Gaveled in 3:48 PM · Albany, New York · 2025–26 session
NEW YORK STATE SENATE
THE STENOGRAPHIC RECORD
ALBANY, NEW YORK
January 27, 2026
3:48 p.m.
REGULAR SESSION
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR ANTONIO DELGADO, President
ALEJANDRA N. PAULINO, ESQ., Secretary
P R O C E E D I N G STHE PRESIDENT:The Senate will come to order.
I ask everyone to rise and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
(Whereupon, the assemblage recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.)
THE PRESIDENT: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.)
THE PRESIDENT:Reading of the Journal.
THE SECRETARY:In Senate, Sunday, January 25, 2026, the Senate met pursuant to adjournment. The Journal of Friday, January 23, 2026, was read and approved. On motion, the Senate adjourned.
THE PRESIDENT: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 Gianaris.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Good afternoon, Mr. President.
THE PRESIDENT:Good afternoon.
SENATOR GIANARIS:We'll start with an immediate meeting of the Rules Committee in Room 332.
THE PRESIDENT:There will be an immediate meeting of the Rules Committee in Room 332.
SENATOR GIANARIS:The Senate will stand at ease.
THE PRESIDENT:The Senate will stand at ease.
(Whereupon, the Senate stood at ease at 3:49 p.m.)
(Whereupon, the Senate reconvened at 4:03 p.m.)
THE PRESIDENT:The Senate will return to order.
Senator Gianaris.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Mr. President, there's a report of the Rules Committee at the desk. Let's take that up, please.
THE PRESIDENT:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Senator Stewart-Cousins, from the Committee on Rules, reports the following bills:
Senate Print 135, by Senator Cleare, an act to amend the Public Health Law;
Senate Print 1012A, by Senator Brouk, an act to amend the Public Service Law;
Senate Print 1327, by Senator Parker, an act to amend the Public Service Law;
Senate Print 1329, by Senator Parker, an act to amend the Public Service Law;
Senate Print 1438A, by Senator Krueger, an act to amend the Public Health Law;
Senate Print 1633A, by Senator Fernandez, an act to amend the Public Health Law;
Senate Print 1847, by Senator Comrie, an act to amend the Public Service Law;
Senate Print 1896, by Senator Mayer, an act to amend the Public Service Law;
Senate Print 5553C, by Senator Comrie, an act to amend the Public Service Law;
Senate Print 5593, by Senator Mayer, an act to amend the Public Service Law;
Senate Print 5981, by Senator Fernandez, an act to amend the Public Health Law;
Senate Print 7165A, by Senator Hinchey, an act to amend the Public Service Law;
Senate Print 7328A, by Senator Hinchey, an act to amend the Public Service Law;
Senate Print 7693, by Senator Mayer, an act to amend the Public Service Law;
Senate Print 8257A, by Senator Sutton, an act directing the Department of Health to establish an alternative payment methodology for Federally Qualified Health Centers;
Senate Print 8759, by Senator Cleare, an act to amend the Elder Law;
Senate Print 8760, by Senator Sanders, an act to amend the Real Property Law;
Senate Print 8780, by Senator Skoufis, an act to amend the General Business Law;
Senate Print 8793, by Senator Cooney, an act to amend the State Finance Law;
Senate Print 8817, by Senator Cooney, an act to amend the Insurance Law;
Senate Print 8830, by Senator Cleare, an act to amend the General Business Law;
Senate Print 8833, by Senator Jackson, an act to amend the Labor Law;
Senate Print 8836, by Senator Serrano, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law;
Senate Print 8886, by Senator Addabbo, an act to amend the General Municipal Law.
All bills reported direct to third reading.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Move to accept the report of the Rules Committee.
THE PRESIDENT:All those in favor of accepting the report of the Rules Committee please signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
THE PRESIDENT:Opposed, nay.
(Response of "Nay.")
