Sen. Tom O'Mara

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (J 1620) adopted by the New York State Senate to honor the late Denis Michael Troy, a longtime Orangetown Councilman and Rockland County Legislator. It expresses the Senate's "profound regret" over his death and commemorates his 30+ years of community service, including his work on the Orangetown Council, advocacy for local services, and roles in organizations like the Ancient Order of Hibernians. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely a formal expression of condolence to his family and community. It was adopted by the Senate on February 25, 2026.

Authorizes Sgt. Bethany Kidd to receive certain service credit under a twenty year retirement plan for service with the Seneca Falls Police Department.

Maddy summaryS 3608 establishes an optional 25-year retirement plan for county 911 operators, including their supervisors and directors (such as assistant bureau directors and bureau directors for police 911 communications). Eligible employees would receive a pension equal to half their final average salary after completing 25 years of creditable service, which includes prior work in police, firefighting, or other specified public safety roles. Counties must adopt the plan through a resolution and cover the costs, making it non-mandatory for all counties. The bill amends retirement law to create this option, applying only to counties that choose to implement it.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates Cabernet Franc as New York's official state red wine grape. It directly affects the state's symbolic identity by formally recognizing Cabernet Franc in legislation, though it has no practical impact on wine production, regulation, or consumer choices. The key provision is a new section in state law stating "Cabernet Franc shall be the official red wine grape of the state of New York," effective immediately. As a ceremonial designation, it does not alter any existing laws or create new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors Investigator Michael Theetge of the Chemung County Sheriff's Office for receiving the Order of the Blue Heart Award from Wounded Blue, a national organization supporting law enforcement officers injured on duty. The resolution formally commends his 14-year service, leadership as SWAT commander, and recovery from a severe March 2024 on-duty injury, directing that a copy be sent to him as a token of legislative respect.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative Senate Resolution (J 1558) honoring Margaret D. Williams, a Coney Island community leader and member of the doo-wop group The Cookies, who passed away in January 2026. The resolution recognizes her musical legacy - including chart-topping hits like "Chains" and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction - and her decades of community service, including 33 years with NYC Health and her work with the Coney Island History Project. It serves as a symbolic tribute from the legislature, expressing condolences to her family and celebrating her life’s impact. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Expands health care services provided by telehealth to include services delivered through a facility licensed under article twenty-eight of the public health law that is eligible to be designated or has received a designation as a federally qualified health center, including those facilities that are also licensed under article thirty-one or article thirty-two of the mental hygiene law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires a 120-day warning period before municipal or health agencies can impose monetary fines for violations at facilities owned or operated by congressionally chartered veterans' groups (like American Legion posts or VFW halls). During this period, the veterans' group can fix the violation without penalty. The bill allows a written extension request with proof of corrective efforts, but does not apply to immediate life-threatening safety issues or alcohol law violations. It directly affects veterans' organization facilities covered under federal chartering under Title 36 of the U.S. Code.

Establishes the payment of certain volunteer firefighter and volunteer ambulance worker death benefits shall be within ninety days of the filing of application to receive such death benefit.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1535) requests Governor Kathy Hochul to officially proclaim February 2026 as Black History Month in New York State. It does not create new law but asks the Governor to issue a formal state recognition. The resolution cites historical contributions of Black Americans across civil rights, culture, science, and innovation as context for the observance. The Senate adopted the resolution on February 4, 2026, sending it to the Governor for action.