Safer Weapons, Safer Home Act — requiring the Division of Criminal Justice Services to study the technological viability of personalized firearms
The New York State Assembly debated A01191-B, the Safer Weapons, Safer Home Act, which would direct the Division of Criminal Justice Services to conduct a two-year study on the technological viability of personalized firearms—weapons that can only be fired by authorized users. Sponsor Assemblyman Bores said the bill, simplified from prior versions, aims to provide data on existing market technology that could enhance public safety by preventing accidents, gun theft, and officer disarmament. He emphasized the bill contains no mandates and will inform future legislative decisions. However, opponents including Assemblymen Angelino, Pirozzolo, DiPietro, and Manktelow argued the bill infringes Second Amendment rights, duplicates existing safe storage laws, and wastes resources on a study that won't prevent crime. They raised concerns about technology failures, unintended consequences like false sense of security, and scenarios where authorized users might need to share weapons for self-defense. Pirozzolo questioned spending on the study when the state faces larger issues like homelessness and drug use. No vote was taken during this segment of debate.
An act to amend the Veterans' Services Law, in relation to establishing a Veterans' Bill of Rights
The Assembly passed A06559-C, sponsored by Assemblymembers Benedetto, Griffin, and Angelino, establishing a Veterans' Bill of Rights under the Veterans' Services Law. The bill takes effect on the 90th day and was advanced on consent without debate.
An act to amend the Cannabis Law, in relation to medical use cannabis; and to repeal Article 33-A of the Public Health Law relating to the Controlled Substances Therapeutic Research Act
The New York State Assembly passed legislation sponsored by Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes to revitalize the state's struggling medical cannabis program. The bill, A04795/S03294, streamlines patient access by lowering the designated caregiver age from 21 to 18, allowing healthcare practitioners to certify caregivers, establishing reciprocity for out-of-state medical cannabis cardholders, and eliminating registry identification card requirements. Debate centered on the caregiver age reduction, with sponsors clarifying it aligns with existing home health aide requirements and ensures caregivers under 21 can pick up medication without obstruction. The bill addresses a significant decline in medical dispensaries from 40 to 30 since adult-use legalization in 2021, with rising prices limiting patient access. Supporters emphasized the need to protect specialized medical products unavailable in adult-use stores, while some members questioned whether the changes adequately address the program's underlying issues, including continued taxation of medical cannabis. The Assembly passed the bill without a recorded vote tally being announced.
An act to amend Chapter 376 of the Laws of 2024 amending the Tax Law relating to authorizing the County of Chenango to impose an additional mortgage recording tax, in relation to the effectiveness thereof; and to amend the Tax Law, in relation to the depositing of mortgage recording tax funds into the general fund of the County of Chenango
An act to amend the Executive Law, in relation to providing for certain victim statements to be taken at their workplace instead of the police department
The Assembly debated legislation that would allow victims of second-degree assault in healthcare settings to file police reports at their workplace rather than at police stations. Sponsored by Asm. Woerner with 9 co-sponsors, the bill responds to high rates of workplace violence against healthcare workers—55 percent of ER physicians and 70 percent of ER nurses have been physically assaulted. Woerner argued the measure prevents victims from being victimized a second time by lengthy waits at police stations and helps build case records and document repeat offenses. Asm. Angelino questioned the bill's narrow scope, asking why it covers only assault and not other violent crimes like robbery, and why it singles out healthcare workers when existing law already broadly addresses all workplace victims. Woerner clarified the bill targets the specific experiences of healthcare workers facing high assault rates.
