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Asm. Paula Bologna
District 144
Republican
First elected 2025
AD-144 Republican Paula Bologna, first elected in 2024, holds a structurally safe seat in a district carrying an R+13 registration lean and a base electoral model of R+20 across all projected 2026 environments. Her 2024 victory over Michelle M. Roman came by a margin of 23.6 points (61.8% to 38.2%), consistent with the district's prior Republican performance under predecessor Michael J. Norris, who won by 25.0 points in 2018 and ran uncontested in 2016, 2020, and 2022. The district is predominantly white (88.5%), suburban in character with a 79.3% homeownership rate, a median household income of $89,111, and a poverty rate of 8.3%, with Republicans holding a 40.2% to 27.6% registration advantage over Democrats. In her first session, Bologna sponsored 71 bills, with the heaviest concentration in tax (5 bills), education (4 bills), and environmental conservation (4 bills), followed by labor, public service, election, energy, and executive law areas; no committee chairmanship is indicated in available records.AI
Vulnerability Index AD-144
Base lean: R+20
Favorable D
Neutral
Favorable R
Scenario model: ±5pt national environment shift applied to district base lean (R+20). Base lean blends voter registration (40%) with recent contested general election margins (60%), using up to the last 4 general elections with margins under 40 points. Ratings: Safe D/R = 15+ pts, Likely = 8–14 pts, Lean = 3–7 pts, Toss-up = within 2 pts. Generic ballot from Silver Bulletin (Nate Silver), as of 5/1/2026. Not a prediction — reflects structural competitiveness under different cycle environments.
Electoral History AD-144
General Elections
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Paul A. Bologna 61.8% (44,350) | Michelle M. Roman 38.2% (27,402) | 23.6pts |
| 2022 | Michael J. Norris 100.0% (42,819) | Uncontested | — |
| 2020 | Michael J. Norris 100.0% (54,375) | Uncontested | — |
| 2018 | Michael J. Norris 62.5% (31,688) | Joseph DiPasquale 37.5% (19,044) | 25.0pts |
| 2016 | Michael J. Norris 100.0% (43,506) | Uncontested | — |
| 2014 | Jane L. Corwin 100.0% (29,461) | Uncontested | — |
| 2012 | Jane L. Corwin 100.0% (44,450) | Uncontested | — |
| 2011 | Sean M. Ryan 70.3% (5,257) | Sean P. Kipp 19.2% (1,435) | 51.1pts |
| 2010 | Sam Hoyt 53.3% (16,610) | Brian R. Biggie 27.2% (8,469) | 26.1pts |
| 2008 | Sam Hoyt 70.9% (30,228) | Sheila А. Ferrentino 29.1% (12,418) | 41.8pts |
| 2006 | Sam Hoyt 76.0% (21,685) | Rus Thompson 24.0% (6,852) | 52.0pts |
| 2004 | Sam Hoyt 72.6% (32,404) | David L. Penna 27.4% (12,222) | 45.2pts |
| 2002 | Sam Hoyt 72.4% (22,694) | David L. Penna 27.6% (8,666) | 44.8pts |
| 2000 | Sam Hoyt 75.6% (25,727) | Antoinette Guercio 24.4% (8,290) | 51.2pts |
| 1998 | Sam Hoyt 75.0% (20,115) | Richard W. Crawford, Jr. 25.0% (6,694) | 50.0pts |
| 1996 | Sam Hoyt 79.4% (27,268) | Mark B. Mitskovski 20.6% (7,064) | 58.8pts |
Primary Elections
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 (Reform) | Michael J. Norris 99.2% (123) | Joe Di Pasquale 0.8% (1) | 98.4pts |
Source: NYS Board of Elections certified results. ⚡ = margin under 10 pts. District history reflects 2022 redistricted boundaries.
Voter Registration
District 144 Profile
Population
135,448
Median income
$89,111
Median rent
$937
Homeownership
79.3%
Education (BA+)
37.0%
Poverty rate
8.3%
Uninsured rate
2.6%
Unemployment rate
4.3%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2024).
Demographics
White
88.5%
Black
3.1%
Hispanic
3.2%
Asian
1.0%
Median age
45.4
Foreign born
4.4%
Limited English households
0.9%
Veterans
6.9%
Disability rate
13.5%
Commute Mode
Drive alone
76.5%
Public transit
0.2%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2024). Race and ethnicity figures may not sum to 100% — Hispanic/Latino is an ethnicity category that overlaps with racial groups.
