Gaveled in 4:02 PM · Albany, New York · 2025–26 session
NEW YORK STATE SENATE
THE STENOGRAPHIC RECORD
ALBANY, NEW YORK
February 3, 2025
4:02 p.m.
REGULAR SESSION
SENATOR ROXANNE J. PERSAUD, Acting President
ALEJANDRA N. PAULINO, ESQ., Secretary
P R O C E E D I N G SACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The Senate will come to order.
I ask everyone present to please rise and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
(Whereupon, the assemblage recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.)
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Imam Tahir Kukaj, of the Albanian Islamic Cultural Center in Staten Island, will deliver today's invocation.
Imam Kukaj.
IMAM KUKAJ:In the name of God, most gracious, most merciful, we thank God Almighty for this beautiful gathering of ours, and we thank our host.
In the Book of Genesis, God Almighty tells us the way He has created the sky and water and the planet and day and night. Later on, He says that it was good. And God saw that it was good.
Indeed, it's very good for me to come for the second time to offer my prayers and to offer my gratitude on behalf of Albanians and Kosovars that we celebrate today the 17th anniversary of Kosovo's independence.
God Almighty says "And let there be light in the sky," so we differentiate the day from the night. Twenty-six years ago, with God's mercy and with the United States and its allies' interventions, the darkness that my people was going through that the Serbian regime tried to exterminate Albanians from Kosovo -- with God's mercy and the intervention from the United States of America and its allies, the new day began in our country.
We, as Albanians, we are grateful forever to this great nation. And with God's mercy, the support of the United States for my country, our country, continues as this chamber and the State Assembly have recognized Kosovo's Independence Day. This is our second, our second annual celebration. Thank God Almighty. Thanks to our wonderful leaders, Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton and my dear brother and friend and leader of Staten Island, State Assemblyman Charles Fall.
We ask God Almighty to bless this assembly, to guide you and to bless your hearts with wisdom, to build a future that justice prevails. To build a future that unity, compassion, is always the value of our communities. To have the hope that is shining as a bright star for our future generations.
We pray for our heroes, Adem Jashari and his friends, that they shed their blood, they gave their lives for the freedom of Albanians. We pray for our martyrs. We pray for Albanians wherever they are. We pray for our State of New York, the Empire State. And we always pray for the United States of America.
God bless you all. God bless the Albanian people. And God bless the United States of America.
In Your name, God Almighty, we make this prayer. Amen.
(Response of "Amen.")
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Reading of the Journal.
THE SECRETARY:In Senate, Friday, January 31, 2025, the Senate met pursuant to adjournment. The Journal of Thursday, January 30, 2025, was read and approved. On motion, the Senate adjourned.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Without objection, the Journal stands approved as read.
Presentation of petitions.
Messages from the Assembly.
The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Senator Cleare moves to discharge, from the Committee on Rules, Assembly Bill Number 440 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 737, Third Reading Calendar 12.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:May we have some quiet in the chamber, please.
THE SECRETARY:Senator Mayer moves to discharge, from the Committee on Rules, Assembly Bill Number 814 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 746, Third Reading Calendar 21.
Senator Gounardes moves to discharge, from the Committee on Rules, Assembly Bill Number 692 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 748, Third Reading Calendar 23.
Senator Hoylman-Sigal moves to discharge, from the Committee on Rules, Assembly Bill Number 419 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 756, Third Reading Calendar 31.
Senator Stavisky moves to discharge, from the Committee on Rules, Assembly Bill Number 430 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 774, Third Reading Calendar 48.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Substitutions so ordered.
Messages from the Governor.
Reports of standing committees.
Reports of select committees.
Communications and reports from state officers.
Motions and resolutions.
Senator Gianaris.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Good afternoon, Madam President.
Please take up previously adopted Resolution 259, by Senator Scarcella-Spanton, read the resolution's title, and recognize Senator Scarcella-Spanton.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Resolution 259, by Senator Scarcella-Spanton, commemorating the 17th Anniversary of Kosovo's Independence.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Senator Scarcella-Spanton on the resolution.
SENATOR SCARCELLA-SPANTON:Thank you, Madam President. And thank you to all my colleagues.
I want to extend a warm welcome to all my friends and constituents who have joined us today as we gather to celebrate Kosovo's Independence Day here in New York State.
Today is a significant moment in recognizing Kosovo's remarkable journey to independence. Once again, here in New York, an independence achieved through years of perseverance and resilience. Despite facing numerous obstacles, the people of Kosovo have shown extraordinary strength, determination and will, which brings us to this important occasion, our second annual Kosovo Day of Independence. Thank you.
Kosovo's Declaration of Independence in 2008 was a historic moment, signaling an end of years of struggle and the beginning of a new chapter for the people of Kosovo -- a chapter built on hope, unity, and the tireless pursuit of freedom.
As we reflect on this journey, we honor the sacrifices made and the many challenges overcome in their pursuit of freedom and self-determination.
It is truly my honor to sponsor this resolution in recognition of Kosovo's Independence Day. Today we stand in solidarity with the Kosovar people, celebrating their triumphs and looking forward to a brighter future.
