Sen. Patrick Gallivan

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.

Relates to the reporting requirements of the statewide fiscal intermediary; requires the reporting of utilization data and financial data to protect medical assistance recipients in using the program and ensure the effective use of medical assistance funds; requires the statewide fiscal intermediary to provide consumer directed personal assistant data to ensure the availability of a workforce to meet the needs of consumers utilizing the program; requires the statewide fiscal intermediary to provide data regarding customer service requests, complaints, and accessibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows licensed pharmacists to order and administer specific medical tests, including COVID-19, flu, RSV, strep throat, HbA1c, hepatitis C, and HIV tests, all authorized by the FDA. It directly affects pharmacists (expanding their clinical role) and patients (increasing access to convenient testing). The law requires tests to meet FDA authorization and federal "waiver" requirements, aligning pharmacists with qualified health professionals under existing public health law. The bill modifies prior 2022 legislation but includes a sunset provision, with most provisions set to expire on July 1, 2028.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends constitutional provisions governing how the governor submits state budget bills. It requires the governor to submit separate bills for each specific purpose (not multiple purposes in one bill), with clear descriptions of each appropriation's purpose that cannot include program rules or modify existing laws. The governor must also submit any proposed non-budget legislation separately from appropriation bills. This affects the governor, legislature, and state departments during budget discussions, as departments must testify on budget items upon request. The changes aim to clarify budget structure and prevent bundling unrelated provisions.

Establishes the New York state school resource officer program; provides for grants for school resource officers (Part A); relates to peace officers who are retired police officers employed by a school district as a school resource officer (Part B); allows retired police officers to be employed by a school district as a school safety officer, school security officer or any other substantially similar position for an annual salary of $50,000 or less to continue to receive their full retirement benefit (Part C).

Provides equal retirement benefits for persons who have been appointed to the title of correction lieutenant, correction captain, deputy assistant superintendent and superintendent in the department of corrections and community supervision.

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.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a binding bill) requesting Governor Hochul to designate January 25-31, 2026, as "Physician Anesthesiologists Week" in New York. It does not create new laws or affect any specific group, but honors anesthesiologists' historical contributions to medical innovations like the Apgar Score and regional anesthesia. The resolution cites their role in advancing patient safety, pain management, and critical care. It was formally adopted by the Senate and will be sent to the Governor for consideration.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (J 1519) honoring Alexis "Lexi" Varecka, founder of Flex Yoga Buffalo, for being named an Emerging Entrepreneur by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce. The resolution formally recognizes her community work through her yoga studio, which serves as a "welcoming hub for movement, mindfulness, and meaningful connection" in Clarence, New York. It directs the Legislative Body to "pause in its deliberations" to honor her on March 19, 2026, at the Chamber's awards gala, and to send her a copy of the resolution. As a non-binding ceremonial resolution, it does not create policy or affect any laws.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (J 1505) honoring Denis Kitchen for being named "Lifetime Achiever of the Year" by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce. It formally recognizes his decades of service, including his Navy career, law practice, community leadership, and family commitment. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply directs the legislative body to pause and honor him at a March 2026 ceremony, with a copy sent to Kitchen. As a procedural resolution, it does not create law or affect any constituents beyond the named individual.