Sen. Jeremy Cooney

Maddy summaryS 8512 (the "Solar UP Now NY Act") defines "portable solar generation devices" as moveable photovoltaic systems under 1,200 watts that connect via standard outlets to offset household electricity use. It exempts these devices from utility interconnection rules and net metering requirements, meaning customers don’t need utility approval, pay fees for grid feedback, or install extra equipment. The bill directly affects residential and small commercial users who want to use simple portable solar units without regulatory hurdles. Utilities cannot be held liable for damage from these devices, and the law takes effect immediately.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 2106 formally recognizes the severe mental health impacts of incarceration on individuals, families, and communities in New York State. The bill calls for increased awareness, research, and policy responses to address these harms, particularly during Mental Health Awareness Month. It supports expanding access to trauma-informed mental health services for currently and formerly incarcerated individuals and encourages developing alternatives to incarceration that prioritize treatment and community-based support. The resolution is transmitted to Silent Cry, Inc. as an acknowledgment of these issues.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially designate June 2026 as Black Music Month in New York State. The measure recognizes the historical and cultural significance of African American music, highlighting its roots in genres like jazz, gospel, and hip-hop, and its impact on both national and global culture. By formalizing this observance, the resolution aims to celebrate the contributions of Black musicians and preserve their legacy within the state. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a ceremonial proclamation to honor the artistic heritage of the community.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially declare June 2026 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in New York State. The resolution honors the history of the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly the 1969 Stonewall uprising, and recognizes past legal victories such as marriage equality and workplace protections. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to acknowledge the ongoing struggle for equality. The measure is non-binding and requires no additional action beyond the governor's proclamation.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially declare May 2026 as Maternal Mental Health Month in New York State. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about mental health challenges faced by pregnant and postpartum individuals, such as anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. By designating this specific month, the legislation seeks to highlight the importance of addressing untreated mental health conditions to improve outcomes for birthing people and their infants. The bill is a commemorative action that directs copies of the resolution to the Governor and the Legislative Women's Caucus for record-keeping and dissemination.

Establishes the large projects historic rehabilitation tax credit and the "white elephant" housing historic rehabilitation projects tax credit program for qualified rehabilitation expenditures totaling fifty million dollars or more with respect to a certified historic structure that has been vacant, as determined by local code enforcement or other reasonable means, for at least ten of fifteen consecutive years preceding the date of the taxpayer's application for the rehabilitation credit.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors New York veterans who are being inducted into the 2026 Veterans Hall of Fame. It formally pauses legislative proceedings to acknowledge their service and directs the transmission of a copy of the resolution to each of the 68 named inductees. The document serves as a ceremonial tribute rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summarySenate Bill S 3046 prohibits the use of adhesive-based rodent traps, such as glue traps and glue boards. This prohibition applies to all state-owned or state-leased buildings. One year after the bill becomes law, these traps can no longer be set, placed, or used to capture rodents in these government properties. This measure directly affects the pest control methods utilized in state facilities.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally congratulates Dr. Carol Podgorski on her retirement from the University of Rochester Medical Center after a distinguished career in aging, behavioral health, and Alzheimer's care. The bill recognizes her extensive contributions as a professor, researcher, and leader who has improved care for older adults and families across New York State. It highlights her specific achievements, including securing insurance coverage for family therapy services and directing programs that support dementia patients and caregivers. The resolution concludes by directing that a copy of the document be sent to Dr. Podgorski as an official acknowledgment of her service.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes New York's parole process by requiring the state board of parole to consider specific, evidence-based factors when deciding whether to release incarcerated individuals on parole. It mandates that the board evaluate rehabilitation efforts (like vocational training or therapy participation), release plans (including job opportunities and community support), and the seriousness of the crime, while prohibiting decisions based solely on victim input. The board must now provide detailed written explanations for denials and report quarterly to the public on parole denials, including demographic data (without identifying individuals) and reasons for each decision. This directly affects incarcerated individuals seeking parole and the parole board's decision-making procedures.