Gaveled in 11:47 AM · Albany, New York · 2025–26 session
NEW YORK STATE SENATE
THE STENOGRAPHIC RECORD
ALBANY, NEW YORK
May 15, 2025
11:47 a.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.)
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD: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 PERSAUD:Reading of the Journal.
THE SECRETARY:In Senate, Wednesday, May 14, 2025, the Senate met pursuant to adjournment. The Journal of Tuesday, May 13, 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:Madam President, on behalf of Senator Skoufis, on page 21 I offer the following amendments to Calendar Number 242, Senate Print Number 567, and I ask that said bill retain its place on the Third Reading Calendar.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The amendments are received, and the bill will retain its place on the Third Reading Calendar.
Senator Serrano.
SENATOR SERRANO:At this point I'd like to recognize Senator Sepúlveda for an introduction.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Senator Sepúlveda for an introduction.
SENATOR SEPÚLVEDA: Thank you, Madam President, for allowing me to make this introduction.
First I want to say good morning to my colleagues and to my esteemed guests, who are Dominican businesswomen.
It's truly an honor for me to be here today on such a meaningful occasion to introduce before the New York State Senate two extraordinary women who embody the best of leadership, dedication and vision that our communities both need and deserve.
The Federation of Dominican-International Women Entrepreneurs is an organization that has transcended borders by empowering women, promoting entrepreneurial spirit, and strengthening ties between the Dominican Republic and its diaspora abroad.
The federation is made up of associations and entrepreneurial women, business owners, merchants and professionals who, through their daily efforts, contribute decisively to the economic development of various sectors in our society.
Today we present two exemplary figures: Rossy M. Escotto, president, and Sonya Uribe, first vice president of the Federation of Dominican-International Women Entrepreneurs.
With strong, humane and committed leadership, both have been tireless advocates for economic progress rooted in equity and social justice. Their dedication and commitment have inspired hundreds of women to become entrepreneurs, to overcome barriers, and to build a future with dignity, purpose and hope.
I am honored to introduce to you Rossy M. Escotto and Sonya Uribe, not only for the positions they hold but for the real, positive and lasting impact that they have made on the lives of so many women as well in strengthening our communities.
These outstanding Dominican businesswomen have become true beacons of hope and action for women who at some point doubted their ability to lead. Thanks to their vision and determination, today there are more opportunities, more support networks, and many more success stories led by brave women.
The Federation of Dominican International Women Entrepreneurs not only drives economic development through female entrepreneurship, but also nurtures pride, identity and hope in every community where it is present.
(Repeating remarks in Spanish.)
Thank you very much, Mr. President. Muchas gracias.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:De nada.
To our guests representing Dominican women entrepreneurs, I welcome you on behalf of the Senate. We extend to you the privileges and courtesies of this house.
Please rise and be recognized.
(Standing ovation.)
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Senator Serrano.
SENATOR SERRANO:Thank you, Madam President.
Let's take up previously adopted Resolution 809, by Senator Ashby. Please read that resolution title only and call on Senator Ashby.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Resolution 809, by Senator Ashby, memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 15, 2025, as Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Day in the State of New York.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Senator Ashby on the resolution.
SENATOR ASHBY:Thank you, Madam President.
Prader-Willi syndrome is a rare genetic and metabolic disorder that affects one out of 15,000 births nationally.
Recently -- well, I shouldn't say recently. In 2017 it was added to the definition of a developmental disability in the State of New York.
And with us today are some amazing advocates and people who go out of their way to not only generate awareness to this life-threatening illness, but to help people live with it in the best way that they possibly can.
Joining us today is Stacy Ward, the CEO of the National Prader-Willi Syndrome Association; Jeff Covington, who sits on the national board; the McDougall family, from our colleague Senator Chris Ryan's district; Sarah Bernas, from Castleton, with her daughter Lexi and husband Matthew.
Please offer them all the privileges of the house. And thank you so much for the amazing work that you continue to do each and every day.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Thank you, Senator.
