Gaveled in 12:02 PM · Albany, New York · 2025–26 session
NEW YORK STATE SENATE
THE STENOGRAPHIC RECORD
ALBANY, NEW YORK
May 22, 2025
12:02 p.m.
REGULAR SESSION
SENATOR SHELLEY B. MAYER, Acting President
ALEJANDRA N. PAULINO, ESQ., Secretary
P R O C E E D I N G SACTING PRESIDENT MAYER: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 MAYER:I'd like to take a moment of silence in honor of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, who were killed last night, staff of the Israeli Embassy in D.C.
(Whereupon, the assemblage respected a moment of silence.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Reading of the Journal.
THE SECRETARY:In Senate, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, the Senate met pursuant to adjournment. The Journal of Tuesday, May 20, 2025, was read and approved. On motion, the Senate adjourned.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Without objection, the Journal stands approved as read.
Presentation of petitions.
Messages from the Assembly.
The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Senator Hoylman-Sigal moves to discharge, from the Committee on Environmental Conservation, Assembly Bill Number 1819 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 3163, Third Reading Calendar 768.
Senator Jackson moves to discharge, from the Committee on Insurance, Assembly Bill Number 3028 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 4674A, Third Reading Calendar 922.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER: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.
I wish to call up the following bills, which were recalled from the Assembly and are now at the desk:
Senate Bills 488 and 4433.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 204, Senate Print 488, by Senator Fernandez, an act to amend the General Business Law.
Calendar Number 322, Senate Print 4433, by Senator Skoufis, an act to amend the General Business Law.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Move to reconsider the vote by which these bills were passed.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:The Secretary will call the roll on reconsideration.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 52.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:The bills are restored to their place on the Third Reading Calendar.
SENATOR GIANARIS:I offer the following amendments.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:The amendments are received.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Please take up previously adopted Resolution 768, read that resolution's title, and recognize Senator Webb on that resolution.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Resolution 768, by Senator Webb, congratulating the Binghamton High School Boys Basketball Team upon the occasion of winning the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class AA Championship on March 21, 2025.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Senator Webb on the resolution.
SENATOR WEBB:Thank you, Mr. President.
I rise today with immense Patriot pride and excitement to recognize an exceptional group of student athletes from my own alma mater, Binghamton High School.
On March 21, 2025, the Binghamton High School Boys Basketball Team made history by winning the state championship, Class AA championship, in a very spectacular fashion.
And I want to take a moment to describe what happened leading up to that night and the course of events that night.
So this team made it to the final championship through an action-filled journey, most certainly with their sportsmanship and many doubts that they would make it. And so the night of the championship game, I had the pleasure to be in the arena. It was a sold-out game. Five thousand people from all over the city, all over the county, came to witness this game.
Now, it wasn't just simply that it was a sold-out arena. Who all was in the audience was just as important as the team. So in the audience that night were previous team members who had won the state championship for Binghamton High School 39 years prior. We had coaches, cheerleaders, family members -- everyone was there.
And so the team, led by their outstanding coaches, brought the victory home. It was a well-fought -- and I do mean fought -- victory. The game was filled with some very questionable calls, not with regards to the Binghamton Patriots.
But despite all of those challenges, what the team demonstrated that night was that not only were they exemplifying their incredible athletic skills, but they truly demonstrated what it means to understand the assignment. And so they won in double overtime and brought to the forefront for 2025 and brought home a championship win that was 39 years in the making.
It was a heart-pounding, stress-induced, double overtime showdown, but the Patriots triumphed over Niskayuna with a final score of 75-61. I was very proud to be there, and not just simply to be in the arena that night, but also having had the opportunity to actually give the team their championship medals.
I want to thank their coaches that are here today as well, and their families, for all of the support that they have given to this outstanding team.
As a proud Binghamton alum, this accomplishment is very special to me because this high school is a school that I walked all of those halls, attended games in the gym, had family members who played for Binghamton, and I know just how much the spirit, the grit and resilience that flows through the Binghamton community.
This championship is more than a title; it is a reflection of who we are.