And I want to thank, of course, Imam Tahir, all of our constituents who are here today, and my Staten Island director, Vanesa Limani, who's here with me. She's from Kosovo. She does an amazing job. And she helped plan and put this all together.
So thank you so much, and thank you to all my colleagues for your support, and to everyone who has joined us in honoring this significant day.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Senator Fernandez on the resolution.
SENATOR FERNANDEZ:Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Thank you so much, Senator Scarcella-Spanton, for bringing this resolution to the floor, because it is always important to give the grace, the dignity to a community that exists, that is here, and that is continually contributing to our great state.
The Kosovo community, the Sheepbay {ph} community, is one very close to my heart, and I'm honored to cosponsor this resolution and to make sure that we as New Yorkers are always identifying them and giving them their right to existence here in New York, in America, and in the world.
So Happy Independence Day. Que viva Kosova!
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Thank you, Senator.
To our guests, I welcome you on behalf of the Senate. We extend to you the privileges and courtesies of this house.
Happy Independence! Please rise and be recognized.
(Standing ovation.)
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The resolution was adopted on January 28th.
Senator Gianaris.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Madam President, Senator Scarcella-Spanton would like to open that resolution for cosponsorship.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The resolution is open for cosponsorship. Should you choose not to be a cosponsor, please notify the desk.
Senator Gianaris.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Please take up the calendar.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 12, Assembly Bill Number 440, by Assemblymember De Los Santos, an act to amend the General Business Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. this act shall take effect on the same date and in the same manner as a chapter of the Laws of 2024.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 62.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 13, Senate Print 738, by Senator Cleare, an act to amend the General Business Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the same date and in the same manner as a chapter of the Laws of 2024.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar Number 13, voting in the negative: Senator Walczyk.
Ayes, 61. Nays, 1.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 15, Senate Print 740, by Senator Ramos, an act to amend the Labor Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 15, those Senators voting in the negative are Senators Borrello, Griffo, Martins, O'Mara, Ortt and Walczyk.
Ayes, 56. Nays, 6.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 18, Senate Print 743, by Senator Gianaris, an act to amend the Penal Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect on the same date and in the same manner as a chapter of the Laws of 2024.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 18, those Senators voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, Weber and Weik.
Ayes, 42. Nays, 20.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 19, Senate Print 744, by Senator Hoylman-Sigal, an act to amend the Penal Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the same date and in the same manner as a chapter of the Laws of 2024.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 19, those Senators voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Stec, Tedisco and Walczyk.
Ayes, 49. Nays, 13.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 20, Senate Print 745, by Senator Myrie, an act to amend the General Business Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the same date and in the same manner as a chapter of the Laws of 2024.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 20, those Senators voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rolison, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk and Weik.
Ayes, 45. Nays, 17.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 21, Assembly Bill 814, by Assemblymember Benedetto, an act to amend the Public Health Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 21, those Senators voting in the negative are Senators Borrello, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk and Weik.
Ayes, 54. Nays, 8.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 23, Assembly Print 692, by Assemblymember Rosenthal, an act to amend the Public Health Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 62.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 26, Senate Print 751, by Senator Sepúlveda, an act to amend the Real Property Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the same date and in the same manner as a chapter of the Laws of 2024.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 26, those Senators voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Chan, Gallivan, O'Mara, Ortt, Stec and Weber.
Ayes, 54. Nays, 8.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 27, Senate Print 752, by Senator Hoylman-Sigal, an act to amend the Election Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 6. This act shall take effect on the same date and in the same manner as a chapter of the Laws of 2024.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 27, those Senators voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Martins, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, Rolison, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, Weber and Weik.
Ayes, 40. Nays, 22.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 29, Senate Print 754, by Senator Martinez, an act to amend the Transportation Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the same date and in the same manner as a chapter of the Laws of 2024.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 29, those Senators voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Martins, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, Skoufis, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, Weber and Weik.
Ayes, 40. Nays, 22.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 30, Senate Print 755, by Senator Ramos, an act to amend the Workers' Compensation Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 30, those Senators voting in the negative are Senators Borrello, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Stec and Weik. Also Senator Tedisco.
Ayes, 51. Nays, 11.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 31, Assembly Print 419, by Assemblymember Carroll, an act to amend the Insurance Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect on the same date and in the same manner as a chapter of the Laws of 2024.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 31, voting in the negative: Senator Walczyk.
Ayes, 61. Nays, 1.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 48, Assembly Print 430, by Assemblymember Rosenthal, an act to amend the Insurance Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 5. This act shall take effect on the same date and in the same manner as a chapter of the Laws of 2024.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 62.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 56, Senate Print 782, by Senator Palumbo, an act to amend the Real Property Tax Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect on the same date and in the same manner as a chapter of the Laws of 2024.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 56, voting in the negative: Senator Skoufis.
Ayes, 61. Nays, 1.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
Senator Gianaris, that completes the reading of today's calendar.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Is there any further business at the desk?
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:There is no further business at the desk.
SENATOR GIANARIS:I move to adjourn until tomorrow, Tuesday, February 4th, at 3:00 p.m.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:On motion, the Senate stands adjourned until tomorrow, Tuesday, February 4th, at 3:00 p.m.
(Whereupon, at 4:23 p.m., the Senate adjourned.)
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