Sen. Kristen Gonzalez

Requires the department of health to review claims for expenditures for early and periodic screening, diagnosis and treatment and other health services, care and supplies which are furnished to eligible children and pre-school children regardless of whether such children have handicapping conditions, are suspected of having handicapping conditions or have an individualized education plan; requires the department of health to apply for all necessary federal approvals regarding such expenditures.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how courts handle attorney fees in successful class action lawsuits, allowing judges to award additional fees to class representatives beyond what is already permitted. It applies to both new cases filed after the law takes effect and any cases currently pending when the bill becomes law. The change gives courts discretion to provide extra compensation to individuals who led the class action based on the value of their legal services, with the option to recover these fees from the opposing party if justice requires.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors Saint Patrick and all persons of Irish descent on the occasion of Saint Patrick's Day on March 17, 2026, while also directing the Governor to proclaim March 2026 as Irish American Heritage Month in New York. The bill recognizes the historical contributions of Irish Americans to the state and nation through public service, military service, and cultural achievements, and acknowledges the traditions associated with the celebration. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a commemorative measure to recognize heritage and encourage the Governor to issue an official proclamation. Copies of the resolution will be sent to the Governor, the Archbishop of New York, and officials associated with the New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade.

Provides that the court shall not reduce jury awards as excessive in employment discrimination actions unless the court finds exceptional circumstances which compel the conclusion that the jury was influenced by partiality, prejudice, mistake or corruption.

Authorizes the public service commission to implement performance-based regulation of electric or gas corporations; requires that any such regulation shall provide performance standards and metrics by which such performance shall be measured.

Establishes the youth justice innovation fund to make funds available to community-based organizations for services and programs with the purpose of youth development and preventing youth arrest and incarceration.

Establishes the New York smart work week pilot program to promote, incentivize and support the use of a four-day work week by qualifying employers and to study the benefits and impacts of such work arrangements; defines terms; establishes a tax credit for participating qualifying employers and employees.

Establishes a four-day workweek pilot program for state employees; requires the division of the budget and the state department of civil service to identify state agencies or other jobs in the performance of any function of state government for which a four-day workweek is feasible and beneficial for at least sixty percent of state employees employed in such agency or job in the performance of such function of state government, and to implement a four-day workweek for such state employees.

Maddy summaryThis bill shortens the deadline for candidates nominated by multiple parties to decline specific party nominations from ten days to seven days after primary election certification. It directly affects candidates who are designated for multiple party nominations but are not nominated by all parties in a primary election. The key change modifies an existing election law provision to require candidates to make declination decisions more quickly, without altering the process for how nominations are handled.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors New York State's Korean War veterans by pausing legislative proceedings on April 29, 2026, to recognize their service and sacrifice. The measure formally acknowledges the historical significance of the Korean War and the dedication of those who served in the conflict. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a ceremonial gesture to celebrate the bravery of veterans and their contributions to national security. The resolution reflects the state's ongoing commitment to remembering military service and honoring the legacy of those who defended freedom during this historic period.