THE PRESIDENT:The report of the Rules Committee is accepted.
Senator Gianaris.
SENATOR GIANARIS:At this time let's take up the calendar, please.
THE PRESIDENT:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 53, Senate Print 1703, by Senator Webb, an act to amend the Education Law.
THE PRESIDENT:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 6. This act shall take effect one year after it shall have become a law.
THE PRESIDENT:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE PRESIDENT:Senator Webb to explain her vote.
SENATOR WEBB:Thank you, Mr. President.
I rise to explain my vote. And I first want to thank our Senate Majority Leader for continuing to demonstrate such incredible and necessary leadership on important issues such as reproductive healthcare.
And so today we introduce a package of bills that are designed to strengthen protections for women's healthcare. This legislation takes a very practical, meaningful step towards ensuring that students on SUNY and CUNY campuses have access to emergency contraception, by requiring that each institution offering in-person instruction has at least one vending machine on their campus where these items would be available for purchase.
A number of reasons why this legislation is important; I'll just highlight a couple of things.
This bill breaks down barriers to accessibility for students who may have difficulty getting off campus to a drugstore or other stores that would sell this important medication, especially given the time-sensitive need to utilize emergency contraceptive medicine within three days of unprotected sexual activity.
Currently students on college campuses across the state and country are working with various clubs and alumni organizations to bring access to these vending machines on their campuses.
And most certainly in light of the Dobbs decision, which we know severely restricts women's access to abortion and continues attacks on reproductive healthcare by the federal government, it is more critical now more than ever to ensure that women have access to necessary medications such as this.
Many times that access is limited by barriers such as pharmacy availability, transportation, and also cost. And also fear of stigma.
Students who live on campus or in rural districts like mine, or in underserved areas, may not have the flexibility or privacy to get what they need in a timely manner.
When we pass this legislation, we will join a few other states such as Connecticut, Massachusetts and Illinois, who have existing legislation in this regard.
I want to thank you, Mr. President, for this important legislation, and I encourage my colleagues to vote aye.
Thank you.
THE PRESIDENT:Senator Webb will be recorded in the affirmative.
Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 53, voting in the negative are Senators Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Gallivan, Griffo, Lanza, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Stec and Tedisco.
Ayes, 45. Nays, 13.
THE PRESIDENT:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 54, Senate Print 2058, by Senator Webb, an act to amend the Education Law.
THE PRESIDENT:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect April 1, 2026.
THE PRESIDENT:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE PRESIDENT:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 54, voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Martinez, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Rhoads, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, Weber and Weik.
Ayes, 38. Nays, 20.
THE PRESIDENT:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 55, Senate Print 3155, by Senator Cooney, an act to amend the Insurance Law.
THE PRESIDENT:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
THE PRESIDENT:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE PRESIDENT:Senator Cooney to explain his vote.
SENATOR COONEY:Thank you, Mr. President.
It's a privilege to speak in support of my legislation which would provide greater coverage and access to in vitro fertilization here in New York.
With the current situation at the federal government, we know it's important now more than ever for New York to take the lead when it comes to reproductive healthcare options, and this bill would do just that.
Back in 2019 this Legislature passed a landmark piece of legislation to require coverage for three cycles of IVF in cases of infertility. But unfortunately, healthcare companies have been requiring the use of all of the embryos in a specific cycle before covering the next -- a situation that is not always viable that delays the process, and often limits the ability of women and families who are looking to start a family later in life.
When a couple is trying to have a child, the last thing they want to do is wait and risk more potential issues down the line.
Our bill fixes this issue. And I'm proud to support and sponsor this legislation to change insurance practices and create more opportunities for those looking to start a family here in New York.
Thank you, Mr. President.
THE PRESIDENT:Senator Cooney to be recorded in the affirmative.
Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 55, voting in the negative are Senators Borrello, Griffo, Murray, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk -- oh, excuse me. Senator Griffo in the affirmative. Senator Gallivan in the negative.