The team finished with an impressive 20-3 record, which is a testament to their unwavering commitment and focus. Led by the outstanding coach, Duncan Paddick, who is here in the chamber today, and his dedicated coaching staff, joined today by Coach Mike Constantine and others.
Those young men played with heart, hustle and purpose. They showed what is possible when preparation meets determination. This championship was not just a win on the scoreboard, it was a testament to the power of teamwork, preparation and belief.
The fans, families and the entire Binghamton community rallied behind you, proudly wearing red, white and blue, all the way to the final buzzer.
Madam President, on the occasion of this resolution, I am truly proud to welcome several distinguished guests to the chamber today: Members of the Binghamton High School Boys Basketball Team who brought this championship home.
Today with us in the chamber is Head Coach Duncan Paddick, Coach Mike Constantine, Yusri Razzaq, Zubayr Griffin, Corien Noble, Kamal Abdul-Aziz, Ilyas Morgan, Derek Abu Jr., Ben Ondrusek, Connor Ondrusek, Elijah Johnson, Milo Wilson, Devonte Santiago, Jayden Remplet, Shawn Remplet, Jah-lon Cook, Isaiah Selby, Zahir Marshall, and Cashawn Fleming.
To all of you, thank you for showing us what excellence looks like not just on the court but in the classroom and beyond. What you have done and what you continue to do, you make your school, our city, and our state proud.
To Coaches Paddick and Constantine, your leadership, your mentorship and passion are a gift to this team and to the entire Binghamton community. You've built something truly special.
The victory was about more than just basketball. It was about pride, perseverance, and unity. The support from family, friends, and the entire Binghamton community decked out in those proud Patriot colors, made this journey unforgettable.
Congratulations to the 2025 State Class AA champions, the Binghamton High School Boys Basketball Team.
And with that, Madam President, I ask that you welcome these distinguished guests to our chamber and extend them all the courtesies of the house.
Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Thank you, Senator Webb.
Senator Bailey on the resolution.
SENATOR BAILEY:Thank you, Madam President.
Last night was a really tough night for those of us who are observing the ministry of basketball. But it is always the right time to celebrate student athletes. It is always important to make sure that we uplift them, especially those who bring championships home.
Because championships are a culmination, right? You get the gold ball, you get the trophy, you get at the victory at the end, but that's at the end of the road. That's not showing the practice time that went into it, the hours that went into perfecting your jump shot, the defensive drills, the conditioning drills -- all of those things that go into creating a formula for the championship, you know, recipe, so to speak.
It really shows you how hard this is. And during the course of the regular season, bumps and bruises go throughout, but you persevere.
And so I want to put a final point on student athletes. You're not being paid for this. I hope that you go on to greener pastures, if that is what you want to do. But balancing your educational responsibilities along with being a championship-level basketball player is something that is not easy.
So you should be very proud of yourselves for that hard level of work that you've been able to do.
Since you're not in my region, I hope that you repeat, unless it is that you play one of the schools in my district -- and then, you know, we'll have to see you when we see you.
But in all seriousness, I applaud you for coming up here, and I really do hope that you continue the path of greatness that you're already on.
Sports is without a doubt the world's greatest social currency because, again, it brings people together from different walks of life that may have never had a conversation.
And I hope that you keep that spirit with you in your next step, whether that be on the hardwood in NCAA or in the NBA or overseas or wherever basketball takes you. Just continue to know that you're champions in the heart.
And then Senator Webb said -- I want to thank you, you mentioned that the great King Rice went to Binghamton. I'm a UNC Tar Heel, so that's especially heartening. You know, I'm a big fan of the Tar Heels, so it's good to see that that championship DNA never left the 607.
So, Madam President, I congratulate the Binghamton team for their great championship. May you repeat -- again, you play one of my schools. And in all seriousness, congratulations, and onward and upward.
I vote aye on the resolution.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Thank you, Senator Bailey.
To our guests, the champions from the Binghamton High School Boys Basketball Team, we welcome you to the Senate on behalf of our members. We extend to you the privileges and courtesies of the house.
Please rise and be recognized.
(Standing ovation.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:The resolution was previously adopted on April 29th.
