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Thursday, May 15, 2025

11:47 AMRegular SessionALBANY, NEW YORK
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                                                               3616

 1                NEW YORK STATE SENATE

 2                          

 3                          

 4               THE STENOGRAPHIC RECORD

 5                          

 6                          

 7                          

 8                          

 9                  ALBANY, NEW YORK

10                    May 15, 2025

11                     11:47 a.m.

12                          

13                          

14                   REGULAR SESSION

15  

16  

17  

18  SENATOR ROXANNE J. PERSAUD, Acting President

19  ALEJANDRA N. PAULINO, ESQ., Secretary

20  

21  

22  

23  

24  

25  


                                                               3617

 1                P R O C E E D I N G S

 2                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   The 

 3    Senate will come to order.  

 4                 I ask everyone to please rise and 

 5    recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

 6                 (Whereupon, the assemblage recited 

 7    the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.)

 8                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   In the 

 9    absence of clergy, let us bow our heads in a 

10    moment of silent reflection or prayer.

11                 (Whereupon, the assemblage respected 

12    a moment of silence.)

13                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Reading 

14    of the Journal.

15                 THE SECRETARY:   In Senate, 

16    Wednesday, May 14, 2025, the Senate met pursuant 

17    to adjournment.  The Journal of Tuesday, May 13, 

18    2025, was read and approved.  On motion, the 

19    Senate adjourned.

20                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Without 

21    objection, the Journal stands approved as read.

22                 Presentation of petitions.

23                 Messages from the Assembly.

24                 Messages from the Governor.

25                 Reports of standing committees.


                                                               3618

 1                 Reports of select committees.

 2                 Communications and reports from 

 3    state officers.

 4                 Motions and resolutions.

 5                 Senator Serrano.

 6                 SENATOR SERRANO:   Madam President, 

 7    on behalf of Senator Skoufis, on page 21 I offer 

 8    the following amendments to Calendar Number 242, 

 9    Senate Print Number 567, and I ask that said bill 

10    retain its place on the Third Reading Calendar.

11                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   The 

12    amendments are received, and the bill will retain 

13    its place on the Third Reading Calendar.

14                 Senator Serrano.

15                 SENATOR SERRANO:   At this point I'd 

16    like to recognize Senator Sepúlveda for an 

17    introduction.

18                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Senator 

19    Sepúlveda for an introduction.

20                 SENATOR SEPÚLVEDA:   Thank you, 

21    Madam President, for allowing me to make this 

22    introduction.  

23                 First I want to say good morning to 

24    my colleagues and to my esteemed guests, who are 

25    Dominican businesswomen.  


                                                               3619

 1                 It's truly an honor for me to be 

 2    here today on such a meaningful occasion to 

 3    introduce before the New York State Senate two 

 4    extraordinary women who embody the best of 

 5    leadership, dedication and vision that our 

 6    communities both need and deserve.  

 7                 The Federation of 

 8    Dominican-International Women Entrepreneurs is an 

 9    organization that has transcended borders by 

10    empowering women, promoting entrepreneurial 

11    spirit, and strengthening ties between the 

12    Dominican Republic and its diaspora abroad.  

13                 The federation is made up of 

14    associations and entrepreneurial women, business 

15    owners, merchants and professionals who, through 

16    their daily efforts, contribute decisively to the 

17    economic development of various sectors in our 

18    society.  

19                 Today we present two exemplary 

20    figures:  Rossy M. Escotto, president, and 

21    Sonya Uribe, first vice president of the 

22    Federation of Dominican-International Women 

23    Entrepreneurs.  

24                 With strong, humane and committed 

25    leadership, both have been tireless advocates for 


                                                               3620

 1    economic progress rooted in equity and social 

 2    justice.  Their dedication and commitment have 

 3    inspired hundreds of women to become 

 4    entrepreneurs, to overcome barriers, and to build 

 5    a future with dignity, purpose and hope.

 6                 I am honored to introduce to you 

 7    Rossy M. Escotto and Sonya Uribe, not only for 

 8    the positions they hold but for the real, 

 9    positive and lasting impact that they have made 

10    on the lives of so many women as well in 

11    strengthening our communities.

