Sen. Jeremy Cooney

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution commemorates the tenth annual Sock Out Cancer Day on June 7, 2026, in conjunction with National Cancer Survivors Day. The bill formally recognizes the efforts of Sock Out Cancer, an organization that raises funds through events like concerts and sporting events to support financially distressed cancer patients with non-medical needs such as food, housing, and transportation. It acknowledges the organization's partnerships with sponsors and its manufacturing of signature multi-colored socks in Waterloo, New York, which represent over 20 different types of cancer. The resolution is directed to the chair and president of Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, a major sponsor of the program, and serves as an official acknowledgment of the organization's work rather than creating new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially designate March 2026 as Problem Gambling Awareness Month in New York State. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about problem gambling and encourage people to learn about prevention, treatment, and recovery resources. It highlights statistics showing that problem gambling affects hundreds of thousands of adults and students in the state, particularly as mobile sports betting continues to grow. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal proclamation to promote awareness during a designated month.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New York City police officers to count certain prior work as creditable service toward their pension benefits. Specifically, it includes service as a school safety agent, corrections officer, traffic enforcement agent, or in the police cadet program (if immediately preceding active police duty) as if it were direct police service. To qualify, officers must pay the required contributions plus 5% interest into the New York City Police Pension Fund. This change directly affects current members of the fund who have worked in these specific city roles before joining the police force.

Establishes the rare disease advisory council to identify best practices, raise awareness regarding rare diseases, evaluate barriers to access to care, and to make recommendations to the legislature and the governor.

Increases the amount of years of military service credit a member may purchase from three years to four years; provides that the provisions of such act shall not be subject to the requirement that the state shall make an equal payment to the retirement system.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates two new criminal offenses for harming companion animals or farm animals by adding specific sections to the agriculture and markets law. It defines second-degree endangerment as reckless conduct likely to cause suffering or injury, punishable as a misdemeanor with up to one year in prison, and first-degree endangerment as intentional or negligent acts causing injury or death, punishable as a felony with up to two years in prison. The law explicitly exempts standard farming practices, licensed veterinary procedures, commercial slaughter, and approved research activities from criminal liability. These provisions apply to anyone who owns, cares for, or harbors animals, regardless of whether the animals belong to them.

Relates to increasing the earnings limitation for positions of public service; increases the earnings limitation from $35,000 to $65,000 in 2027 and thereafter.

Establishes a captive insurance program for commuter vans, black cars, ambulettes and paratransit vehicles, small school buses, and charter buses that are engaged in the business of carrying or transporting nine to twenty-four passengers for hire; pre-arranged for-hire vehicles and accessible vehicles; defines terms.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution directs Governor Kathy Hochul to officially proclaim March 2026 as Women's History Month in New York State. The bill asks the governor to recognize and honor the historical contributions of women across various fields including politics, education, medicine, civil rights, and business. It highlights specific New York women who have made significant impacts, from early suffrage leaders to modern public servants and athletes. The resolution is ceremonial in nature and does not create new laws or change existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1664) honors Jonathan A. Dandes, president of Rich Baseball Operations and a Buffalo Baseball Hall of Fame inductee, who died on February 22, 2026. It memorializes his 40+ years of service to the Buffalo Bisons, Sahlen Field, and Western New York community through roles including executive vice president of Rich Entertainment Group and director of the National Kidney Foundation. The resolution directs the legislature to "pause in its deliberations to mourn" his passing and transmit a copy to his family. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create policy changes or affect any legislation.