Legislative Activity (2025–2026)
Bills sponsored
71
Floor debate appearances
19
Years in office
1
Bill sponsorship from NYS Open Legislation API. Joint hearing appearances from NYS Senate hearing transcripts.
Floor Session Activity 2025–2026
A03304-B
PASSED
2026-03-31
Prohibiting fees for electronic benefit transfer services
The Assembly passed A03304-B, sponsored by Assemblywoman Tapia, prohibiting state-regulated financial institutions and ATM operators from charging surcharges when individuals access public benefits using electronic benefit transfer cards. Tapia explained the bill ensures the full value of public assistance reaches recipients for essential needs rather than being diverted through point-of-use fees, tracing the issue to COVID-era charges by Key Bank. Assemblyman Bologna supported the bill's intent but opposed passage, arguing that restricting only state-chartered institutions while exempting federally-chartered banks creates an uneven competitive playing field that could discourage state banks from serving underbanked communities. Bologna also raised fairness concerns that the bill exempts EBT users from fees while other consumers remain subject to them. The Majority Conference voted in favor; the Minority Conference voted against.
A03304-B
PASSED
2026-03-31
Prohibiting fees for electronic benefit transfer services
The Assembly passed A03304-B, sponsored by Assemblywoman Tapia, prohibiting state-regulated financial institutions and ATM operators from charging consumer-facing surcharges on electronic benefit transfer card transactions. The bill ensures the full value of public assistance benefits reaches recipients without diversion through point-of-use fees. Tapia traced the bill's origins to pandemic-era practices by Key Bank and noted most financial institutions have already ceased such charges. Assemblyman Bologna opposed the measure, arguing it creates an uneven competitive playing field by restricting only state-chartered institutions while exempting federally-chartered competitors, and raised fairness concerns about exempting EBT users from fees while other consumers must pay them. The Majority Conference voted in favor; the Minority Conference voted against.
A06766
PASSED
2026-03-25
An act to amend the General Business Law, in relation to prohibiting predatory automated teller machine fees at casinos and colleges
The Assembly passed A06766, sponsored by Asm. Vanel, authorizing the Department of Financial Services to establish reasonable limits on ATM transaction fees at casinos and colleges. Vanel argued these venues create captive audiences unable to access alternative ATMs, with average fees of $10 at casinos and exceeding $5 at colleges. The bill requires DFS to set fee caps through rulemaking with stakeholder input and imposes $250 fines for knowing violations. Lemondes opposed the measure, arguing it puts the cart before the horse by mandating reasonableness without specifying fee schedules and warning it could create "ATM deserts" if businesses remove machines rather than comply. He contended that disclosure at the ATM terminal and consumer choice are sufficient protections. The Republican Conference opposed the bill generally, though members could vote affirmatively at their desks. The Majority Party voted affirmatively, with members able to vote negatively if desired. The bill takes effect immediately.
A04716-D
2026-03-18
Washing Machine Microfiber Filtration Act
The Assembly debated A04716-D, the Washing Machine Microfiber Filtration Act, sponsored by Assemblywoman Kelles, which would require washing machines sold in New York State after January 1, 2030 to include microfiber filtration systems. Kelles argued that microplastics from washing machines contribute approximately 30 percent of ocean microplastics and have been found in human brains and tissues, causing inflammation and health risks. She noted that filter technology already exists and is used in Europe, with some filters capturing up to 98 percent of microfibers. However, multiple Assembly members raised significant concerns. Assemblyman Mikulin questioned why washing machines are regulated rather than the textile industry and noted that no U.S. states have yet implemented such requirements. Assemblyman Manktelow expressed concern that the bill simply moves microplastics from water systems to landfills, potentially contaminating New York's freshwater resources including Lake Ontario and the Finger Lakes. Assemblyman Lemondes questioned whether alternative disposal methods like incineration were explored and warned the microfibers could eventually be classified as hazardous waste. Assemblyman Bologna raised concerns about consumer compliance with filter maintenance and questioned the actual cost increase to consumers. The bill had not been voted on at the conclusion of this transcript segment.