12                 These outstanding Dominican 

13    businesswomen have become true beacons of hope 

14    and action for women who at some point doubted 

15    their ability to lead.  Thanks to their vision 

16    and determination, today there are more 

17    opportunities, more support networks, and 

18    many more success stories led by brave women.

19                 The Federation of Dominican 

20    International Women Entrepreneurs not only drives 

21    economic development through female 

22    entrepreneurship, but also nurtures pride, 

23    identity and hope in every community where it is 

24    present.

25                 (Repeating remarks in Spanish.)  


                                                               3621

 1                 Thank you very much, Mr. President.  

 2    Muchas gracias.

 3                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   De nada.  

 4                 To our guests representing Dominican 

 5    women entrepreneurs, I welcome you on behalf of 

 6    the Senate.  We extend to you the privileges and 

 7    courtesies of this house.

 8                 Please rise and be recognized.

 9                 (Standing ovation.)

10                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Senator 

11    Serrano.  

12                 SENATOR SERRANO:   Thank you, 

13    Madam President.  

14                 Let's take up previously adopted 

15    Resolution 809, by Senator Ashby.  Please read 

16    that resolution title only and call on 

17    Senator Ashby.

18                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   The 

19    Secretary will read.

20                 THE SECRETARY:   Resolution 809, by 

21    Senator Ashby, memorializing Governor Kathy 

22    Hochul to proclaim May 15, 2025, as Prader-Willi 

23    Syndrome Awareness Day in the State of New York.

24                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Senator 

25    Ashby on the resolution.


                                                               3622

 1                 SENATOR ASHBY:   Thank you, 

 2    Madam President.  

 3                 Prader-Willi syndrome is a rare 

 4    genetic and metabolic disorder that affects one 

 5    out of 15,000 births nationally.  

 6                 Recently -- well, I shouldn't say 

 7    recently.  In 2017 it was added to the definition 

 8    of a developmental disability in the State of 

 9    New York.  

10                 And with us today are some amazing 

11    advocates and people who go out of their way to 

12    not only generate awareness to this 

13    life-threatening illness, but to help people live 

14    with it in the best way that they possibly can.  

15                 Joining us today is Stacy Ward, the 

16    CEO of the National Prader-Willi Syndrome 

17    Association; Jeff Covington, who sits on the 

18    national board; the McDougall family, from our 

19    colleague Senator Chris Ryan's district; 

20    Sarah Bernas, from Castleton, with her daughter 

21    Lexi and husband Matthew.  

22                 Please offer them all the privileges 

23    of the house.  And thank you so much for the 

24    amazing work that you continue to do each and 

25    every day.


                                                               3623

 1                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Thank 

 2    you, Senator.

 3                 To our guests, I welcome you on 

 4    behalf of the Senate.  

 5                 Guys, excuse us, please.  Could we 

 6    have some quiet, please?  Thank you.

 7                 I welcome you on behalf of the 

 8    Senate.  We extend to you the privileges and 

 9    courtesies of this house.  

10                 Please rise and be recognized.

11                 (Standing ovation.)

12                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Senator 

13    Serrano.

14                 SENATOR SERRANO:   At the request of 

15    the sponsor, the resolution is open for 

16    cosponsorship.

17                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   At the 

18    request of the sponsor, the resolution is open 

19    for cosponsorship.  Should you choose not to be a 

20    cosponsor, please notify the desk.

21                 The resolution was previously 

22    adopted on April 29th.

23                 Senator Serrano.

24                 SENATOR SERRANO:   Please take up 

25    the reading of the calendar.


                                                               3624

 1                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   The 

 2    Secretary will read.

 3                 THE SECRETARY:   Calendar Number 

 4    263, Senate Print 1183, by Senator Addabbo, an 

 5    act to amend the Real Property Tax Law.

 6                 SENATOR SERRANO:   Lay it aside for 

 7    the day.

 8                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Lay it 

 9    aside for the day.

10                 THE SECRETARY:   Calendar Number 

11    375, Senate Print 3367, by Senator Mayer, an act 

12    to amend the Local Finance Law.

