Sen. Pam Helming

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution (Senate Resolution J 1130) formally congratulates Gene Gerrard, a 103-year-old Canandaigua, New York resident and WWII Coast Guard veteran, on his birthday. It recognizes his 65-year marriage, five children, 60+ years as a small business owner, 22 years as a town councilman, and decades of service with the Mt. Sinai Fire Department and community organizations. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses the New York State Senate’s appreciation for his lifelong contributions through a formal written congratulation. It was adopted by the Senate on June 5, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1100) asks Governor Hochul to officially recognize September 21-27, 2025, as Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) Awareness Week in New York State. It does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise public awareness about FTD, a terminal brain disease affecting speech, behavior, and motor skills, often misdiagnosed in people aged 40-60. The resolution highlights FTD's impact - accounting for 10-20% of dementia cases under 60 - and its high care costs, urging greater attention to the condition. This symbolic action directly affects New Yorkers living with FTD and their families by promoting community recognition.

Provides that the thruway authority shall issue permits for ambulances and fire vehicles exempting such vehicles from paying tolls on the thruway when engaged in an emergency operation.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1131) is a ceremonial tribute honoring U.S. Army Air Forces Staff Sergeant Eugene J. Darrigan, who died in World War II on March 11, 1944. It commemorates his service and recognizes his long-overdue burial in Wappingers Falls, New York, on May 24, 2025, after remains were recovered 81 years posthumously. The resolution expresses New York State's gratitude to Darrigan's family and community for his sacrifice, but it does not create new laws or affect any policies. As a symbolic gesture, it was adopted by the Senate on June 5, 2025.

Allows victim impact statements in New York state be video recorded; requires that the members of the parole board and all presiding commissioners for such hearing review all relevant victim impact statements prior to the conduct of a parole hearing and to sign a written attestation confirming that they have done so.

Maddy summaryS 5758 modifies Rochester's plumbing inspector residency requirement, mandating that all such inspectors must be citizens and actual residents of the county where Rochester is located (Monroe County), rather than the city itself. This change specifically affects plumbing inspectors appointed in Rochester, ensuring they reside in the surrounding county. The bill amends Section 48 of the General City Law to replace the previous city residency rule with the county residency standard for Rochester (while maintaining existing exceptions for other cities like Cortland or Watertown). The policy change focuses on the geographic scope of inspector residency, without altering other qualifications like plumbing expertise or competency certification.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 1098, introduced by Senator Stavisky, formally welcomes the students, teachers, and administrators of the Bronx High School of Science to the New York State Legislative Chambers in Albany on May 28, 2025. It recognizes the school's historic contributions to education, science, and civic leadership, including its global reputation, notable alumni (such as Nobel laureates and industry leaders), and innovative programs like the IDEAS Initiative. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for the school's legacy and impact on New York's educational community. The resolution will be presented to the school after adoption, with the legislature pausing its proceedings to honor the visit.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 1097 honors 50+ New York State veterans being inducted into the 2025 New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes these veterans - selected for combat service or post-military contributions - for their military service and community impact. The resolution directs the Senate to pause its proceedings to honor them and requires sending copies of the resolution to each inductee. This is a ceremonial gesture with no binding effect, solely acknowledging veterans' service.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill), requesting Governor Hochul to proclaim October 9, 2025, as "Sneakers Day" in New York State. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, people, or programs. The resolution simply asks the Governor to issue a formal proclamation recognizing this date, aligning with National Sneakers Day. Its purpose is symbolic awareness of sneakers' cultural and historical significance, not policy change.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 1016 memorializes Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2025 as Dairy Month in the State of New York. This resolution aims to acknowledge the significant contributions of the dairy industry and New York's dairy farmers to the state's economy and agriculture.