Sen. Samra Brouk

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1117) proposes a constitutional amendment requiring the state to provide free public education for all students from pre-kindergarten through undergraduate degree programs. It would amend the state constitution to mandate that the legislature fund and maintain a system of free quality education covering all public K-12 schools and post-secondary institutions offering bachelor's degrees or certifications. The amendment must be approved by voters in a future election after a 3-month public review period, as outlined in the bill's text. Currently, the bill is under review by the Judiciary Committee following an attorney general's opinion.

Eliminates certain court surcharges and fees and probation and parole surcharges and fees; eliminates the requirement that a parolee or releasee receiving a merit termination of sentence be financially able to comply with an order of restitution; eliminates the requirement that a person receiving a discharge of sentence be financially able to comply with an order of restitution and the payment of certain surcharges or fees (Part A); mandates that courts engage in an individualized assessment of a person's financial ability to pay a fine prior to imposing a fine (Part B); eliminates the availability of incarceration as a remedy for a failure to pay a fine, surcharge, or fee, lifts and vacates existing warrants issued solely on a person's failure to timely pay a fine, surcharge or fee and ends existing sentences of incarceration based on such failure (Part C); vacates existing unsatisfied civil judgments based on a person's failure to timely pay a surcharge, or fee (Part D); prohibits the collection of a fine, restitution or reparation from the funds of an incarcerated person; prohibits the payment of court fines, mandatory surcharges, certain fees, restitution, reparation or forfeitures from the earnings of prisoners (Part E); vacates existing unpaid surcharges, DNA databank fees, crime victim assistance fees, sexual offender registration fees, supplemental sex offender victim fees, or probation or parole supervision fees; repeals certain provisions of law relating to restrictions on remitting such fees (Part F).

Relates to granting certain individuals youthful offender status; adds a new category of individuals eligible for young adult offender status; provides for process and sentencing requirements related to such statuses.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 1472 formally commends Gabriella Scheer for receiving the New York State Senate Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual. The resolution specifically recognizes her heroic actions on April 28, 2025, when she performed CPR on her unconscious boss during a medical emergency, saving his life. This ceremonial resolution has no policy impact - it serves solely as a formal tribute to her selfless act of compassion.

Maddy summaryThis resolution asks Governor Hochul to proclaim February 21-28, 2026, as National FFA Organization Week in New York. It recognizes the FFA's role in supporting agricultural education, student leadership development, and career readiness for over 13,500 New York students across nearly 200 chapters. The resolution has no binding policy impact - it is a symbolic request for the governor to issue a formal proclamation.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 1488 formally congratulates the Shenendehowa High School Girls Varsity Cross Country Team and Head Coach Rob Cloutier for winning the New York State Federation Cross Country Team Championship in 2025. The resolution highlights their championship victory, academic achievements (a team GPA of 94.05 percent), and participation in the Nike Cross Nationals. Adopted by the legislature, it directs copies to the team members, coaches, and school officials as a formal recognition of their accomplishments. This is a non-binding resolution expressing legislative support, not a policy change affecting any laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests Governor Hochul to designate May 28, 2026, as "Taiwan Heritage Day" in New York State. It cites New York's economic ties with Taiwan (including $158.60 billion in trade in 2024), cultural organizations, and shared values as context for the symbolic recognition. The resolution does not create new laws, affect policies, or impose obligations - it is purely a commemorative request. Copies would be sent to the Governor, Taiwan's president, and Taiwan's New York representative.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1489) is a symbolic gesture to commemorate the 182nd anniversary of the Dominican Republic's independence, to be celebrated on February 27, 2026. It honors the historical significance of the Dominican Republic's independence on February 27, 1844, and recognizes the contributions of over one million Dominican residents and Dominican Americans in New York State. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies; it simply requests the New York State Legislature pause to acknowledge this anniversary and direct copies to Dominican organizations. As a ceremonial resolution, it focuses on cultural recognition rather than legislative action.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 1493 commemorates the 45th anniversary of Dorothy Day's death, honoring her legacy as a Catholic lay leader, journalist, and co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement. The resolution formally recognizes her lifelong work in social justice, pacifism, and service to the poor, particularly her ties to Staten Island. It directs that copies of the resolution be sent to the Staten Island Catholic Worker and St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church in New Brighton, where Day is interred and where her legacy is actively preserved. This is a symbolic gesture with no legal effect or direct impact on individuals or policies.

Establishes "SNAP for all", a state-funded supplemental nutrition assistance program to provide for those who are excluded from federal SNAP benefits solely due to immigration status; outlines eligibility requirements of applicants and operational requirements of the office of temporary and disability assistance.