Ayes, 52. Nays, 6.
THE PRESIDENT:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 56, Senate Print 4497, by Senator Hinchey, an act to amend the Insurance Law.
SENATOR LANZA:Lay it aside.
THE PRESIDENT:Lay it aside.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 59, Senate Print 8544, by Senator Hinchey, an act to amend the Penal Law.
THE PRESIDENT:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 5. This act shall take effect immediately.
THE PRESIDENT:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE PRESIDENT:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 59, voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Martins, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, Rolison, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, Weber and Weik.
Senator Martins in the affirmative; Senator Mattera in the negative.
Ayes, 37. Nays, 21.
THE PRESIDENT:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 60, Senate Print 8656A, by Senator Mayer, an act to amend the Education Law.
THE PRESIDENT:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
THE PRESIDENT:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE PRESIDENT:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 60, voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, Rolison, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, Weber and Weik.
Ayes, 37. Nays, 21.
THE PRESIDENT:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 96, Senate Print 8860, by Senator May, an act to amend the Domestic Relations Law.
THE PRESIDENT:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
THE PRESIDENT:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE PRESIDENT:Senator May to explain her vote.
SENATOR MAY:Thank you, Mr. President.
I'm proud to be part of this Senate Majority that believes that abortion care is healthcare.
If someone has sought an abortion in the past, it is no way an indication that they cannot be a good parent -- in fact, sometimes quite the opposite. And yet a history of seeking reproductive health services has been used against parents in custody cases.
This bill will stop that practice as one more means of safeguarding both the best interests of the child in a custody case and New Yorkers' ability to access reproductive health services without fear.
I vote aye.
THE PRESIDENT:Senator May will be recorded in the affirmative.
Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 96, voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk and Weik.
Ayes, 43. Nays, 15.
THE PRESIDENT:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 97, Senate Print 8866, by Senator Salazar, an act to amend the Insurance Law.
THE PRESIDENT:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
THE PRESIDENT:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE PRESIDENT:Senator Salazar to explain her vote.
SENATOR SALAZAR:Thank you, Mr. President.
This bill would ensure that same-sex couples and LGBTQ New Yorkers will no longer be unfairly excluded from insurance coverage if they need to seek IVF treatment.
It also will ensure that insurance coverage for IVF patients must include three full rounds of IVF.
In 2019 New York enacted legislation to offer IVF insurance coverage to couples who are trying to conceive. The law requires insurance to cover three complete cycles of IVF, but it does not it define what a cycle of IVF entails. And due to the lack of explicit definition in the existing law, some insurance companies began defining various steps in the IVF process as individual cycles instead of covering all the steps required to actually complete a single cycle of IVF.
The result is that many couples are currently being denied fair insurance coverage for this essential reproductive healthcare. It means many couples are left to pay out-of-pocket even when transferring embryos from what should be a covered IVF cycle or when additional cycles of IVF are needed.
Furthermore, when multiple embryo transfers are not properly covered by insurance, it creates a perverse incentive to transfer too many embryos in a single transfer, which risks leading to poor medical outcomes for all involved in the IVF process.
I want to thank my colleagues for your support in passing the Equity Infertility Treatment Act today to correct this and to expand access to IVF in our state.
I vote aye.
THE PRESIDENT:Senator Salazar will be recorded in the affirmative.
Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 97, voting in the negative are Senators Borrello, Gallivan, Helming, Mattera, Murray, O'Mara, Ortt, Tedisco and Walczyk.
Ayes, 49. Nays, 9.
THE PRESIDENT:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 98, Senate Print 8869, by Senator Skoufis, an act to amend the Insurance Law.
THE PRESIDENT:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
THE PRESIDENT:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE PRESIDENT:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 98, voting in the negative are Senators Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Lanza, Rhoads, Tedisco and Walczyk.
Ayes, 51. Nays, 7.
THE PRESIDENT:The bill is passed.
