Sen. Jack Martins

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (not a law) expressing congratulations to the Brooklyn Technical High School Football Team for winning the 2024-25 NYC PSAL 3A Championship on November 29, 2024. It formally recognizes the team's victory over Fort Hamilton Tigers, their 10-1 season record, and their coaches and managers. The resolution has no policy impact - it serves solely to honor the team's achievement through a formal legislative expression of support. It directly affects the players, coaches (Brian Pugh and Kyle Council), and managers named in the resolution.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution requests Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 28, 2025, as Rare Disease Day in New York State. It aims to raise public awareness of rare diseases, which affect approximately 1 in 10 New Yorkers, and aligns with the national observance of Rare Disease Day to highlight ongoing efforts in diagnosis, research, and treatment support. The resolution does not create new laws but serves as a symbolic gesture to encourage broader recognition of these conditions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests Governor Hochul to officially designate April 30, 2025, as "Denim Day" in New York State. It supports an annual awareness event established to combat sexual violence and challenge victim-blaming attitudes - originating from a 1999 Italian court case where a rape victim was blamed for wearing tight jeans. The resolution highlights statistics on sexual violence affecting women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws but formally recognizes a community awareness initiative.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (J 142) asks Governor Hochul to officially designate May 11-17, 2025, as Police Week in New York State, aligning with National Police Week. It does not create new laws or policies but formally honors law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. The resolution highlights the sacrifice of over 20,000 U.S. officers since 1791 and seeks to raise public awareness about officer safety. It directly affects the Governor (as the recipient of the request) and New York residents, who would observe the designated week. The resolution is purely ceremonial and does not impose any legal requirements.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (J 42) honoring Jerry Flower Jr. for his 43 years of service as President of Bayville Fire Company No. 1. It formally recognizes his dedication and leadership at the fire company's Annual Installation Dinner on January 18, 2025. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses legislative appreciation and will be presented to Flower as a formal tribute. It was adopted by the Senate on January 14, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (J 43) congratulating the Roslyn High School Marching Band for winning the 2024 Small School Division 1 New York State Field Band Conference Championship on October 27, 2024. It formally recognizes the band's achievement, specifically highlighting their championship-winning performance of "Equilibrium" under Band Director Frank Mauriello. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it simply expresses legislative recognition of the band's success and community celebration. It directly affects the band members, director, and school community by formally honoring their accomplishment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 18, "Billy's Law") amends New York's criminal procedure law to require judges to consider bail or pre-trial detention for individuals charged with specific arson felonies. It directly affects people facing charges for arson in the fourth degree (penal law §150.05) or arson in the third degree (penal law §150.10) during pre-trial proceedings. The key provision adds these arson offenses to existing categories where judges may deny release - such as for certain violent crimes or firearm charges - without requiring the defendant to prove they won't flee. Judges must still assess if the defendant poses a risk, but the bill makes arson felonies automatically subject to these detention considerations. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Requires insurers to provide insurance coverage for treatment of rare diseases, life-threatening conditions or diseases, degenerative and disabling conditions, or diagnoses involving medically fragile children, by a provider of the patient's choice.

Provides that certain purchase contracts to purchase food can be awarded to a qualified bidder who fulfills certain values based procurement standards when such bid is not more than 10% higher than the lowest responsible bidder and when the bidder makes publicly available data on where such bidder sources their food items; sets forth the criteria for values based procurement standards to include local economies, environmental sustainability, racial equity, valued workforce, animal welfare, and nutrition.

Maddy summaryThis bill grants Dawn Ward, a former employee of the Village of Kensington, retroactive membership in the New York State and Local Employees' Retirement System with Tier IV status. It allows her to count her employment starting in 1993 toward her retirement benefits, provided she files an application within one year of the bill's effective date. The Village of Kensington is responsible for covering all past service costs associated with this change, and the legislation does not require Ward to refund any contributions she has already made.