13                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Read the 

14    last section.

15                 THE SECRETARY:   Section 4.  This 

16    act shall take effect immediately.

17                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Call the 

18    roll.

19                 (The Secretary called the roll.)

20                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Announce 

21    the results.

22                 THE SECRETARY:   Ayes, 53.

23                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   The bill 

24    is passed.

25                 THE SECRETARY:   Calendar Number 


                                                               3625

 1    432, Senate Print 4252, by Senator Parker, an act 

 2    to amend the Administrative Code of the City of 

 3    New York.

 4                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Read the 

 5    last section.

 6                 THE SECRETARY:   Section 2.  This 

 7    act shall take effect immediately.

 8                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Call the 

 9    roll.

10                 (The Secretary called the roll.)

11                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Announce 

12    the results.

13                 THE SECRETARY:   Ayes, 53.

14                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   The bill 

15    is passed.

16                 THE SECRETARY:   Calendar Number 

17    497, Senate Print 4713A, by Senator Fahy, an act 

18    to amend the Mental Hygiene Law.

19                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Read the 

20    last section.

21                 THE SECRETARY:   Section 2.  This 

22    act shall take effect immediately.  

23                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Call the 

24    roll.

25                 (The Secretary called the roll.)


                                                               3626

 1                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Announce 

 2    the results.

 3                 THE SECRETARY:   In relation to 

 4    Calendar Number 497, voting in the negative:  

 5    Senator Walczyk.

 6                 Ayes, 52.  Nays, 1.

 7                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   The bill 

 8    is passed.

 9                 THE SECRETARY:   Calendar Number 

10    498, Senate Print 3689, by Senator Sanders, an 

11    act to amend the Real Property Actions and 

12    Proceedings Law.

13                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Read the 

14    last section.  

15                 THE SECRETARY:   Section 2.  This 

16    act shall take effect immediately.

17                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Call the 

18    roll.

19                 (The Secretary called the roll.)

20                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Announce 

21    the results.

22                 THE SECRETARY:   In relation to 

23    Calendar 498, voting in the negative are 

24    Senators Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, 

25    Griffo, Lanza, Martins, Mattera, Murray, 


                                                               3627

 1    Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, 

 2    Rolison, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk and Weber.

 3                 Ayes, 35.  Nays, 18.

 4                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   The bill 

 5    is passed.

 6                 THE SECRETARY:   Calendar Number 

 7    653, Senate Print 2470, by Senator Parker, an act 

 8    to amend the Real Property Tax Law.

 9                 SENATOR LANZA:  Lay it aside.

10                 SENATOR SERRANO:   Lay it aside for 

11    the day.

12                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   The bill 

13    will be laid aside for the day.

14                 THE SECRETARY:   Calendar Number 

15    657, Senate Print 3838A, by Senator Hinchey, 

16    an act to amend the Public Health Law.

17                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Read the 

18    last section.

19                 THE SECRETARY:   Section 2.  This 

20    act shall take effect on the 180th day after it 

21    shall have become a law.

22                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Call the 

23    roll.

24                 (The Secretary called the roll.)

25                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Announce 


                                                               3628

 1    the results.  

 2                 THE SECRETARY:   Ayes, 53.

 3                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   The bill 

 4    is passed.

 5                 THE SECRETARY:   Calendar Number 

 6    659, Senate Print 4275, by Senator Kavanagh, an 

 7    act to amend the Public Health Law.

 8                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Read the 

 9    last section.

10                 THE SECRETARY:   Section 2.  This 

11    act shall take effect on the first of April.

12                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Call the 

13    roll.

14                 (The Secretary called the roll.)

15                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Announce 

16    the results.

17                 THE SECRETARY:   In relation to 

18    Calendar 659, voting in the negative are 

19    Senators Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, 

20    Chan, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Martins, Mattera, 

21    Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, 

22    Rolison, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk and Weber.

23                 Ayes, 33.  Nays, 20.

24                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   The bill 

25    is passed.


                                                               3629

 1                 THE SECRETARY:   Calendar Number 

 2    662, Senate Print 1380A, by Senator Serrano, an 

 3    act to amend the Parks, Recreation and Historic 

 4    Preservation Law.

 5                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Read the 

 6    last section.