Senator Gianaris, that completes the reading of today's calendar.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Let's take up the supplemental calendar, please.
THE PRESIDENT:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 135, Senate Print 135, by Senator Cleare, an act to amend the Public Health Law.
THE PRESIDENT:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
THE PRESIDENT:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE PRESIDENT:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 135, voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Martins, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, Rolison, Stec, Walczyk, Weber and Weik. Also Senator Chan. Also Senator Tedisco.
Ayes, 36. Nays, 22.
THE PRESIDENT:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 139, Senate Print 1438A, by Senator Krueger, an act to amend the Public Health Law.
THE PRESIDENT:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the first of April.
THE PRESIDENT:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE PRESIDENT:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 139, voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Martinez, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, Rolison, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, Weber and Weik.
Ayes, 36. Nays, 22.
THE PRESIDENT:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 140, Senate Print 1633A, by Senator Fernandez, an act to amend the Public Health Law.
THE PRESIDENT:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
THE PRESIDENT:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE PRESIDENT:Senator Martins to explain his vote.
SENATOR MARTINS:Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President.
You know, I -- we had this bill in committee, in Health Committee, just this afternoon. And I do have concerns with regard to the bill.
We have spent, as a state, tremendous resources making sure that our medical records are transportable, that these records are available wherever a New Yorker happens to be. Because if someone is ill, unconscious, or needs medical treatment, wherever they happen to be in the world, Mr. President, we want to make sure that New Yorkers have access to their medical records and that that healthcare professional, wherever they may be, has a clear picture of this person's health history.
And that's something that we as New Yorkers should rely on, and it's something that every New Yorker deserves, because it's about health. It's about the health of our residents.
And the reality is oftentimes, or perhaps too often, the person may be unconscious, not be able to describe adequately what medications they're on, what conditions they may have.
And so anything that prevents someone from being able to look at a health record and determine the best course of care for that New Yorker is something that we should be very careful about.
And so people being able to limit their own records -- that is, not include certain things in the record so that that future doctor does not have the ability to actually see the whole picture and may be prescribing or may actually be performing procedures that may harm that patient, that New Yorker who needs help.
The whole purpose of digital medical records is exactly that. The idea that we will actually pass a law that allows people to review things from there based on their own personal preferences I think is contrary to public policy, it's against the effort that we as a body and as a state have had consistently.
And you're going to hear, I'm sure, people say, Well, given the climate, the political climate in the world today and what's happening in Washington, we have to do this.
This isn't about politics, it's about protecting lives and it's about making sure that we protect New Yorkers.
Mr. President, I vote no.
THE PRESIDENT:Senator Martins recorded in the negative.
Senator Fernandez to explain her vote.
SENATOR FERNANDEZ:Thank you so much.
And thank you for explaining your vote. It's unfortunate that you feel that this is irrelevant to the time that we're in. But this is very relevant. We're seeing this administration and this president right now attacking individuals based on their history, their choices.
And this bill is very clear in informing the patient as to what they are wanting to do, letting them know their rights so that they can opt in and opt out.
And for those that are not medical professionals -- and if I'm correct, I don't think anybody in this room is a doctor or a medical professional -- this piece of legislation has been supported by over 200 medical professionals and providers, that this is a practice that is safe for patients in protecting their rights and the dignity to their healthcare.
So I proudly vote aye, and I thank those that vote aye as well.
THE PRESIDENT:Senator Fernandez recorded in the affirmative.
Senator May to explain her vote.
SENATOR MAY:Thank you, Mr. President.
And I want to thank Senator Fernandez for this legislation.
Just imagine if you had an abortion in New York and then you found yourself in Texas and you had some kind of medical emergency. And you may be afraid to go to the hospital because while they would have to treat you for your medical emergency, they might also have to arrest you because they found out from your medical records that you had had an abortion.