Senator Gianaris.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Let's take up previously adopted Resolution 491, by Senator Stec, read that resolution's title and recognize Senator Stec, please.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Resolution 491, by Senator Stec, congratulating Forrest Slingerland upon the occasion of capturing the 2025 New York State Public High School Athletic Association Boys Nordic Skiing 7.5K Individual Championship.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Senator Stec on the resolution.
SENATOR STEC:Thank you, Madam President.
It's always wonderful to recognize and welcome people from the district to the chamber, as it is for all of us. And especially student athletes, to commemorate an achievement in their scholastic athletic career.
And today I'm very happy to have Forrest Slingerland here to join us. In February 24th of this year he won the 7.5 kilometer individual Nordic Ski at the Ski Bowl in North Creek. For those of you that don't know where North Creek is, the base of Gore Mountain, the famous Gore Mountain that we all here in this chamber are familiar with from our budget discussions.
But he won with a winning time of 25 minutes and 0.7 seconds, and he defeated the second-place finisher by 45 seconds. So a comfortable victory for him. He was the state runner-up last year, but this year he was able to bring home the championship.
He's a graduating senior from Glens Falls. He'll be attending Bates College in Maine, where he will continue to have cold weather, lots of snow and more skiing ahead of him in his career.
He's joined by his parents today, who wear two hats. Not only did they raise him, his mom and dad, but the morn is the head coach and the dad is the assistant coach. So if Forrest would please rise, and his mom, Emily, and his father, Tucker, would rise with him.
And Madam President, if you would extend your congratulations on behalf of the Senate to Forrest for his wonderful achievement here in Nordic skiing this year.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Absolutely, Senator Stec.
To Forrest Slingerland and to your family, congratulations on your extraordinary achievement. We welcome you on behalf of the Senate.
Please stand and be recognized.
(Standing ovation.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:The resolution was previously adopted on March 18th.
Senator Gianaris.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Madam President, you know what time it is. It's time to stick with Stec.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR GIANARIS:Please take up previously adopted Resolution 586, read its title, and recognize once again Senator Stec.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Resolution 586, by Senator Stec, congratulating the Glens Falls High School Boys Basketball Team upon the occasion of capturing the 2025 New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class A Boys Basketball Championship.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Senator Stec on the resolution.
SENATOR STEC:Thank you, Madam President.
First I want to thank the Senate leader here for the shout-out. And my social media team will be using that and lifting that, and we'll be seeing that in future social media.
So thank you for sticking with Stec again.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR STEC:But all kidding aside -- no, that's not kidding, you'll see that.
(Laughter.)
SENATOR STEC:Madam President, I'm delighted again. It's always wonderful to have guests here, and especially our student athletes.
And it's -- to quote Yogi Berra, it's déjà vu all over again. The Glens Falls Black Bears were here last year after a 27-0 perfect season. They had a couple of seniors leave, they had some freshmen move in, different members, same result: 27-0 again, Class A champions repeat.
Fifty-four wins in a row. That's a Section 2 record that they share with Lake George. If they win their season opener next year -- which they'd better, Coach -- they will break that record.
But, you know, to go through two consecutive perfect seasons, that's something that -- you know, I know Senator Bailey is a big fan of all things sports. And you know, I know he's -- in particular he loves basketball. So I know, you know, these are major achievements.
And, you know, a team of young guys that come together, listen to their coaches -- that's always -- as a parent, right, we love that when they're taking direction and working together -- but to come together and be as successful as they are.
The only thing that wasn't quite as perfect this year compared to last year is that last year the state championships were at the Glens Falls Civic Center, they won in front of a home crowd. This year they were in Binghamton so they had to go on the road.
But, you know, a lot of people from Glens Falls followed them, they've been following them for years. They're well coached, they're hardworking kids. And again, you can't argue with the results: Two 27-0 back-to-back state championship seasons.
So if I could, I'll just briefly introduce the team. The members are Jordan Baker, Jacob Barber, Michael Blakely, Jake Burns, Kellen Driscoll, Brody Holcomb, Oscar Lilac, Luke MacDougall, Ralphael Maldonado, Bryce McClenning, Chase McTague, Aiden Prunty, Collin Woodell, Jeffery Woodell; Coach Rob Girard, Assistant Coach Cam Girard, and Claire Cygan is the basketball student manager.
