An act to require the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to develop recommendations regarding the establishment of microgrids
An act to amend the Penal Law, in relation to prohibiting the operation of uncrewed aircraft over school grounds or critical infrastructure
An act to amend the Financial Services Law, in relation to the application of certain provisions relating to commercial financing
The Assembly passed A04810, sponsored by Asm. Vanel and co-sponsors Burdick, Seawright, Taylor, and Tapia, which amends the Financial Services Law regarding the application of certain provisions relating to commercial financing. The bill took effect immediately upon passage. No debate was recorded on the measure.
Technical corrections to authorization for Bedford Hills Fire District to file application for exemption from school and real property taxes
An act to amend the Estates, Powers and Trusts Law and the State Technology Law, in relation to electronic wills
The Assembly passed legislation authorizing electronic wills in New York, allowing remote execution via secure video conference with trained notaries and witnesses. Sponsor Asm. Lavine argued the measure addresses access barriers, noting less than one-third of New Yorkers have wills and rural areas face particular challenges. The bill requires multifactor authentication, video recording filed with Surrogate's Court within 30 days, and trained notaries to assess testator competence. Opponents, including Asm. Walsh and Asm. Ra, raised concerns about inability to detect undue influence or family pressure through video, loss of personal attorney-client interaction, and potential for fraud. Walsh shared a personal anecdote about discovering undisclosed family influence on an elderly client with dementia that she might have missed via video. Proponents emphasized strong procedural safeguards and convenience for elderly and disabled individuals. The Republican Conference generally opposed the measure while the Majority Conference supported it. The effective date is 545 days after enactment to allow court system preparation.
An act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law and the Public Officers Law, in relation to establishing a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the City of White Plains; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof
Clarifying disparate impact standard for employment discrimination under Human Rights Law
The Assembly passed legislation codifying the disparate impact standard in New York's employment discrimination law, ensuring that unlawful discrimination can be established based on a practice's discriminatory effect even without proof of discriminatory intent. Sponsor Assemblywoman Bichotte Hermelyn argued the codification is critical as the current federal Administration has issued Executive Orders seeking to eliminate disparate impact analysis, and that codifying the standard in state law protects New Yorkers from being shut out of jobs and promotions due to arbitrary discriminatory rules. The Minority Conference opposed the bill, with Assemblywoman Walsh arguing that disparate impact has been established in New York case law for years and questioning whether the legislation is necessary or merely preemptively "Trump-proofing" the state. Supporters including Assemblymembers Burdick and Simon emphasized the urgency of protecting the standard as the Administration actively moves to eliminate it through rulemaking and litigation.
An act to amend the Public Authorities Law, in relation to the Septic System Replacement Fund
The Assembly passed legislation expanding the Septic System Replacement Fund to facilitate reimbursement for septic and cesspool upgrades across New York State. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Kassay, the bill addresses widespread contamination from antiquated systems, particularly on Long Island where 70 percent of Suffolk County residents rely on conventional cesspools and septic systems that fail to filter nitrogen and other pollutants. Multiple members testified that the upgrades are critical for protecting groundwater and preventing harmful algal blooms in bays, harbors, and beaches. Assemblywoman Giglio noted replacement costs can reach $35,000 to $50,000 per property. Assemblyman Schiavoni emphasized that Long Island has no viable alternative drinking water source other than the aquifer beneath it, making the measure essential for coastal communities.
An act in relation to authorizing the Bedford Hills Fire District to file an application for exemption from school taxes and real property taxes
An act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law, in relation to prohibiting the application of pesticides to certain local freshwater wetlands
The Assembly debated S05983-A/A06930, sponsored by Asm. Burdick, which would allow municipalities with local freshwater wetlands laws to adopt ordinances prohibiting pesticide application to wetlands hydrologically connected to public water supplies. The bill has been narrowed through successive iterations to limit scope and includes exemptions for farm operations and invasive species control. Burdick argued that only 78 of 1,500 municipalities have adopted such laws, that local governments have successfully managed wetlands for 50 years, and that DEC lacks adequate field resources to oversee pesticide applications. Asm. Simpson opposed the bill, citing concerns that it creates a patchwork of local regulations conflicting with DEC's statewide authority and adds regulatory burden to small municipalities lacking scientific expertise. Simpson noted opposition from the New York State Agribusiness Association and Empire State Forest Products Association, which cited concerns about inconsistent municipal regulations. The debate continued without a recorded vote at the end of the transcript segment.
An act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law, in relation to prohibiting the application of pesticides to certain local freshwater wetlands
The Assembly debated S05983-A/A06930, sponsored by Asm. Burdick, which would allow municipalities with local freshwater wetlands laws to adopt ordinances prohibiting pesticide application to wetlands hydrologically connected to public water supplies. The bill exempts farm operations and pesticide use for invasive species control. Burdick said the bill has been narrowed through multiple iterations and noted that only 78 of 1,500 New York municipalities have adopted local wetlands laws. He argued that DEC, the state's pesticide regulator, has limited field resources and that local governments have successfully managed wetlands for 50 years. Asm. Simpson opposed the bill, arguing it creates a patchwork of local regulations that will dilute DEC oversight and burden small municipalities lacking scientific expertise. Simpson cited opposition from the New York State Agribusiness Association and Empire State Forest Products Association, which warned the bill would create confusion about permitted pesticide applications. The debate did not conclude with a vote in this transcript segment.
