Gaveled in 4:13 PM · Albany, New York · 2025–26 session
NEW YORK STATE SENATE
THE STENOGRAPHIC RECORD
ALBANY, NEW YORK
February 4, 2025
4:13 p.m.
REGULAR SESSION
SENATOR JAMAAL T. BAILEY, Acting President
ALEJANDRA N. PAULINO, ESQ., Secretary
P R O C E E D I N G SACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY: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 BAILEY:In the absence of clergy, let us bow our heads in a moment of silent reflection or prayer.
(Whereupon, the assemblage respected a moment of silence.)
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Reading of the Journal.
THE SECRETARY:In Senate, Monday, February 3, 2025, the Senate met pursuant to adjournment. The Journal of Friday, January 31, 2025, was read and approved. On motion, the Senate adjourned.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Without objection, the Journal stands approved as read.
Presentation of petitions.
Messages from the Assembly.
The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Senator Persaud moves to discharge, from the Committee on Rules, Assembly Bill Number 1019 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 758, Third Reading Calendar 33.
Senator Kavanagh moves to discharge, from the Committee on Rules, Assembly Bill Number 927 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 763, Third Reading Calendar 37.
Senator Harckham moves to discharge, from the Committee on Rules, Assembly Bill Number 1676 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 764, Third Reading Calendar 38.
Senator Rivera moves to discharge, from the Committee on Rules, Assembly Bill Number 1468 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 765, Third Reading Calendar 39.
Senator Comrie moves to discharge, from the Committee on Rules, Assembly Bill Number 424 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 767, Third Reading Calendar 41.
Senator Cleare moves to discharge, from the Committee on Rules, Assembly Bill Number 2250 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 768, Third Reading Calendar 42.
Senator Skoufis moves to discharge, from the Committee on Rules, Assembly Bill Number 752 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 775, Third Reading Calendar 49.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY: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, Mr. President.
I move to adopt the Resolution Calendar, with the exception of Resolutions 297 and 301.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:All those in favor of adopting the Resolution Calendar, with the exception of Resolutions 297 and 301, please signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The Resolution Calendar is adopted.
Senator Gianaris.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Let's begin with Resolution 297, by Senator Cooney, read that resolution's title, and recognize Senator Cooney on the resolution.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Resolution 297, by Senator Cooney, memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 4, 2025, as Canada Day in the State of New York, in celebration of this great Empire State's longstanding economic and cultural relationship with Canada.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Senator Cooney on the resolution.
SENATOR COONEY:Thank you, Mr. President.
And thank you to our Majority Leader, Andrea Stewart-Cousins, for bringing this important resolution on our relationship with Canada to the floor.
My friends, today's resolution is needed now more than ever. As we are faced with uncertainty and blatant hostility at the federal level, our friends in Canada can rest assured that New York remains a steadfast neighbor, an ally, and a friend.
And regardless of how the federal government responds, that friendship will never waiver. As your neighbor with nearly 450 miles of shared border between us, our priorities and our cultures are so closely intertwined.
There's our economic bonds with companies employing thousands of workers on both sides of our border, billions of dollars in bilateral trade, and a strong supply chain. Then there's our energy goals, in lockstep with one another when it comes to addressing climate change and creating a cleaner, greener world for our next generation.
This just scratches the surface. Whether it's collaborating on public health responses, the security of our people, or infrastructure projects, here in New York we know how fortunate we are to have a strong ally in Canada.
That's why we're here today to honor the bonds that tie our people together, and we are asking that February 4th be known as Canada Day in the State of New York.
It is my honor to be able to introduce this resolution joined by so many of our Canadian dignitaries and friends here. Thank you to the Consul General, Tom Clark, for joining us today, but also for the hard work you do each and every day on behalf of the people of Canada and of New York.
And of course your team who joins with you today, many of whom are on the floor with us, including Corporal Sean Thomson, from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Welcome to Albany. Welcome to our State Capitol. We are so grateful for your partnership and friendship, and we know that we have many strong allies to the north and to the west.
Happy Canada Day!
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Thank you, Senator Cooney.
To our neighbors to the north, thank you for coming. We extend to you all of the privileges and the courtesies of this house.
Please rise and be recognized.
(Standing ovation.)
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Senator Gianaris.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Next up is Resolution 301, by Senator Fernandez. Please read that resolution's title and recognize Senator Fernandez.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Resolution 301, by Senator Fernandez, memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 2025 as Recovery Month in the State of New York.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Senator Fernandez on the resolution.
SENATOR FERNANDEZ:Thank you, Mr. President.
Every year we come together to recognize the strength of those on the road to recovery and the communities that uplift them. Today I'm proud to introduce this resolution memorializing Governor Hochul to proclaim September 2025 as Recovery Month in the State of New York.
Recovery is more than just a journey; it is a movement. A movement that says that treatment works, recovery is possible, and that no one should walk this path alone.