Assault in healthcare facilities - requires law enforcement to offer victims option to provide statements at healthcare facility rather than police station
The Assembly passed legislation sponsored by Asm. Woerner requiring law enforcement to offer assault victims in healthcare facilities the option to provide statements at the facility rather than at a police station. The bill was prompted by complaints from emergency room nurses and hospital administrators across multiple jurisdictions who reported that victims felt re-victimized by mandatory police station visits. Woerner cited statistics showing 70 percent of ER nurses and 55 percent of ER physicians experience workplace violence. Opponents, including Asm. Angelino and Asm. Reilly, argued the bill is unnecessarily specific, lacks law enforcement input, and duplicates existing law. They contended local police-hospital relationships could address the issue without legislation and expressed concern that handwritten statements in emergency rooms would be less thorough than those taken at police stations. The bill requires police to inform victims they have the option to provide statements at the healthcare facility or at a police station at a later time.
An act to amend the Criminal Procedure Law, in relation to requiring police officers to take temporary custody of firearms when responding to reports of family violence.
The Assembly passed legislation requiring police to seize firearms during domestic violence responses, codifying practices already used in New York City. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Paulin, the bill mandates officers take temporary custody of guns for up to 120 hours when responding to family violence calls if certain conditions on a domestic incident report are met or if officers reasonably believe seizure is necessary to protect victims. The measure extends an existing 48-hour holding period to five days to provide a longer cooling-off period. Debate focused on constitutional concerns about potentially seizing firearms from innocent third parties and whether existing law and Temporary Extreme Risk Protection Orders already address the issue. Assemblywoman Walsh questioned implementation details and raised concerns about unintended consequences, while Assemblyman Angelino objected to the mandatory language. Assemblywoman Griffin supported the bill, citing statistics showing domestic violence calls present high risk. The Republican Conference voted against the measure, while the Majority Conference supported it.
An act to amend the General Municipal Law, in relation to removing emergency medical services from the limit on real property tax levies by local governments
The Assembly passed legislation removing emergency medical services from the real property tax levy cap imposed on local governments, allowing municipalities to fund EMS agencies outside the 2 percent tax cap limit. Sponsored by Asm. Lupardo, the bill is part of a multi-year "RescueMS" initiative to support struggling EMS providers. Lupardo noted that EMS agencies have faced staffing shortages and lack funding for vital equipment, infrastructure improvements, and staff training. Asm. Angelino emphasized the particular impact on rural volunteer ambulance providers, many of which are struggling to remain operational. He noted that some municipalities have no ambulance coverage and rely solely on mutual aid from neighboring jurisdictions. Angelino stated that the bill will provide municipalities with breathing room to fund EMS services, with some needing only to sign contracts at 50 cents on the dollar over the tax cap. The bill passed with support from both sponsors and recognition from the Association of Counties and Conference of Mayors.
An act to amend the Tax Law, in relation to authorizing the Town of Dickinson to establish hotel and motel taxes; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof
Law enforcement communications public access
The Assembly passed legislation requiring real-time public access to encrypted law enforcement radio communications for credentialed journalists and emergency services organizations, despite significant safety concerns raised by opponents. Sponsor Assemblywoman Reyes emphasized the importance of transparency and noted that emergency services in rural counties depend on real-time radio access for rapid response. She argued that law enforcement officers are competent to determine what constitutes sensitive information under the bill's definition and that the Department of State will establish a process for oversight. Opponents, including Assemblymen Durso, Yeger, and Reilly, raised substantial public safety concerns, arguing that real-time disclosure could endanger officers and the public by revealing confidential informant identities, tactical information, or other sensitive details. Assemblyman Yeger proposed a compromise amendment for a 5-15 minute delay to allow law enforcement to prevent disclosure of sensitive information, warning that the bill could endanger lives in emergency situations and that anyone with a social media account could immediately broadcast sensitive information. Assemblyman Reilly urged the Governor to amend the bill to include a 10-minute delay if it reaches the Senate. The Minority Conference voted against the bill; the Majority Conference supported it. A party vote was requested.