A09460 / S1353-B
2026-03-10
Chapter amendment to Chapter 710 of the Laws of 2025 establishing procedures for victims of coerced debt to dispute such debt with creditors and hold abusers liable
The Assembly debated a chapter amendment to establish procedures allowing victims of coerced debt—including domestic violence survivors, trafficking victims, and exploited seniors—to dispute debts and hold abusers financially liable. Sponsor Assemblywoman Rosenthal said the bill creates a necessary pathway for vulnerable populations who previously had no recourse. However, the debate revealed significant implementation concerns. Assemblyman Bologna, the Ranking Member on Banks, questioned how creditors can reliably determine coercion when prohibited from contacting the accused party and relying on hearsay evidence from professionals who need not have witnessed the coercion. He also identified a critical internal contradiction: one section states creditors need not receive a formal request before legal action, while another requires it. Rosenthal acknowledged the inconsistency would be addressed in a future bill. Assemblywoman Walsh raised concerns that the bill relies on hearsay evidence inadmissible in court and questioned whether creditors should bear uncompensated legal costs if they deny claims later found valid. The bill remained under debate at the end of this transcript segment.
A05906-B
PASSED
2026-02-11
Cannabis regulatory clarification — measurement standards for dispensary proximity to schools and houses of worship
The Assembly passed legislation on Feb. 11 correcting regulatory guidance from the Office of Cannabis Management that retroactively deemed over 100 licensed cannabis dispensaries non-compliant with proximity requirements to schools and houses of worship. Sponsor Assemblywoman Zinerman's bill (A05906-B) clarifies that distance measurements run center-door-to-center-door at 500 feet from schools and 200 feet from houses of worship, restoring consistency with the original Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act. The bill protects businesses that received written state confirmation and invested capital in good faith. Supporters, including Assemblyman Dais and Mrs. Peoples-Stokes, emphasized OCM's rigorous age-verification safeguards exceed those of liquor retailers and that the cannabis industry generates tax revenue and economic opportunity for justice-involved individuals. Opponents including Assemblywoman Walsh and Assemblyman Slater criticized the bill as special treatment unavailable to other regulated industries, questioned the cannabis program's overall implementation, and objected to the compressed legislative timeline. The bill passed on a party-line vote with the Minority Conference voting in the negative, though individual members were permitted to vote affirmatively at their seats.
A8662-A
PASSED
2025-06-17
LLC Transparency Act - Definition Codification (Technical Amendment)
The Assembly passed A8662-A, a technical amendment to the LLC Transparency Act that codifies Federal beneficial ownership definitions into state law. Sponsor Asm. Gallagher characterized the bill as a necessary fix to fill a gap created when Federal law changed, maintaining no new policy or exemptions were introduced. However, opponents including Asm. Blumencranz and Asm. Ra argued the bill represents substantive policy-making, not a technical fix, as it explicitly places into state law definitions previously referenced by Federal citation. Critics raised concerns about duplicative compliance burdens on small businesses, data security risks, and the bill's exemption of large financial institutions while targeting smaller LLCs. The Business Council strongly opposed the legislation, calling it regulatory overreach that will accelerate business exodus from New York. A procedural dispute arose over whether questions about Federal enforcement changes were germane; the Acting Speaker ruled they were not, and that ruling was upheld on appeal. The bill passed on a party-line vote, with the Republican Conference voting in opposition.
A07777 / S01099
PASSED
2025-06-17
Freedom to Read Act - amending Education Law to empower school libraries to develop diverse, developmentally appropriate collections
The New York State Assembly passed the 'Freedom to Read Act' (A07777/S01099) on June 17, 2025, after extensive debate over the bill's delegation of authority to the State Education Commissioner. Sponsored by Assemblyman Simone, the bill directs the Commissioner to establish policies ensuring school libraries develop diverse, developmentally appropriate collections. Supporters argued the measure addresses real censorship concerns, citing examples of inappropriate book challenges such as removal of science texts. Critics, including Assemblymen Gandolfo, Bologna, Durso, and Fitzpatrick, expressed concerns that the bill shifts decision-making power from local school districts to the state level, potentially undermining parental involvement and local control. The bill does not explicitly define "developmentally appropriate" and leaves appeal procedures unclear. Republicans generally opposed the measure, though the Democratic majority voted in favor. Assemblymen Bologna and Durso voted against the bill, citing concerns about centralized state authority over local school boards.
A00584-C
PASSED
2025-06-11
Judicial Candidate Cross-Endorsement Authorization - requires judicial candidates to obtain party authorization (Wilson-Pakula) to run in another party's primary
The Assembly passed legislation requiring judicial candidates to obtain party authorization before running in another party's primary, a requirement similar to those applied to other candidates under the Wilson-Pakula law. Sponsor Assemblyman Jacobson argued the bill ensures voters understand that candidates on a party line share that party's values, noting most voters decide based on party affiliation when unfamiliar with candidates. Supporters including Assemblywoman Lunsford contended judges already run on party lines, making them inherently political, and the bill simply clarifies voter expectations without further politicizing the judiciary. Opponents including Assemblyman Durso and Sempolinski argued the bill gives party committees gatekeeping power over judicial candidates and undermines the principle that judges should represent all parties and remain apolitical. Assemblyman Steck cited practical examples of judges abusing the current system by enrolling voters in minor parties without genuine affiliation. The bill passed on a slow roll call vote.