Again, congratulations, team, on a wonderful back-to-back perfect-season state championships. We're all proud of you. We expect you to continue on and continue to do great things as you -- some of you, again, graduate and some of you are going to come back and try to three-peat.
So again, Madam President, if you would congratulate them and please extend the cordialities of the Senate to this wonderful basketball state championship team.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Thank you, Senator Stec.
Senator Chris Ryan on the resolution.
SENATOR CHRIS RYAN:Certainly, Senator Stec, thank you for bringing the resolution.
And I want to -- I'm going to support this. But I can only support it mildly, and I'll tell you why. Because, for the past two years, Glens Falls has bounced a team called Westhill High School out of the regionals, two years in a row.
Westhill is my high school alma mater where my children go to school. My son played on that team. We didn't play you, fortunately, because we're in Class B. But had we been in A, we would have lost for certain.
But no, a lot of tremendous respect: 54-0 is quite an accomplishment. And, you know, the coach of the Westhill team is a very good friend of mine, my son and his son play sports together. And, you know, he has won a number of state championships, as you know, we have in Class B. But a lot of great things to say about your team, how good you are, and the character.
So congratulations on two phenomenal seasons. And maybe we move Glens Falls, because they're too good, to Binghamton? I don't know, is that -- but anyway, congratulations.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Thank you, Senator Ryan.
To our perfect-season state champions from Glens Falls High School Boys Basketball Team, we welcome you on behalf of the Senate. We extend to you the privileges and courtesies of the house.
Please rise and be recognized.
(Standing ovation.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:The resolution was previously adopted on April 2nd.
Senator Gianaris.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Next up is previously adopted Resolution 522. Please read its title and recognize Senator Ashby on his resolution.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Please read the resolution.
THE SECRETARY:Resolution 522, by Senator Ashby, congratulating Christian Jerome upon the occasion of capturing the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Boys Swimming and Diving Championship in the 100-yard butterfly on March 8, 2025.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Senator Ashby on the resolution.
SENATOR ASHBY:Thank you, Madam President.
It's wonderful to be joined today by Christian Jerome, a junior who won the New York State Championship in Boys Swimming and Diving for the 100-yard butterfly.
My understanding with him is that he won it by 0.6 seconds -- which doesn't sound like a big margin, but according to him and his coach, that's a pretty big margin.
And being a junior, he has the opportunity next year to widen that margin, which I'm sure he will. In my conversations with him, this humble and driven young man is determined to do so. And I know that he's going to be back next year.
It's not just about the medals or the trophies or the titles, it's about the work that's put in day in and day out -- and this could be said for all of our student athletes that are here today -- to attain not just that title but that rank of where you are, that position. And it's something that isn't just applicable in sports, as I'm sure you're finding. It's going to drive you in other pursuits throughout your life.
It's a real privilege to have you in this chamber here today.
Christian is joined by his parents, Jude and Christy, and his brother, who's also his teammate, Jude, who I think is also pushing him to further greatness as well.
He's joined by his coach, Rob MacLeod; Hoosic Valley Athletic Director Ben Capeless; Hoosick Valley Principal Eric Papandrea; and Superintendent James Buhrmaster.
Madam President, please welcome them and provide all the privileges and courtesies of the house.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Thank you, Senator Ashby.
To Christian Jerome, championship swimmer, and your family, your coaches and your school community, we welcome you on behalf of the Senate. We extend to you the privileges and courtesies of the house. Please stay standing and be recognized.
(Standing ovation.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:The resolution was previously adopted on March 25th.
Senator Gianaris.
SENATOR GIANARIS:The sponsors of today's resolutions would like to open them for cosponsorship.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:The resolutions are open for cosponsorship. Should you choose not to be a cosponsor on the resolutions, please notify the desk.
Senator Gianaris.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Please take up the calendar, Madam President.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 379, Senate Print 1692A, by Senator Ramos, an act to amend the Correction Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 379, voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, Rolison, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, Weber and Weik.