Low Impact Landscaping Rights Act
The Assembly passed A01890, the Low Impact Landscaping Rights Act, allowing homeowners association residents to install pollinator gardens, rain gardens, and other low-impact landscaping on their private property. Sponsor Assemblymember Glick argued that 85 percent of land east of the Mississippi is privately owned and residents must be able to support pollinators and native species. The bill includes safeguards requiring landscaping to be reasonably maintained and not intrude on common areas or neighboring properties; HOAs retain authority to deny landscaping creating public safety hazards or nuisances. Opponents, including Assemblymembers Gandolfo, Walsh, Angelino, and Yeger, argued the bill improperly overrides existing contractual agreements between property owners and HOAs that residents voluntarily entered into, and one member contended it is unconstitutional. Supporters emphasized water conservation and pesticide reduction benefits.
Custodial interrogation of juveniles; requires attorney presence and parental notification
The Assembly passed legislation requiring attorney presence during police interrogation of juveniles, with supporters citing research showing children confess at three times the rate of adults and citing 25 exonerations of juveniles in New York since 1989. Sponsor Asm. Hevesi argued the measure protects constitutional rights and prevents false confessions that allow actual perpetrators to remain free and commit additional crimes. Opponents raised practical concerns about implementation in rural areas lacking designated interrogation facilities and warned the requirement will hamstring law enforcement investigations. The bill received a party-line vote, with the Democratic majority supporting it and Republicans opposing. The measure takes effect April 1, 2026.
Custodial interrogation of juveniles; requires attorney presence and parental notification
The New York State Assembly passed legislation on May 27 requiring that attorneys be present during police interrogation of juveniles, a measure designed to prevent false confessions and protect constitutional rights of minors. Sponsor Asm. Hevesi cited studies showing children confess at three times the rate of adults and noted that 25 juveniles have been exonerated in New York since 1989. The bill also requires parental notification and mandates that interrogations occur in designated facilities. Opponents, including Asm. Angelino and Ms. Walsh, argued the requirement is logistically impractical outside New York City and will hamstring law enforcement investigations. The Republican Conference voted against the measure, while the Majority Conference supported it. The bill takes effect April 1, 2026.
Safer Weapons, Safer Homes Act - An act to amend the Executive Law, in relation to defining personalized handguns and requiring the Division of Criminal Justice Services to certify the technological viability of personalized handguns and to establish requirements related to the sale of personalized handguns
The Assembly debated A1191, the Safer Weapons, Safer Homes Act, which would direct the Division of Criminal Justice Services to certify the technological viability of personalized handguns within 180 days and establish testing criteria for models meeting the definition. Sponsor Assemblyman Bores argued the bill addresses three public safety concerns: accidental shootings in homes, gun trafficking, and officer safety, noting that personalized handguns are already on the market and have been purchased by law enforcement agencies in five states. The bill contains no mandate to purchase such firearms and does not restrict other firearms sales. Opponents Assemblymen Angelino and Smullen raised concerns about technology maturity and reliability, questioning whether 100% viability is achievable and warning that false security could lead to unsafe storage practices. Smullen also challenged the appropriateness of DCJS as the certifying authority and expressed concern about open-ended regulatory power granted without further legislation. Angelino cited New Jersey's failed 2002 mandate and 2019 amendments as cautionary examples. The bill passed the Assembly on a bipartisan basis last year.
An act to amend the Public Service Law, in relation to complaint handling procedures by the Public Service Commission
The Assembly passed A01441-A, sponsored by Asm. Dinowitz, requiring utilities to respond to consumer complaints in writing within 15 days (30 days for municipalities) after concluding investigations. The bill expands complaint procedures to cover residential and commercial customers for gas, electric, and steam utilities, and imposes penalties of $100 per day for utilities and $25 per day for municipalities for late responses. Dinowitz argued the bill addresses widespread constituent complaints about non-responsive utilities and that the administrative burden is minimal for large companies. Critics, including Ms. Walsh and Asm. Angelino, raised concerns about vague language defining when investigations conclude, potential duplicate penalties already imposed by the PSC, and worries that utilities might seek rate increases to cover compliance costs. The Minority Conference voted generally in the negative, though some members supported it. The bill received support from members citing daily constituent complaints about utilities.