To our guests, I welcome you on behalf of the Senate.
Guys, excuse us, please. Could we have some quiet, please? Thank you.
I welcome you on behalf of the Senate. We extend to you the privileges and courtesies of this house.
Please rise and be recognized.
(Standing ovation.)
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Senator Serrano.
SENATOR SERRANO:At the request of the sponsor, the resolution is open for cosponsorship.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:At the request of the sponsor, the resolution is open for cosponsorship. Should you choose not to be a cosponsor, please notify the desk.
The resolution was previously adopted on April 29th.
Senator Serrano.
SENATOR SERRANO:Please take up the reading of the calendar.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 263, Senate Print 1183, by Senator Addabbo, an act to amend the Real Property Tax Law.
SENATOR SERRANO:Lay it aside for the day.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Lay it aside for the day.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 375, Senate Print 3367, by Senator Mayer, an act to amend the Local Finance 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, 53.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 432, Senate Print 4252, by Senator Parker, an act to amend the Administrative Code of the City of New York.
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, 53.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 497, Senate Print 4713A, by Senator Fahy, 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:In relation to Calendar Number 497, voting in the negative: Senator Walczyk.
Ayes, 52. Nays, 1.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 498, Senate Print 3689, by Senator Sanders, an act to amend the Real Property Actions and Proceedings 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 498, voting in the negative are Senators Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Griffo, Lanza, Martins, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, Rolison, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk and Weber.
Ayes, 35. Nays, 18.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 653, Senate Print 2470, by Senator Parker, an act to amend the Real Property Tax Law.
SENATOR LANZA:Lay it aside.
SENATOR SERRANO:Lay it aside for the day.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill will be laid aside for the day.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 657, Senate Print 3838A, by Senator Hinchey, 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:Ayes, 53.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 659, Senate Print 4275, by Senator Kavanagh, 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 April.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 659, voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Martins, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, Rolison, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk and Weber.
Ayes, 33. Nays, 20.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 662, Senate Print 1380A, 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 on the 80th 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 662, voting in the negative are Senators Ortt and Murray.
Ayes, 51. Nays, 2.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 672, Senate Print 4516, by Senator Ramos, an act to amend the Labor 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, 53.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 702, Senate Print 3741A, by Senator Fernandez, an act to amend the Public Officers 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:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 53.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 705, Senate Print 4336, by Senator Comrie, an act to amend the Public Service Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect on the 120th 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 705, voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Griffo, Oberacker, Palumbo, Rhoads, Stec, Tedisco and Walczyk.
Ayes, 42. Nays, 11.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 959, Senate Print 4482, by Senator Mayer, an act to amend the Election Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD: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 PERSAUD:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 959, voting in the negative: Senator Lanza.
Ayes, 52. Nays, 1.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
Senator Serrano, that completes the reading of today's calendar.
SENATOR SERRANO:Thank you, Madam President. Can we return to motions.
On behalf of Senator Fahy, on page 64 I offer the following amendments to Calendar Number 985, Senate Print 1490, and I ask that said bill retain its place on Third Reading Calendar.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The amendments are received, and the bill will retain its place on the Third Reading Calendar.
SENATOR SERRANO:Is there any further business at the desk?
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:There is no further business at the desk.
SENATOR SERRANO:I move to adjourn until Monday, May 19th, at 3:00 p.m., with the intervening days being legislative days.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:On motion, the Senate stands adjourned until Monday, May 19th, at 3:00 p.m., with intervening days being legislative days.
(Whereupon, at 12:03 p.m., the Senate adjourned.)
Highest impact first.
Let Patients Access Records Online
Regulate Nursing Home Closures
Tighten Financial Disclosure Rules
Create Brand Owner Liquor License
Exempt Disabled Veterans from Property Tax
Protect Senior Rent Exemptions
Protect Medical Marijuana Tenants
Tax Break for Energy Storage