 7                 THE SECRETARY:   Section 2.  This 

 8    act shall take effect on the 80th day after it 

 9    shall have become a law.

10                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Call the 

11    roll.

12                 (The Secretary called the roll.)

13                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Announce 

14    the results.

15                 THE SECRETARY:   In relation to 

16    Calendar 662, voting in the negative are 

17    Senators Ortt and Murray.

18                 Ayes, 51.  Nays, 2.

19                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   The bill 

20    is passed.

21                 THE SECRETARY:   Calendar Number 

22    672, Senate Print 4516, by Senator Ramos, an act 

23    to amend the Labor Law.

24                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Read the 

25    last section.


                                                               3630

 1                 THE SECRETARY:   Section 2.  This 

 2    act shall take effect immediately.

 3                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Call the 

 4    roll.

 5                 (The Secretary called the roll.)

 6                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Announce 

 7    the results.

 8                 THE SECRETARY:   Ayes, 53.

 9                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   The bill 

10    is passed.

11                 THE SECRETARY:   Calendar Number 

12    702, Senate Print 3741A, by Senator Fernandez, an 

13    act to amend the Public Officers Law.

14                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Read the 

15    last section.

16                 THE SECRETARY:   Section 2.  this 

17    act shall take effect on the first of January.

18                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Call the 

19    roll.

20                 (The Secretary called the roll.)

21                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Announce 

22    the results.

23                 THE SECRETARY:   Ayes, 53.

24                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   The bill 

25    is passed.


                                                               3631

 1                 THE SECRETARY:   Calendar Number 

 2    705, Senate Print 4336, by Senator Comrie, an act 

 3    to amend the Public Service Law.

 4                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Read the 

 5    last section.

 6                 THE SECRETARY:   Section 3.  This 

 7    act shall take effect on the 120th day after it 

 8    shall have become a law.

 9                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Call the 

10    roll.

11                 (The Secretary called the roll.)

12                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Announce 

13    the results.

14                 THE SECRETARY:   In relation to 

15    Calendar 705, voting in the negative are 

16    Senators Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, 

17    Chan, Griffo, Oberacker, Palumbo, Rhoads, Stec, 

18    Tedisco and Walczyk.

19                 Ayes, 42.  Nays, 11.

20                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   The bill 

21    is passed.

22                 THE SECRETARY:   Calendar Number 

23    959, Senate Print 4482, by Senator Mayer, an act 

24    to amend the Election Law.

25                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Read the 


                                                               3632

 1    last section.

 2                 THE SECRETARY:   Section 2.  This 

 3    act shall take effect on the 90th day after it 

 4    shall have become a law.

 5                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Call the 

 6    roll.

 7                 (The Secretary called the roll.)

 8                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   Announce 

 9    the results.

10                 THE SECRETARY:   In relation to 

11    Calendar 959, voting in the negative:  

12    Senator Lanza.

13                 Ayes, 52.  Nays, 1.

14                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   The bill 

15    is passed.

16                 Senator Serrano, that completes the 

17    reading of today's calendar.

18                 SENATOR SERRANO:   Thank you, 

19    Madam President.  Can we return to motions.

20                 On behalf of Senator Fahy, on 

21    page 64 I offer the following amendments to 

22    Calendar Number 985, Senate Print 1490, and I ask 

23    that said bill retain its place on Third Reading 

24    Calendar.

25                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   The 


                                                               3633

 1    amendments are received, and the bill will retain 

 2    its place on the Third Reading Calendar.

 3                 SENATOR SERRANO:   Is there any 

 4    further business at the desk?

 5                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   There is 

 6    no further business at the desk.

 7                 SENATOR SERRANO:   I move to adjourn 

 8    until Monday, May 19th, at 3:00 p.m., with the 

 9    intervening days being legislative days.

10                 ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:   On 

11    motion, the Senate stands adjourned until Monday, 

12    May 19th, at 3:00 p.m., with intervening days 

13    being legislative days.

14                 (Whereupon, at 12:03 p.m., the 

15    Senate adjourned.)

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