Or imagine you are a family taking a trip and you have a young -- a teenager who is undergoing gender-affirming care, and some medical emergency happens in a state where that is considered to be a punishable offense. And so you're afraid to seek medical care in that place.
This allows people to protect some of that information, personal information, that could be weaponized in a medical situation. And I think that actually could mean better medical care or that people would be more willing to access medical care in those places.
So I think this is good policy, and I vote aye.
THE PRESIDENT:Senator May recorded in the affirmative.
Senator Weik to explain her vote.
SENATOR WEIK:Thank you.
The Hippocratic Oath says "First, do no harm." And if we're preventing healthcare workers from knowing what's wrong with a patient, we're doing harm. And that's the patient's fault.
And so I vote no on this bill.
Thank you.
THE PRESIDENT:Senator Weik recorded in the negative.
Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 140, voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Martins, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, Weber and Weik.
Ayes, 37. Nays, 21.
THE PRESIDENT:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 145, Senate Print 5981, by Senator Fernandez, an act to amend the Public Health Law.
THE PRESIDENT:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
THE PRESIDENT:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE PRESIDENT:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 145, voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Rhoads, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, Weber and Weik.
Ayes, 39. Nays, 19.
THE PRESIDENT:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 149, Senate Print 8257A, by Senator Sutton, an act directing the Department of Health to establish an alternative payment methodology for Federally Qualified Health Centers.
THE PRESIDENT:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
THE PRESIDENT:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE PRESIDENT:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 149, voting in the negative: Senator Walczyk.
Ayes, 57. Nays, 1.
THE PRESIDENT:The bill is passed.
Senator Gianaris, that completes the reading of the supplemental calendar.
SENATOR GIANARIS:And now on to the controversial calendar, please.
THE PRESIDENT:The Secretary will ring the bell.
The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 56, Senate Print 4497, by Senator Hinchey, an act to amend the Insurance Law.
THE PRESIDENT:Senator Helming, why do you rise?
SENATOR HELMING:Thank you, Mr. President.
I would like to go on the bill, and then I have a couple of questions for the sponsor or the sponsor's representative.
THE PRESIDENT:Senator Helming on the bill.
SENATOR HELMING:Thank you.
Mr. President, advancing real affordability requires, at the very minimum, understanding the costs associated with mandates like the one included in this bill.
This bill will absolutely have an impact on healthcare premiums at a time when we have an issue with the high cost of healthcare premiums. Premiums in New York State are among the highest in the nation -- roughly 13 percent higher than the national average.
On Saturday I had a meeting with school superintendents, school board presidents and other representatives from some of the 34 school districts that I represent. Healthcare premium costs are one of their top concerns. Schools have recently received notification of premiums rising anywhere between 21 and 30 percent.
Similar concerns have been shared with me by our local governments, local municipalities, who are trying to figure out how to cover these double-digit premium increases for their employees.
In the Blueprint for New York -- it's a report that was prepared by the Public Policy Institute of New York -- a top request from our New York State businesses is to reduce the costs of healthcare.
When we're making important decisions on healthcare policy, we absolutely need sound fiscal physical transparency.
So, Mr. President, if the sponsor or support's representative would yield for a couple of questions.
THE PRESIDENT:Senator Bailey, would you yield?
SENATOR BAILEY:Press 1 for representative. I am here. I am not Senator Hinchey --
THE PRESIDENT:The sponsor yields.
SENATOR BAILEY:-- but I play her on TV today. Yes.
SENATOR HELMING:Okay. Through you, Mr. President.
Senator Bailey, thank you so much. Great to see you.
Can you tell me what the fiscal impact of this new insurance mandate -- the impact that it will have on insurance premiums?
SENATOR BAILEY:Certainly.
So first and foremost, I think it's important to talk about the turmoil that's happened in Washington because of -- the healthcare turmoil is happening a lot because of what's happening in Washington with a certain bill that was passed. So that we can talk about turmoil.
