Gaveled in 12:23 PM · Albany, New York · 2025–26 session
NEW YORK STATE SENATE
THE STENOGRAPHIC RECORD
ALBANY, NEW YORK
March 5, 2025
12:23 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 to please rise and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
(Whereupon, the assemblage recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.)
Pastor Eboni Taylor, of Coney Island Cathedral in Brooklyn, New York, will deliver today's invocation.
Pastor?
PASTOR TAYLOR:Let us bow our heads.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for this day.
Father, we thank You, first of all, for life, for letting us come together and gather in this assembly.
Father, we ask that You would grant us peace, strength and courage.
And, Father, we ask that You will bless each and every household that is represented here.
And, Father, we thank You for the decisions that are being made for this future.
And, Father, we forever give You praise and glory.
In Jesus' name we pray.
Everyone say amen. Amen.
(Response of "Amen.")
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Thank you, Pastor.
Reading of the Journal.
THE SECRETARY:In Senate, Tuesday, March 4, 2025, the Senate met pursuant to adjournment. The Journal of Monday, March 3, 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.
Messages from the Governor.
Reports of standing committees.
Reports of select committees.
Communications and reports from state officers.
Motions and resolutions.
Senator Serrano.
SENATOR SERRANO:Hi, Madam President. Thank you very much.
I would like for us to take up resolution -- previously adopted Resolution 433, by myself. Read the resolution title only, and recognize me.
(Laughter.)
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Resolution 433, by Senator Serrano, commemorating the 38th Annual SOMOS Spring Conference to be held March 7-9, 2025, and paying tribute to its host, SOMOS, Inc., for its contributions and advocacy on behalf of the Puerto Rican and Latino communities in the State of New York.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Senator Serrano on the resolution.
SENATOR SERRANO:Thank you.
I would like to thank the entire Senate and my colleagues for adopting this resolution today honoring the 38th anniversary of the SOMOS Spring Conference happening here in Albany this weekend.
This conference provides the opportunity for elected officials, leaders, advocates and members of our communities to come together under the theme "Justice in Action."
This year's conference will focus on advancing equality, fostering community-driven solutions, and empowering the voices of the underserved. Through workshops, panels and networking opportunities, participants will explore actionable strategies to address pressing issues and create meaningful impact.
The SOMOS Spring Conference serves as a key gathering to bring people together to discuss critical issues, and to promote Latino empowerment. This conference encourages young Latinos to get involved and serves as a catalyst for young leadership.
I would like to thank Assemblywoman Karines Reyes, the chair of the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force, for having me collaborate with her on this resolution. I commend her work and the work of SOMOS, Inc., for their contributions as hosts of this conference.
Thank you, Madam President, for allowing me to speak on this resolution, and I thank my colleagues for supporting it here today.
Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Thank you, Senator.
The resolution was adopted on March 5th.
Senator Serrano.
SENATOR SERRANO:Thank you.
At the request of the sponsor -- myself -- the resolution will be open for cosponsorship.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The resolution is open for cosponsorship. Should you choose not to be a cosponsor, please notify the desk.
Senator Serrano.
SENATOR SERRANO:Thank you.
Please take up the reading of the calendar.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 134, Senate Print 1553, by Senator Parker, an act to amend the Public Service Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect on the first of January.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 134, those Senators voting in the negative are Senators Borrello, Griffo and Walczyk.
Ayes, 58. Nays, 3.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 270, Senate Print 317, by Senator Salazar, an act to amend the Public Health Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 180th day after it shall have become a law.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 270, those Senators voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Chan, Gallivan, Griffo, Lanza, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, Weber and Weik.
Ayes, 44. Nays, 17.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 279, Senate Print 1376, by Senator Serrano, an act to amend the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation 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, 61.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 299, Senate Print 200, by Senator Martinez, an act to amend the Navigation 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 299, voting in the negative: Senator Walczyk.
Ayes, 60. Nays, 1.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 300, Senate Print 258, by Senator Martinez, an act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect on the first of November.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 61.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 304, Senate Print 3272, by Senator Cooney, an act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. 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, 61.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 323, Senate Print 122, by Senator Cleare, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 5. This act shall take effect on the 90th day after it shall have become a law.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 61.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 367, Senate Print 1261A, by Senator Krueger, an act to amend the Domestic Relations Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect on the 60th day after it shall have become a law.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar Number 367, voting in the negative: Senator Walczyk.
Ayes, 60. Nays, 1.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 392, Senate Print 73, by Senator Kavanagh, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 11. 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, 61.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 413, Senate Print 5183, by Senator Jackson, an act to amend the Election Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect one year after it shall have become a law.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar Number 413, voting in the negative: Senator Walczyk.
Ayes, 60. Nays, 1.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 414, Senate Print 489, by Senator Fernandez, an act to amend the Public Health Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the first of January.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Senator Fernandez to explain her vote.
SENATOR FERNANDEZ:Thank you so much, Madam President.
This bill is very straightforward and very essential because, still, when people that might have gone through an overdose are admitted to an emergency room, they're not directed to the care that could help them get on their path to recovery.
So this bill would ensure that any person that does enter an emergency room on account of an overdose or anything related is connected to that care.
Thank you so much, and I hope everyone votes aye.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Senator Fernandez to be recorded in the affirmative.
Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 61.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 415, Senate Print 1812, by Senator Fernandez, an act to amend the Mental Hygiene 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, 61.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
Senator Serrano, this concludes the reading of today's calendar.
SENATOR SERRANO:Thank you.
Is there any further business at the desk?
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:There is no further business at the desk.
SENATOR SERRANO:That being so, I move to adjourn until Monday, March 10th, at 3:00 p.m., with the intervening days being legislative days.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:On motion, the Senate stands adjourned until Monday, March 10th, at 3:00 p.m., with intervening days being legislative days.
(Whereupon, at 12:31 p.m., the Senate adjourned.)
Highest impact first.
Refer Patients for Addiction Help
Certify Innovative Addiction Treatment
Let Solar Credits Roll Over
Require Anti-Bias Medical Training
Revoke Licenses for Boating DUIs
Limit Lead in Soil, Air
Allow No-Fault Separation
Strengthen Battery Recycling Rules