Sen. Pam Helming

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 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.

Provides an exemption from requirements for the alienation of parkland for renewable energy generating projects with a generating capacity not exceeding two megawatts and which are located above real property currently used for vehicle parking.

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.

Proposes a constitutional amendment to divide the state into three autonomous regions; the New Amsterdam Region, the New York Region and the Montauk Region; provides regional governors and regional legislators; provides only for a state sales tax; divides various departments and agencies; provides for separate court systems and prison systems.

Provides for initiative and referendum in New York State for the People as electors to propose or reject laws and submit amendments to the state constitution.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (S 960) requires governors to submit budget bills containing all appropriations, plus separate non-appropriation bills for recommended policy changes. It mandates that all appropriation bills cover only one specific purpose with clear descriptions of each funding item, prohibiting multiple unrelated items or program rules within a single bill. This affects state agencies submitting budgets and the legislature reviewing them, aiming to improve transparency by separating funding requests from policy proposals. The changes would standardize how budget items are presented and reviewed under state constitutional rules.