A08067-A
PASSED
2025-06-11
An act to amend the Banking Law, in relation to an exemption from the licensing requirements for servicers of student loans
The Assembly passed A08067-A, sponsored by Asm. Epstein, amending the Banking Law to clarify that student loan servicers exempt from licensing requirements must comply only with reporting requirements under the Financial Services Law. The bill, which was amended since committee review to specify that reporting is the sole obligation for exempt servicers, received support from stakeholders consulted during the legislative process. Asm. Bologna praised the measure as an example of effective legislative amendment and indicated his support.
A06576-B
PASSED
2025-06-10
Relating to prohibiting insurance companies from denying or increasing premiums on renter's insurance based on dog breed
The Assembly passed legislation extending to renters the same protections homeowners currently have against insurance discrimination based on dog breed. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Rosenthal, the bill prohibits insurance companies from denying renter's insurance coverage or increasing premiums solely because of a dog's breed. The measure sparked heated debate, with opponents arguing that certain breeds like pit bulls are statistically more likely to cause severe injuries and that insurers should be able to price in this risk. Proponents countered that breed-based determinations are unreliable and that individual dog temperament, training, and behavior should determine coverage. Rosenthal cited examples of pit bulls that saved lives, including one that alerted owners to a gas leak. The bill passed with the Majority Conference voting affirmatively, though the Minority Conference generally opposed it.
A06576-B
PASSED
2025-06-10
Relating to prohibiting insurance companies from denying or increasing premiums on renter's insurance based on dog breed
The Assembly passed legislation extending to renters the same insurance protections homeowners currently enjoy, prohibiting insurance companies from denying coverage or raising premiums based on dog breed. Sponsor Assemblywoman Rosenthal argued that individual dog temperament, training, and behavior—not breed—should determine insurability, citing American Veterinary Medical Association research and anecdotes of pit bulls performing heroic acts. Opponents including Assemblymen Blankenbush, A. Brown, and Gandolfo countered that pit bulls and similar breeds are statistically involved in the majority of severe dog bites and that insurance companies should be able to price in the damage potential of larger breeds to prevent costs from rising for other policyholders. The bill passed with a party-line vote, with the Majority Conference voting affirmatively and the Minority Conference generally voting negatively, though some members voted at their desks.
A05031-A
PASSED
2025-06-09
An act to amend the Banking Law, in relation to establishing criteria for the closure of banking accounts in the State of New York
The Assembly passed A05031-A, sponsored by Asm. Jacobson, requiring State-chartered banks to provide 60 days' notice and written explanation before closing customer accounts, with funds returned within 60 days of closure. The bill does not preempt Federal law. Debate focused on whether the notice requirement could interfere with law enforcement investigations into financial crimes. Sponsor Jacobson argued the bill protects consumers from unexpected account closures that cause bounced checks and financial hardship, and does not prevent banks from complying with Federal law enforcement orders. Opponent Asm. Bologna raised concerns that the bill lacks explicit exemptions for State law enforcement agencies investigating fraud, money laundering, and terrorism, and could burden State-chartered banks already struggling to compete with Federal institutions. Supporter Asm. Peoples-Stokes cited real instances where banks closed accounts without notification, leaving customers unaware their money had been turned over to the Comptroller's Unclaimed Funds account. The bill takes effect immediately.
A05031-A
PASSED
2025-06-09
An act to amend the Banking Law, in relation to establishing criteria for the closure of banking accounts in the State of New York
The Assembly passed A05031-A, sponsored by Asm. Jacobson, requiring State-chartered banks to provide 60 days' notice and written explanation before closing customer accounts, with funds returned within 60 days of closure. The bill aims to protect consumers from unexpected account closures that can result in bounced checks and financial hardship. Jacobson noted the measure does not preempt Federal law enforcement actions. However, Asm. Bologna raised concerns that the bill lacks explicit exemptions for State law enforcement investigations into fraud, money laundering, and terrorism, and warned it could disadvantage State-chartered banks and credit unions already struggling to compete with Federal-chartered institutions. Asm. Peoples-Stokes supported the measure, citing instances where banks closed accounts without notice and funds ended up unclaimed. The bill takes effect immediately.