For 35 years, the National Recovery Month has been a beacon of hope shining a light on the courage of individuals, the dedication of service providers, and the power of community support.
But this is not just about awareness, this is about action. We must continue to fund and expand access to treatment, harm reduction, and support services so that every New Yorker, no matter their background or story, has the chance to reclaim their future. Because when one person recovers, a family heals, a community strengthens, and a state can move forward.
Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Thank you, Senator Fernandez.
The question is on the resolution. All those in favor signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Opposed, nay.
(No response.)
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The resolution is adopted.
Senator Gianaris.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Mr. President, the sponsors would like both these resolutions open for cosponsorship.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The resolutions are open for cosponsorship. Should you choose not to be a cosponsor of these resolutions, please notify the desk.
Senator Gianaris.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Let's take up the calendar, please.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 33, Assembly Bill 1019, by Assemblymember Solages, an act to amend the Public Health Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY: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 BAILEY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 61.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 35, Senate Print 760, by Senator Rivera, an act to amend the Insurance Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY: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 BAILEY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 35, voting in the negative: Senator Walczyk.
Ayes, 60. Nays, 1.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 37, Assembly Bill Number 927, by Assemblymember Fall, an act to amend the Public Health Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 61.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 38, Assembly Bill 1676, by Assemblymember Burdick, an act to amend the Correction Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY: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 BAILEY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 61.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 39, Assembly Bill 1468, by Assemblymember Paulin, an act to amend the Public Health Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY: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 BAILEY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 61.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 41, Assembly Bill 424, by Assemblymember Weprin, an act to amend the Banking Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY: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 BAILEY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 41, those Senators voting in the negative are Senators Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Helming, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk and Weber.
Ayes, 49. Nays, 12.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 42, Assembly Bill 2250, by Assemblymember Torres, an act to amend the Correction Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY: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 BAILEY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 61.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 49, Assembly Bill 752, by Assemblymember Eachus, an act to amend the Education Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY: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 BAILEY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 49, those Senators voting in the negative are Senators Chan, Oberacker, O'Mara and Ortt.
Ayes, 57. Nays, 4.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 139, Senate Print 265, by Senator Harckham, an act in relation to directing the State Board of Real Property Tax Services.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 61.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 149, Senate Print 2124, by Senator Kavanagh, an act to amend the Tax Law and the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 5. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 149, voting in the negative: Senator Walczyk.
Ayes, 60. Nays, 1.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 164, Senate Print 3190, by Senator Kavanagh, an act to amend the Real Property Tax Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 90th day after it shall have become a law.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 61.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 166, Senate Print 228, by Senator Skoufis, an act to amend the Real Property Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 166, those Senators voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Martins, Mattera, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk and Weik.
Ayes, 42. Nays, 19.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 171, Senate Print 1157, by Senator Cooney, an act to amend the Private Housing Finance Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect on the 180th day after it shall have become a law.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Senator Cooney to explain his vote.
SENATOR COONEY:Mr. President, buying a home is a cornerstone of the American dream, and so many New Yorkers look forward to the day when they can finally purchase their first home.
But for too many in our communities across this state, the dream has become less and less attainable. In the Senate Majority we're looking to fix that. Homeownership is about stability -- stability for a family, stability for a neighborhood, which in turn creates a stronger sense of community.
It's also about building generational wealth. Owning a home is one of the best ways to combat the cycle of poverty, especially in communities like mine in Rochester.
That's why I've introduced my bill to establish the New York State First Home Savings Program. This bill will incentivize prospective first-time homebuyers to establish savings accounts to purchase a home, deducting state income tax for deposits put into these accounts.
By putting money back in the pockets of first-time homebuyers and prospective homebuyers, we're making our state more affordable and homeownership a reality once again.
I'm proud of our work today in the Senate Majority, and our continued work to make New York State a place which everyone can call home.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Senator Cooney to be recorded in the affirmative.
Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 61.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 173, Senate Print 2534, by Senator Sanders, an act to amend the Administrative Code of the City of New York.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 61.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 187, Senate Print 2627, by Senator Kavanagh, an act to amend the Real Property Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 187, voting in the negative: Senator Walczyk.
Ayes, 60. Nays, 1.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY: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 BAILEY:There is no further business at the desk.
SENATOR GIANARIS:I move to adjourn until tomorrow, Wednesday, February 5th, at 12:00 noon.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:On motion, the Senate stands adjourned until tomorrow, Wednesday, February 5th, at 12:00 p.m.
(Whereupon, at 4:28 p.m., the Senate adjourned.)
Highest impact first.
Protect Homeowners from Scams
Require Insurance for EpiPens
Expand Mortgage Help for Graduates
Help First-Time Homebuyers Save
Keep Prisons Cool and Safe
Cooler Prisons in Summer
Breast Cancer Tests in Prisons
Breast Cancer Screening in Prisons