Ayes, 38. Nays, 19.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 388, Senate Print 1290, by Senator Krueger, an act to amend the Financial Services Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 6. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 388, voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Chan, Mattera, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk and Weik.
Ayes, 44. Nays, 13.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 468, Senate Print 933, by Senator Gonzalez, an act to amend the State Technology Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER: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 MAYER:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Senator Gonzalez to explain her vote.
SENATOR GONZALEZ:Thank you, Madam President.
I rise today in strong support of this legislation which underscores New York State's proactive commitment to both innovation and integrity in the age of artificial intelligence.
AI is evolving faster than any of us could have predicted, and with that rapid acceleration comes an urgent responsibility. As this technology becomes more embedded in how we govern and serve, we must make sure we have the right leadership in place to guide its use with foresight, fairness and accountability.
The Chief AI Officer will be our statewide administration official for AI policy and oversight, ensuring that we harness these tools and that we are doing so with clear ethical guardrails and centering the interests of everyday New Yorkers. This role is about setting standards and setting the tone for how New York State agencies evaluate and operate these tools, and it works towards building public trust and transparency.
We cannot take a wait-and-see approach to AI, and at this moment the federal government is threatening a 10-year moratorium on state enforcement of AI legislation. So I am very appreciative of our leader and this body for moving this bill.
It certainly is the perfect way to end our AI week this year, and I proudly vote aye. Thank you so much.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Senator Gonzalez to be recorded in the affirmative.
Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 610, Senate Print 6365, by Senator Salazar, an act to amend the Correction Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Senator Salazar to explain her vote.
SENATOR SALAZAR:Thank you, Madam President.
All of us here probably know the experience of being unpleasantly surprised by hidden fees and unexpected charges from the bank. But when formerly incarcerated individuals are released into community supervision, they are provided with the bare minimum, their gate money, any commissary funds that they might have, and often this is given to them in the form of a debit card with a balance on it.
What is not provided to them right now under current law is the schedule of charges and fees that may be associated with that debit card's checking account. This bill would address that.
This is a straightforward bill to help ensure that we are not adding yet another obstacle for formerly incarcerated individuals to overcome upon release as they seek to transition back into society. This bill will ensure that when someone is released into community supervision and they are trying to resume their normal life, that they have the tools that they need in order to be successful and reintegrate into society.
So I'm proud to vote aye.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Senator Salazar to be recorded in the affirmative.
Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 610, voting in the negative are Senators Borrello, Chan, Griffo, Lanza, Oberacker, O'Mara, Stec, Walczyk, Weber and Weik.
Ayes, 47. Nays, 10.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 645, Senate Print 4906, by Senator Fahy, an act to amend the Executive Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 120th day after it shall have become a law.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Senator Fahy to explain her vote.
SENATOR FAHY:Thank you, Madam President.
This legislation is an important one to me because it ensures that healthcare workers, who have often been, in emergency rooms, assaulted trying to do their jobs, it gives them the options to file a police report statement at their workplace, removing unnecessary barriers and I would hope improving workplace safety.
Emergency rooms have become one of the most dangerous workplaces in our country, where healthcare providers have reported that 55 percent of physicians and 70 percent of nurses in ER rooms have reported being physically assaulted.
Despite the frequent assaults, many of these incidences go unreported because the current process often requires victims to go to the police station in order to file a report, and this is often after a very long and exhausting shift. This legislation would allow them to file it on-site and remove logistical and emotional burdens to filing those statements.
Given the critical shortage that we have of nurses and other healthcare providers, we think this will help them with facing a less hostile space, and we hope would also assist us in hiring more who have faced very dangerous and volatile situations in very crowded in ERs.
So by providing them this additional avenue we hope to hold offenders accountable, discourage more future attacks, and support these essential workers.
Thank you, Madam President.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Senator Fahy to be recorded in the affirmative.
Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 725, Senate Print 3781, by Senator Brisport, an act to amend the Social Services Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 120th day after it shall have become a law.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Senator Brisport to explain his vote.
SENATOR BRISPORT:Thank you, Madam President.
Every day in New York State a child enters the foster system carrying everything they own in a flimsy plastic trash bag. Many of these children will end up having to change homes over and over again, each time cramming their belongings back into a trash bag as their life is turned upside down.