A01865-A
PASSED
2025-05-13
An act to amend the Real Property Law, in relation to the installation of appliances or fixtures by tenants
The Assembly passed A01865-A, sponsored by Asm. Rosenthal, allowing residential tenants to install appliances and fixtures in rental units with landlord written consent, provided installations comply with applicable building codes. The bill addresses tenant complaints about landlords unreasonably denying requests to upgrade worn or inefficient appliances. Rosenthal argued the measure is narrow and places all costs on tenants, who must restore units upon lease termination. Opponents, including Asm. Fitzpatrick and Asm. Bologna, raised concerns about property owner rights and infrastructure burdens on older buildings. Fitzpatrick argued the bill imposes additional mandates on landlords already struggling with rising operational costs and rent restrictions. Bologna questioned ambiguities regarding electrical capacity, plumbing modifications, and what constitutes valid grounds for denial. The bill passed without a recorded vote tally being announced in this segment.
A02042
TABLED
2025-04-03
Legislation authorizing the Commissioner of OCFS to conduct a study examining barriers to creation of childcare providers and submit recommendations to the Governor and Legislature.
The Assembly's Minority Conference moved to discharge A02042, a bill establishing a task force to study barriers to childcare provider creation, from the Committee on Children and Families on Thursday, but the motion was tabled after a party-line vote request. Asm. Maher, the bill's sponsor, argued that 64 percent of New York families live in childcare deserts—higher than the 50 percent national average—and cited declining provider numbers across the state, including a 50 percent drop in Poughkeepsie from 2007 to 2023. Maher detailed how state agencies fail to communicate, resulting in providers facing crippling insurance costs; one provider's bill jumped from $13,000 to potentially $100,000 because state childcare funding was classified as earned income. The bill would mandate the Office of Children and Family Services to study barriers and coordinate with the Department of Education and Department of Financial Services. Majority Leader Peoples-Stokes opposed the discharge, insisting bills follow the committee process. Minority Leader Ra countered that 19 Minority bills received no substantive votes in committee yesterday, only Motions to Hold, arguing the committee process does not provide fair consideration for legislation representing nearly six million New Yorkers. The motion received bipartisan support from members citing personal experience with childcare costs and the issue's disproportionate impact on women.
A02042
2025-04-03
Legislation authorizing the Commissioner of OCFS to conduct a study examining barriers to creation of childcare providers and submit recommendations to the Governor and Legislature.
The Assembly debated a Motion to Discharge (A02042) sponsored by Asm. Maher that would bypass committee review and bring a childcare study bill directly to the floor. The bill would authorize the Commissioner of OCFS to examine barriers to childcare provider creation and coordinate with other State agencies. Maher argued New York lags nationally with 64 percent of families in childcare deserts and cited documented provider decline in Hudson Valley cities. Majority Leader Peoples-Stokes opposed the discharge, defending the committee process as proper procedure. Minority members and several Majority members supported the motion as a procedural safety valve, with Asm. Ra criticizing the committee process as unfair to Minority bills and Asm. Bologna sharing personal experience of the childcare crisis. The debate remained ongoing at the end of the transcript segment, with Acting Speaker Hunter requesting members confine comments to the procedural motion rather than bill merits.
A04726
PASSED
2025-04-02
An act to amend the General Business Law, in relation to bounced check fees charged by landlords
The Assembly passed legislation capping landlord bounced check fees at $20 and requiring such charges to be explicitly written into lease agreements. Sponsor Asm. Epstein said the measure protects tenants from excessive fees, citing instances where landlords charged $50-$100 when actual bank costs were $10-$12. The bill allows landlords to recover the lesser of $20 or the actual fee incurred. Republicans generally opposed the measure, with Asm. Gandolfo and Asm. Bologna expressing concern that smaller, informal landlords may not comply with the new written lease requirement and could face liability. The Democratic majority supported the bill, which passed on a party-line vote.
A00594
PASSED
2025-03-12
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.
Source: Official NY Assembly floor session transcripts (Granicus). AI-processed. Includes sessions from 2023 onward where transcripts are available.
Bill Focus Areas 2025–2026
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bills
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bills
Grouped by law section from sponsored Assembly bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation API.
Lobbying Activity
No lobbying disclosures on record for this member in the available dataset (JCOPE filings targeting Assembly members).
Source: NY Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government via data.ny.gov.