An act to amend the Civil Practice Law and Rules, in relation to certification of class actions in cases involving government operations
The Assembly passed legislation allowing class action lawsuits against governmental entities despite gubernatorial veto of identical language last year. Sponsor Asm. Solages argued the bill clarifies that courts cannot deny class certification solely because a lawsuit involves government operations, ensuring low-income and marginalized communities have access to courts. Opponent Asm. Walsh contended that class actions against governmental entities are already allowable under current law with established exceptions, that the bill reverses 50 years of settled Court of Appeals precedent, and that it would increase litigation costs borne by taxpayers. The Minority Conference voted against the bill; the Majority Conference voted in favor with some exceptions. Asm. Angelino predicted the Governor would veto the bill again, citing concerns about potential class actions by state corrections officers.
An act to amend the General Business Law, in relation to removing dealers of ammunition from certain provisions regarding the use of certain merchant category-codes by payment card networks
The Assembly passed a chapter amendment to legislation requiring payment card networks to create merchant category codes for firearm and ammunition retailers. Sponsor Asm. Solages characterized the amendment as a technical clarification removing redundant language about ammunition dealers, since firearms dealers already cover ammunition under law. However, Republican opponents including Asm. Angelino and Asm. Smullen argued the bill effectively creates a registry of firearm purchasers in violation of the Second Amendment and the 1986 Firearms Privacy Act. Angelino cited statements from Visa and Mastercard indicating they have paused implementation of such codes due to legal uncertainty. The bill passed on a party-line vote with the Majority Conference voting in favor and the Minority Conference voting against, though individual members were permitted to vote contrary to their conference position.
An act to amend the Energy Law, in relation to electric vehicle charging infrastructure in new buildings
The Assembly passed a chapter amendment to the Energy Law requiring new buildings with off-street parking to include electric vehicle charging infrastructure, despite significant opposition from members concerned about construction costs, fire safety, and regulatory overreach. Sponsor Asm. Burroughs argued the measure addresses climate crisis and expands EV charging access, particularly for multi-family dwellings. Opponents, including Asm. Brown, a builder, warned the bill will exponentially increase construction costs and make affordable housing less affordable by imposing uniform statewide standards through an unelected 17-member Code Council. Critics also questioned whether the bill reduces carbon emissions given the electricity grid's reliance on fossil fuels, and raised concerns about lithium-ion battery fire risks. Asm. Pirozzolo attempted to motion the bill off the floor but withdrew the request. The bill passed on a party-line vote, with the Majority Conference voting yes and the Minority Conference voting no.
An act to amend the State Law, in relation to designating the State of New York a Purple Heart State
The Assembly passed A29, designating New York State as a Purple Heart State, with multiple members explaining their votes in support. Asm. McDonald, the primary sponsor, noted approximately 19,000 Purple Heart recipients are New York residents or had New York as their state of residence when serving. Asm. Bendett honored his grandfather, a WWII Purple Heart recipient, and acknowledged two Purple Heart recipients in the Chamber. Asm. Eachus highlighted the Purple Heart Hall of Honor in New Windsor, the only national repository of Purple Heart medals in the country, which was dedicated in 2006 and received a $10 million state grant. Asm. Angelino honored four Marine friends who earned Purple Hearts but did not survive. The bill passed unanimously with all members voting affirmatively.
An act to amend the Penal Law and General Business Law, in relation to pistol converters
The Assembly passed legislation requiring gun manufacturers to take reasonable steps to prevent the conversion of semiautomatic pistols into fully automatic machine guns. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Simon, A10053-A targets the "Glock switch"—a device about the size of a quarter that can be easily installed or 3D-printed to convert Glock pistols to fire up to 1,200 rounds per minute. The bill amends both Penal Law and General Business Law to hold manufacturers accountable under New York's Gun Industry Accountability Law. Simon cited a 2,750 percent increase in ATF recoveries of such devices between 2021 and 2022, with growing criminal use nationwide. Assemblyman Angelino opposed the measure, arguing that pistols work as designed, that federal law already bans machine guns, and that the bill imposes unfair product liability on manufacturers for criminal misuse. The Republican Conference opposed the bill; the Democratic majority supported it.