When you don't have much, what you do have is precious. For many foster children their possessions are more than just objects, they are symbols of their identity, history and worth. They are sources of pride and comfort in a system that so often robs these kids of both.
Ensuring that young people in our foster care system are provided a suitcase to carry and protect their belongings is literally the least we can do for them.
I look forward to seeing the Assembly pass this bill and seeing the Governor sign it into law. I vote aye.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Senator Brisport to be recorded in the affirmative.
Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 766, Senate Print 1676, by Senator Skoufis, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect one year after it shall have become a law.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 766, voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Chan, Griffo, Helming, Martinez, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Rhoads, Stec, Walczyk, Weber and Weik.
Ayes, 43. Nays, 14.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 768, Assembly Bill Number 1819, by Assemblymember Simon, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 885, Senate Print 1746, by Senator Rivera, an act to amend the Public Health Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 885, voting in the negative: Senator Walczyk.
Ayes, 56. Nays, 1.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 902, Senate Print 6482, by Senator Webb, an act to amend the Education Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect on the 180th day after it shall have become a law.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 904, Senate Print 6744A, by Senator Stavisky, an act to amend the Education Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT MAYER: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 MAYER:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 904, voting in the negative are Senators Borrello, Griffo, Lanza, Martinez, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, Ortt, Rhoads, Stec, Walczyk and Weik.
Ayes, 45. Nays, 12.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 922, Assembly Bill 3028, by Assemblymember Dilan, an act to amend the Insurance 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, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 930, Senate Print 3699, by Senator Sanders, an act to amend the Facial Recognition Technology Study Act.
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:In relation to Calendar 930, voting in the negative are Senators Rhoads, Walczyk and Weik.
Ayes, 54. Nays, 3.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 936, Senate Print 1349A, by Senator Cleare, an act to amend the Education Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2026.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Senator Cleare to explain her vote.
SENATOR CLEARE:Thank you, Madam President.
This bill is called Every Child a Swimmer, and it is a direct response to the fact that drowning deaths in New York have been on the rise since 2019. According to the CDC, drowning is the number-one cause of death for children ages 1 through 4, and the second-leading cause of unintentional injury and death for children aged 5 to 14.
There is also a great inequity in drowning incidents that disproportionately affects Black children, youth and adults. Therefore, this bill will require school districts to provide parents and guardians with information about water safety education courses and swimming lessons, thus promoting water safety awareness and reducing drownings and other water-related injuries among our children.
Ensuring that all our children receive this information and connect to services and resources concerning water safety will save lives and hopefully also improve our collective quality of life -- and encourage champions like the young men we celebrated earlier today from Senator Ashby's district.
So I proudly vote aye, and I ask all my colleagues to do the same.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Senator Cleare to be recorded in the affirmative.
Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 936, voting in the negative: Senator Walczyk.
Ayes, 56. Nays, 1.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 1005, Senate Print Number 4914B, by Senator Hoylman-Sigal, an act to amend the Civil Practice Law and Rules.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 24. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Senator Hoylman-Sigal to explain his vote.
SENATOR HOYLMAN-SIGAL:Thank you, Madam President.
I rise to thank my colleagues and the leader for putting this important bill on the floor.
You know, there are 19 states across our country that are restricting reproductive healthcare and 26 states that are restricting gender-affirming care. Reproductive freedom and gender justice are under an unprecedented attack.
New York has to address these vulnerabilities that exist in our law and strengthen our legal defenses through this legislation. Our bill will create stronger protections for reproductive healthcare and gender-affirming care providers and helpers from being investigated and punished in three important ways.
First, it's going to protect information about sensitive healthcare held by private institutions like hospitals, clinics and nonprofits from being accessed by all of those hostile states outside of New York or from the federal government.
Second, critically, it's going to ensure that no professionals involved in the provision of this important healthcare are left out of New York's legal protections.
And third, it's going to ensure that courts apply New York's shield law protections.
This legislation is urgent. Providing healthcare, Madam President, should not require bravery. But every day abortion and gender-affirming care providers expose themselves to legal risk. The threats aren't hypothetical. We've already seen a New York provider sued and prosecuted by another state for providing reproductive healthcare.
