Gaveled in 3:16 PM · Albany, New York · 2025–26 session
NEW YORK STATE SENATE
THE STENOGRAPHIC RECORD
ALBANY, NEW YORK
March 9, 2026
3:16 p.m.
REGULAR SESSION
SENATOR JAMAAL T. BAILEY, Acting President
ALEJANDRA N. PAULINO, ESQ., Secretary
P R O C E E D I N G SACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The Senate will come to order.
I ask everyone present to please rise and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
(Whereupon, the assemblage recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.)
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:In the absence of clergy, let us bow our heads in a moment of silent reflection or prayer.
(Whereupon, the assemblage respected a moment of silence.)
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Reading of the Journal.
THE SECRETARY:In Senate, Friday, March 6, 2026, the Senate met pursuant to adjournment. The Journal of Thursday, March 5, 2026, was read and approved. On motion, the Senate adjourned.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Without objection, the Journal stands approved as read.
Presentation of petitions.
Messages from the Assembly.
The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Senator Gonzalez moves to discharge, from the Committee on Internet and Technology, Assembly Bill Number 3411B and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 934A, Third Reading Calendar 429.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:So ordered.
Messages from the Governor.
Reports of standing committees.
Reports of select committees.
Communications and reports from state officers.
Motions and resolutions.
Senator Gianaris.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Good afternoon, Mr. President.
We're going to go right into the reading of the calendar today.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 104, Senate Print 4369, by Senator Comrie, an act to amend the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 104, voting in the negative are Senators Martinez and Walczyk.
Ayes, 56. Nays, 2.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 263, Senate Print 4995, by Senator Harckham, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 30th day after it shall have become a law.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 335, Senate Print 349, by Senator Skoufis, an act to amend the Public Officers Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 90th day after it shall have become a law.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 58.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 339, Senate Print 2271, by Senator Krueger, an act to amend the Executive Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the first of January.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 339, voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Gallivan, Griffo, Lanza, Martins, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, Weber and Weik.
Ayes, 39. Nays, 19.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 340, Senate Print 2304, by Senator Krueger, an act to amend the Legislative Law.
SENATOR LANZA:Lay it aside.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Lay it aside.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 347, Senate Print Number 6283, by Senator Scarcella-Spanton, an act to amend the Cannabis Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 59.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 359, Senate Print 2329, by Senator Rivera, an act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect on the 120th day after it shall have become a law.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Senator Murray to explain his vote.
SENATOR MURRAY:Thank you, Mr. President.
I respect what the sponsor is trying to do with this. My concern is we're having the New York State Commissioner of the DMV decide on this with public input, but only for New York City.
You know, this problem exists elsewhere as well. If we could expand this, maybe, I might consider it. But I'm not going to support something that leaves us out.
So for that reason I'll be a no.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Senator Murray to be recorded in the negative.
Announce the results. Excuse me, don't announce the results. Sorry.
(Pause.)
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 359, voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Chan, Gallivan, Griffo, Lanza, Martins, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Rhoads, Stec, Tedisco, Weber and Weik.
Ayes, 43. Nays, 16.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 363, Senate Print 205, by Senator Martinez, an act to amend the Penal Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 59.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 373, Senate Print 4478, by Senator Ramos, an act to amend the Labor Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY: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 BAILEY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 373, voting in the negative: Senator Borrello.
Ayes, 58. Nays, 1.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 387, Senate Print 1855, by Senator Rivera, an act to amend the Public Health Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 9. This act shall take effect on the 90th day after it shall have become a law.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 59.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 401, Senate Print 1615, by Senator Brisport, an act to amend the Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 401, voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Martins, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, Rolison, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, Weber and Weik.
Ayes, 37. Nays, 22.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 414, Senate Print 5257B, by Senator Hinchey, an act to amend the General Business Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 4. This act shall take effect on the 180th day after it shall have become a law.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 59.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 419, Senate Print 3277, by Senator Skoufis, an act to amend the Agriculture and Markets Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 3. This act shall take effect on the first of January.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 59.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The bill is passed.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 429, Assembly Bill Number 3411B, by Assemblymember Vanel, an act to amend the General Business Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 90th day after it shall have become a law.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 429, voting in the negative are Senators Walczyk and Weik.
Ayes, 57. Nays, 2.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The bill is passed.
Senator Gianaris, that completes the reading of today's calendar.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Please go to the reading of the controversial calendar.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The Secretary will ring the bell.
The Secretary will read.
THE SECRETARY:Calendar Number 340, Senate Print 2304, by Senator Krueger, an act to amend the Legislative Law.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Senator Lanza, why do you rise?
SENATOR LANZA:Mr. President, I believe there's an amendment at the desk. I waive the reading of that amendment and ask that Senator Rolison be recognized.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Thank you, Senator Lanza.