But in terms of how much this bill would cost, I think it roughly would cost the state $20 million overall for commercial plans, Senator Helming.
SENATOR HELMING:Thank you. Through you, Mr. President, if the sponsor will continue to yield.
THE PRESIDENT:Will the sponsor yield?
SENATOR BAILEY:I yield.
And if I may, because I'm playing Senator Hinchey on TV, it would cost the state $3 million, but the $20 million that I referred to was for all commercial plans.
And I do yield, Senator Helming.
SENATOR HELMING:Thank you. Through you, Mr. President.
Senator Bailey, the bill that we have before us says fiscal implications are none to the state. Is that accurate?
SENATOR BAILEY:I -- $3 million -- the state would cost $3 million. That's our staff has indicated that it would cost $3 million.
SENATOR HELMING:Through you, Mr. President, on the bill.
THE PRESIDENT:Senator Helming on the bill.
SENATOR HELMING:Thank you.
Mr. President, when we're considering legislation with the potential to drive up healthcare premiums, this body absolutely should demand fiscal transparency.
I sponsor a bill -- Senator Bailey, I'll be bringing it to the Insurance Committee. Hope to talk to you before committees resume.
My bill, Senate Bill 8619, would require that all legislation that mandates or imposes new or expanded insurance coverage to have a fiscal note attached. What this bill doesn't do is limit or discourage expanding benefits or services. It provides for fiscal clarity and transparency to help us, to help lawmakers and to help the consumers and the people we represent anticipate and prepare for the financial impacts.
Mr. President, I will be voting no on the bill before us.
Thank you.
THE PRESIDENT:Are there any other Senators wishing to be heard?
The Secretary will ring the bell.
Seeing and hearing none, debate is closed. The Secretary will ring the bell.
Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
THE PRESIDENT:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
THE PRESIDENT:Senator Bailey to explain his vote.
SENATOR BAILEY:Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Senator Helming, for your -- for the debate on the bill.
And look, fiscal restraint is really important, and I agree with my colleague there. But as the father of three, as someone who has enjoyed the benefits, the bountiful benefits of a family, I think everybody should be able to enjoy that. And you shouldn't be able to -- we shouldn't be limiting that.
And New York State, this was the first -- this was the first legislative chamber in the entire country to pass a bill like this relating to commercial insurance. You know, it shouldn't take a medical emergency or something that would make you medically infertile for you to be able to have access to this type of care.
I believe in choice, and I believe that choice relates not just to how you go about, you know, your -- having your family, but when. And you should be able to decide that.
So I support this bill wholeheartedly. And I'm actually excited I finally got to debate here. I vote aye, Mr. President.
THE PRESIDENT:Senator Bailey recorded in the affirmative.
Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 56, voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Helming, Murray, O'Mara, Ortt, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk and Weik.
Ayes, 47. Nays, 11.
THE PRESIDENT:The bill is passed.
Senator Gianaris, that completes the reading of the controversial calendar.
SENATOR GIANARIS:On behalf of Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, in consultation with Senator Ortt, I hand up the following committee assignment of the Minority Conference and ask that it be filed in the Journal.
THE PRESIDENT:The hand-up is received and shall be filed in the Journal.
Senator Gianaris.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Is there any further business at the desk?
THE PRESIDENT:There is no further business at the desk.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Move to adjourn until tomorrow, Wednesday, January 28th, at 3:00 p.m.
THE PRESIDENT:On motion, the Senate stands adjourned until Wednesday, January 28th, at 3:00 p.m.
(Whereupon, at 4:35 p.m., the Senate adjourned.)
Highest impact first.
Fund Abortion Access Support
Stop Utilities Spending Ratepayer Money
Train Abortion Care Providers
Protect Patient Health Privacy
Limit Utility Company Profits
Limit Utility Back-Billing
Fund Sexual Health Services
Refund Utility Overcharges
Expand Prevailing Wage Coverage