Providers in our state are afraid. New York needs to do everything it can to protect them. This bill will help ensure that.
I vote aye.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Senator Hoylman-Sigal to be recorded in the affirmative.
Senator Mayer to explain her vote.
SENATOR MAYER:Thank you, Madam President.
I rise proudly to vote in favor of this bill to strengthen our state's shield law for reproductive and gender-affirming care. Since the Supreme Court's disastrous decision in Dobbs in June of 2022, so many states have moved to curtail access to abortion, denying millions of women the right to make their own choices about their health and future simply because they live in such a state.
New York moved quickly too, passing protections for patients coming to New York for care and providers serving patients via telehealth. We knew that extreme states would not stop at limiting the rights and liberties of women: They would come after doctors and others who facilitate access to care.
These attacks are no longer hypothetical. As we noted, providers are already subject to civil and criminal action by other states for acting within their scope of practice, within New York's law, and providing patients with access to healthcare.
At the same time states across the country have passed increasingly restrictive laws targeting LGBTQ Americans and making it difficult or sometimes impossible for these people to access healthcare.
I'm proud to vote in favor of this bill today. We are shoring up our state's shield law, providing stronger protection not only for providers but for individuals and organizations that assist individuals seeking legally protected healthcare. Let's remember that: Legally protected healthcare.
Today New York proudly reaffirms its commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of women, trans Americans, and so many people for whom healthcare is being denied simply because they live in a particular state.
I proudly vote aye.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Senator Mayer to be recorded in the affirmative.
Senator Krueger to explain her vote.
SENATOR KRUEGER:Thank you.
I rise to also thank my colleagues for ensuring that this bill is passing here today.
We've passed protections into our laws. We've passed protections into our Constitution. But we know these situations continue in other states, and people need to turn to New York for the help they cannot get.
I myself have a fabulous niece, a brilliant pediatrician who's running a program funded by the federal government in the State of New Jersey to address the special needs of seriously physically and mentally abused children, including care for LGBTQ young people. And she's been told that the federal government is cutting her program not because they're anti-abused children per se, but not so much the LGBTQ abused children.
And it is outrageous that we are seeing doctors and scientists being thrown out of incredibly successful programs and research because of the ignorance and fear of people or the political agendas of people.
So I'm very glad that New York continues to try to strengthen our laws and be the most respectful and open state in the country for people who have needs when it comes to their own healthcare or life.
And I've said this often now: If you're out there somewhere in the country and you're LGBTQ, come to New York. You're welcome here. You can work, you can live, you can be successfully members of our state. So come on down, everybody, we're a good place to live.
I vote yes. Thank you.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:Senator Krueger to be recorded in the affirmative.
Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 1005, voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, Rolison, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, Weber and Weik.
Ayes, 37. Nays, 20.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is passed.
Senator Gianaris, that completes the reading of today's calendar.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Thank you, Madam President.
Returning to motions for a moment, on behalf of Senator Cleare, I wish to call up Senate Print 1353A, recalled from the Assembly, which is now at the desk.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 773, Senate Print 1353A, by Senator Cleare, an act to amend the General Business Law.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Move to reconsider the vote by which the bill was passed.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The Secretary will call the roll on reconsideration.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 57.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The bill is restored to its place on the Third Reading Calendar.
SENATOR GIANARIS:I offer the following amendments.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:The amendments are received.
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 Tuesday, May 27th, at 3:00 p.m., with the intervening days being legislative days.
ACTING PRESIDENT PERSAUD:On motion, the Senate stands adjourned until Tuesday, May 27th, at 3:00 p.m., with intervening days being legislative days.
Enjoy your Memorial Day.
(Whereupon, at 12:47 p.m., the Senate adjourned.)
Highest impact first.
Disclose Drug Delay Deals
Penalize Unlicensed Financial Operators
Appoint State AI Chief
Protect Providers from Out-of-State Penalties
Let Victims Sue Over Coerced Debt
Let Dentists Give Vaccines
Protect Monarch Butterflies
Protect Monarch Butterflies