying or harassment in good faith from retaliation or legal liability. This affects students involved in such incidents, their parents/guardians, and school staff responsible for handling reports.

Establishes a digital legal mail program for the delivery of privileged correspondences to incarcerated individuals housed at correctional facilities; requires law offices sending legal mail via digital platforms to incarcerated individuals to register with the department of corrections.

Establishes procurement goals that certain percentages of all food and food products purchased by state agencies shall be New York state food products.

Maddy summaryS 4496 aims to protect women's sports at the middle school and high school levels. Its stated purpose is to prevent unfair competition within these sports categories. Without the full text of the bill, specific details regarding the mechanisms or provisions it proposes to achieve this protection are not available.

Establishes the "clean fuel standard of 2026"; provides such standard is intended to reduce greenhouse gas intensity from the on-road transportation sector, with further reductions to be implemented based upon advances in technology.