Permitting the use of snowmobiles on the right-of-way of certain public highways within the Village of Bemus Point in Chautauqua County
The Assembly passed A08575, a bill permitting snowmobile use on certain public highways in the Village of Bemus Point in Chautauqua County, sponsored by Assemblyman Andy Goodell. The vote became an occasion for multiple members to pay tribute to Goodell, who is retiring. Colleagues including Angelino, Walsh, Giglio, Ra, Hawley, and Tague praised Goodell's legal expertise, constitutional knowledge, mentorship, and character. Goodell responded with remarks thanking his colleagues and staff, crediting his team with providing the information and support that enabled his floor work. The chamber observed a moment of reflection on Goodell's service.
An act to amend the Penal Law and General Business Law, in relation to pistol converters
The Assembly passed legislation requiring gun manufacturers to take reasonable steps to prevent the conversion of semiautomatic pistols into fully automatic machine guns. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Simon, A10053-A (S07365-B) targets the illegal "Glock switch," a device about the size of a quarter that can convert Glock pistols to fire up to 1,200 rounds per minute. The bill amends both Penal Law and General Business Law to define pistol converters and impose product accountability on manufacturers. Simon cited a 2,750 percent increase in ATF recoveries of such devices between 2021 and 2022, arguing responsible manufacturers should redesign products to prevent illegal conversion. Assemblyman Angelino opposed the measure, contending that pistols work as designed and are used lawfully by thousands of law enforcement officers, and that manufacturers cannot be held liable for criminal misuse. He warned the bill would spawn litigation while criminals find technological workarounds. The Democratic Conference supported the bill; Republicans were generally opposed.
Exempting fire department officers of Village of Hancock from residency requirement
Permitting the use of snowmobiles on the right-of-way of certain public highways within the Village of Bemus Point in Chautauqua County
Assembly A08575, a bill permitting snowmobile use on certain public highways in the Village of Bemus Point in Chautauqua County, passed June 7 in what became a farewell tribute to sponsor Asm. Andy Goodell, who is retiring. Multiple colleagues took to the floor to explain their votes, praising Goodell's legal expertise, constitutional knowledge, mentorship, and character. Asm. Angelino called him 'the great Andy Goodell,' while Asm. Ra credited him with mentoring him since 2011. Asm. Walsh highlighted his ability to grasp complex legislative issues and approach them from interesting angles. Asm. Giglio shared humorous anecdotes about their friendship. Goodell himself thanked his staff and colleagues, noting that his knowledge comes from phenomenal staff support and bill packets that provide information enabling him to ask informed questions.
An act to amend the Penal Law and General Business Law, in relation to pistol converters
The Assembly passed legislation requiring gun manufacturers to implement reasonable design controls to prevent the conversion of semiautomatic pistols into fully automatic machine guns. Sponsor Assemblywoman Simon cited a 2,750 percent increase in federal seizures of "Glock switches" between 2021 and 2022, noting the devices can fire up to 1,200 rounds per minute and are easily created with 3D printers. The bill amends both Penal Law and General Business Law to hold manufacturers accountable under New York's Gun Industry Accountability Law. Assemblyman Angelino opposed the measure, arguing that pistols are designed correctly and used responsibly by law enforcement, and that imposing product liability for criminal misuse would be ineffective since criminals would find technological workarounds. The Republican Conference opposed the bill; the Democratic majority supported it.
Source: Official NY Assembly floor session transcripts (Granicus). AI-processed. Includes sessions from 2023 onward where transcripts are available.