Sen. Pam Helming

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 16) commends Jack Crabbe, a Victor, New York high school student, for performing life-saving CPR on his father during a cardiac arrest at a golf course in August 2024. It formally recognizes his heroic action with the Liberty Medal - the New York State Senate’s highest honor for exceptional, life-saving acts - after his quick response and adherence to CPR guidelines helped save his father’s life. The resolution highlights how Crabbe’s trained response, following his high school health class, directly contributed to his father’s survival amid a cardiac emergency. This is a symbolic commendation with no policy changes or direct impact on laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (not a law) expressing congratulations to the Brooklyn Technical High School Football Team for winning the 2024-25 NYC PSAL 3A Championship on November 29, 2024. It formally recognizes the team's victory over Fort Hamilton Tigers, their 10-1 season record, and their coaches and managers. The resolution has no policy impact - it serves solely to honor the team's achievement through a formal legislative expression of support. It directly affects the players, coaches (Brian Pugh and Kyle Council), and managers named in the resolution.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution requests Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 28, 2025, as Rare Disease Day in New York State. It aims to raise public awareness of rare diseases, which affect approximately 1 in 10 New Yorkers, and aligns with the national observance of Rare Disease Day to highlight ongoing efforts in diagnosis, research, and treatment support. The resolution does not create new laws but serves as a symbolic gesture to encourage broader recognition of these conditions.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (not a law) commending Wendy Boyer, a Middlesex Valley School Teacher Aide, for saving a student's life during a choking incident on May 15, 2024, by performing abdominal thrusts. The resolution formally awards her the Liberty Medal - the New York State Senate's highest honor for heroic acts - and recognizes her as a "humble hero" whose actions exemplify compassion. It does not create new laws or affect any policies; it solely serves as a formal expression of the Senate's recognition. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on January 14, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests Governor Hochul to officially designate April 30, 2025, as "Denim Day" in New York State. It supports an annual awareness event established to combat sexual violence and challenge victim-blaming attitudes - originating from a 1999 Italian court case where a rape victim was blamed for wearing tight jeans. The resolution highlights statistics on sexual violence affecting women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws but formally recognizes a community awareness initiative.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (J 142) asks Governor Hochul to officially designate May 11-17, 2025, as Police Week in New York State, aligning with National Police Week. It does not create new laws or policies but formally honors law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. The resolution highlights the sacrifice of over 20,000 U.S. officers since 1791 and seeks to raise public awareness about officer safety. It directly affects the Governor (as the recipient of the request) and New York residents, who would observe the designated week. The resolution is purely ceremonial and does not impose any legal requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 18, "Billy's Law") amends New York's criminal procedure law to require judges to consider bail or pre-trial detention for individuals charged with specific arson felonies. It directly affects people facing charges for arson in the fourth degree (penal law §150.05) or arson in the third degree (penal law §150.10) during pre-trial proceedings. The key provision adds these arson offenses to existing categories where judges may deny release - such as for certain violent crimes or firearm charges - without requiring the defendant to prove they won't flee. Judges must still assess if the defendant poses a risk, but the bill makes arson felonies automatically subject to these detention considerations. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Enacts the "climate change property tax relief act"; provides assessment relief to property owners within eligible municipalities; relates to payments of real property tax refunds and credits as a result of participating in the climate change property tax relief act.

Provides that no policy of group accident, group health or group accident and health shall impose copayments for physical or occupational therapy greater than the copay for similar services provided by a physician.

Establishes a state Parkinson's disease registry; directs certain health professionals and general hospitals to report instances of Parkinson's disease and Parkinsonisms to the department of health; directs the department of health to create and manage the Parkinson's disease registry; makes related provisions.