Upon review of the amendment, in accordance with Rule 6, Section 4B, I rule it nongermane and out of order at this time.
SENATOR LANZA:Accordingly, Mr. President, I appeal the ruling of the chair and ask that Senator Rolison be heard on that appeal.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The appeal has been made and recoli -- the appeal has been made and recognized -- new word -- and Senator Rolison may be heard.
Senator Rolison.
SENATOR ROLISON:Good afternoon, Mr. President.
This amendment is germane to the bill-in-chief because the bill-in-chief deals with the legislative process of passing a bill through the State Legislature, and this amendment is a bill that I carry, Senate Bill 8463, that I'm hoping will pass today and, if not, then sometime this session.
The amendment, which is the same language from my bill, S8463, provides a one-year utility bill tax and surcharge holiday and a two-year green energy tax holiday. The tax and surcharge holidays would provide much-needed financial relief to residents and small businesses around this state that are dealing with crushing utility bills.
The bill does not come without precedent. In 2022, Mr. President, when gas prices were over $5 a gallon, we implemented a gas tax holiday. This bill would provide the same relief.
It is estimated that about one-third of utility bills are government taxes, surcharges, and government mandates. Now, I would say, Mr. President, the quickest and most effective way the government can provide immediate and real relief to ratepayers is to suspend some of these taxes and surcharges.
Now, this bill would suspend the gross receipts tax, the sales tax, the systems benefit charge, the temporary state assessment/incremental state assessment charge, and the renewable portfolio standard charge for one year.
Now, I would daresay, Mr. President, that most people don't even know that these taxes and surcharges are part of their bill. But they are partially what is driving up their bills.
It would also suspend any tariff or surcharge on a utility bill associated with the construction of a renewable energy system or EV charging stations for two years.
I encourage all of my fellow Senators to support this amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Thank you Senator Rolison.
I want to remind the house that the vote is on the procedures of the house and the ruling of the chair.
Those in favor of overruling the chair please signify by saying aye.
(Response of "Aye.")
SENATOR LANZA:Show of hands.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:A show of hands has been requested and so ordered.
Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:Ayes, 22.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The ruling of the chair stands, and the bill-in-chief is before the house.
Senator Gianaris.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Mr. President, we've agreed to restore this bill to the noncontroversial calendar.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Upon consent, this bill is restored to the noncontroversial calendar.
Read the last section.
THE SECRETARY:Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Call the roll.
(The Secretary called the roll.)
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Senator May to explain her vote.
SENATOR MAY:Thank you, Mr. President.
I want to thank Senator Krueger for this bill. When I first came into the Senate, I was shocked to discover that we don't already do this.
In the Congress, if a bill is -- in the House of Representatives and the Senate are slightly different, there is a simple procedure for them to come to an agreement about them.
But here we have to amend the bill, repass it. It's a very cumbersome process even sometimes just to change one word or even a comma.
So I think this is just smart policy. I'm pleased that we're passing it. And I vote aye.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Senator May to be recorded in the affirmative.
Senator Krueger to explain her vote.
SENATOR KRUEGER:Thank you. Good afternoon, Mr. President.
So despite our disagreement on the hostile amendment that just did not move as nongermane -- which it wasn't, actually -- I do hope my colleagues will join me in voting for this bill because of what Rachel May just said.
Congress does this. They get their bills negotiated far more quickly. You don't end up at the end of a session going, Huh, we passed sometimes not just two bills in the two houses, but four bills in the two houses which, if they had just been talking to each other, would have been one commonsense bill everyone agreed with that could much more likely move forward to the Governor and hopefully be passed.
And it's not that complicated to understand. And I think we would all be happier at the end of the day. Maybe not. So I do hope people will vote for the bill.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:Senator Krueger to be recorded in the affirmative.
Announce the results.
THE SECRETARY:In relation to Calendar 340, voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Gallivan, Helming, Martins, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Rhoads, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk and Weik.
Ayes, 42. Nays, 17.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:The bill is passed.
Senator Gianaris, that completes the reading of today's calendar.
SENATOR GIANARIS:Is there any further business at the desk?
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:There is no further business at the desk.
SENATOR GIANARIS:I move to adjourn until tomorrow, Tuesday, March 10th, at 3:00 p.m.
ACTING PRESIDENT BAILEY:On motion, the Senate stands adjourned until Tuesday, March 10th, at 3:00 p.m.
(Whereupon, at 3:30 p.m., the Senate adjourned.)
Highest impact first.
Protect Patients from Abuse
Pause Utility and Green Energy Taxes
Broaden Agency Definition
Ban Age Questions in Hiring
Create Bill Resolution Committee
Background Checks for Youth Workers
Require AI System Warnings
Warn Users About AI