Sen. April Baskin

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 1116 commends Sarah Brown, a Buffalo Public School paraprofessional, for her heroic act of performing CPR during a medical emergency that saved a man's life. The resolution formally recognizes her receipt of the New York State Senate's Liberty Medal - the Senate's highest honor for an individual - which was awarded for her life-saving intervention. This symbolic resolution, adopted by the Senate, expresses appreciation for her actions without creating new laws or policies. It specifically highlights her quick response to a car accident in Cheektowaga on March 21, 2025, where she performed chest compressions until emergency services arrived.

Maddy summaryNew York's S 6723 requires hair relaxer manufacturers to place clear warning labels on products containing cancer-causing chemicals (carcinogens) or chemicals that harm reproduction (reproductive toxicants). The labels must state specific warnings like "This product contains a chemical known to cause cancer" in 12-point font, directly affecting consumers and retailers in New York. Manufacturers must ensure all affected products display these warnings, with violations subject to fines up to $250 per product unit enforced by the state attorney general. This law applies to all hair relaxers sold in New York, including imported products, and takes effect 18 months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes a New York state law that previously prohibited patients from being listed on multiple organ transplant waiting lists simultaneously. It directly affects individuals awaiting organ transplants who may now be eligible to join waiting lists managed by different organ procurement organizations within the state. The key change allows patients to participate in multiple transplant programs without violating state rules, while requiring transplant facilities to inform patients about this new option before listing them. The bill does not alter organ allocation criteria or medical suitability standards.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1131) is a ceremonial tribute honoring U.S. Army Air Forces Staff Sergeant Eugene J. Darrigan, who died in World War II on March 11, 1944. It commemorates his service and recognizes his long-overdue burial in Wappingers Falls, New York, on May 24, 2025, after remains were recovered 81 years posthumously. The resolution expresses New York State's gratitude to Darrigan's family and community for his sacrifice, but it does not create new laws or affect any policies. As a symbolic gesture, it was adopted by the Senate on June 5, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the New York Department of Environmental Conservation's authority to manage oyster fisheries until December 31, 2027 (previously set to expire in 2025). It allows the department to continue enforcing existing regulations on oyster size, catch limits, seasons, closed areas, permits, and transportation rules without new legislative changes. The extension directly affects oyster harvesters, processors, and coastal communities relying on regulated oyster management. The bill does not alter the types of rules the department can set, only the duration of its current regulatory authority.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 1098, introduced by Senator Stavisky, formally welcomes the students, teachers, and administrators of the Bronx High School of Science to the New York State Legislative Chambers in Albany on May 28, 2025. It recognizes the school's historic contributions to education, science, and civic leadership, including its global reputation, notable alumni (such as Nobel laureates and industry leaders), and innovative programs like the IDEAS Initiative. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for the school's legacy and impact on New York's educational community. The resolution will be presented to the school after adoption, with the legislature pausing its proceedings to honor the visit.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 1097 honors 50+ New York State veterans being inducted into the 2025 New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes these veterans - selected for combat service or post-military contributions - for their military service and community impact. The resolution directs the Senate to pause its proceedings to honor them and requires sending copies of the resolution to each inductee. This is a ceremonial gesture with no binding effect, solely acknowledging veterans' service.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill), requesting Governor Hochul to proclaim October 9, 2025, as "Sneakers Day" in New York State. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, people, or programs. The resolution simply asks the Governor to issue a formal proclamation recognizing this date, aligning with National Sneakers Day. Its purpose is symbolic awareness of sneakers' cultural and historical significance, not policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends Erie County's existing additional sales and use tax rates through November 30, 2027. It maintains two specific tax rate provisions: a 1% additional rate (previously set to expire in 2025) and a separate 0.75% additional rate (previously set to expire in 2025). The 0.75% rate revenue must be used solely for Erie County purposes without sharing via prior agreements. This directly affects residents and businesses in Erie County paying these taxes. The bill does not create new taxes but extends the current rates' duration.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 1016 memorializes Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2025 as Dairy Month in the State of New York. This resolution aims to acknowledge the significant contributions of the dairy industry and New York's dairy farmers to the state's economy and agriculture.