An act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law, in relation to pesticide application in wetlands hydrologically connected to public water supplies
The Assembly passed a bill sponsored by Asm. Burdick allowing municipalities to establish local regulations on pesticide applications in wetlands that are hydrologically connected to public water supplies. The measure is optional for municipalities and allows them to impose restrictions more stringent than state standards but not less restrictive. Burdick argued the bill addresses a significant gap in state oversight, noting that the Department of Environmental Conservation's review process for pesticide permits is minimal—requiring only a form with an applicator's certification number. The bill includes exemptions for farm operations defined under existing Agriculture and Markets Law. Opponents, including Asm. Walsh and Asm. Manktelow, raised concerns about vague agricultural exemptions and the lack of required training for municipal boards administering the law. Manktelow worried that changing town boards could impose overly restrictive regulations on farmers in areas with sensitive wetlands. Burdick noted that 20-30 municipalities have expressed interest in the measure. The Republican Conference voted generally in opposition, while the Majority Conference supported the bill as environmental protection legislation.
An act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law, in relation to prohibiting the use of drilling fluids, brine and flowback water from gas or oil wells on any highway
The Assembly debated A04725-B, sponsored by Assemblymember Burdick, which would prohibit the use of drilling fluids, brine, and flowback water from oil and gas wells on New York highways. The bill aims to close what Burdick characterized as a regulatory loophole allowing fracking wastewater containing toxic substances—including arsenic, barium, lead, and radioactive materials like radium—to be applied to roads for deicing and dust suppression. Burdick argued the Department of Environmental Conservation's beneficial use determination process does not adequately test for all contaminants and that runoff poses health risks to drinking water and groundwater. However, opponents including Assemblymen Simpson, Ra, and Manktelow questioned whether contamination is currently occurring, argued the bill lacks concrete examples of harm, and expressed concern it would create an unfunded mandate on local governments already struggling with infrastructure costs. They suggested the better approach is strengthening DEC oversight rather than banning a cost-effective option. The debate highlighted tension between environmental precaution and deference to agency expertise, with no vote recorded in this segment.
Keep Police Radio Public Act
The Assembly debated A03516, the "Keep Police Radio Public Act," sponsored by Assemblywoman Reyes, which would require law enforcement agencies using encrypted radio communications to provide realtime access to nonsensitive communications to credentialed journalists and emergency services organizations. The bill would establish a credentialing process through the Department of State to determine which journalists qualify for access. Supporters argued the measure ensures public transparency and allows journalists to warn citizens during emergencies, citing the 2022 Buffalo mass shooting where encrypted radios prevented real-time reporting. Opponents raised significant concerns about officer safety, arguing that realtime access without delay could alert criminals to police movements and compromise investigations. Critics also warned that unconfirmed emergency information broadcast in realtime could create public panic and dangerous crowds at incident scenes, potentially hindering first responders. Questions were raised about implementation mechanisms, equipment costs for municipalities, and how law enforcement would determine what constitutes sensitive information exempt from disclosure. The debate highlighted tensions between press freedom and public safety concerns.
Preferred Source Program expansion
The Assembly passed legislation expanding the Preferred Source Program to include formerly incarcerated individuals alongside existing beneficiaries—individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and veterans. Sponsored by Assemblyman McDonald, the bill aims to provide employment pathways and reduce recidivism for those who have completed their sentences. Supporters argued the expansion addresses workforce shortages and provides second chances, particularly following the federal elimination of the Glenmont Jobs program in the Capitol Region. Assemblyman Dais noted that many veterans with mental health issues from PTSD become incarcerated, and that providing opportunities for reentry would benefit both groups. However, Assemblywoman Walsh expressed concern that the program was originally designed specifically for individuals with disabilities and veterans, and questioned whether the state's existing investments in reentry programs, criminal record sealing, and employer protections were already sufficient for formerly incarcerated individuals. Despite the opposition, the bill advanced with support from the Majority Conference.
An act to amend the Labor Law, in relation to prevailing wage for those involved in the hauling of concrete and asphalt
The Assembly passed A08465, a multi-sponsored bill amending Labor Law to establish prevailing wage requirements for those involved in hauling concrete and asphalt. The measure was considered on the consent calendar. Asm. Palmesano voted against the bill, citing concerns that the term 'public works website' is not defined and questioning whether utilities performing excavation work would be required to pay prevailing wage for hauling under the legislation. Palmesano expressed concern that such requirements could increase costs passed to ratepayers at a time when utility rates are rising across the board.
Neurodiversity Training Pledge - voluntary training and certification program for employers
An act to amend the Labor Law, in relation to prevailing wage for those involved in the hauling of concrete and asphalt
An act to amend Chapter 260 of the Laws of 1969, relating to incorporating the Pound Ridge Volunteer Exempt Firemen's Benevolent Association and providing for its powers and duties, in relation to updating such association's charter
An act to amend the Town Law and the Public Officers Law, in relation to authorizing the assistant court clerk and fire marshal of the Town of Harrison, County of Westchester, to be nonresidents of such town
Occupancy tax in the Town of North Castle
Task Force to Promote the Employment of People with Disabilities
The Assembly passed A00033, establishing a task force to promote employment of people with disabilities. The bill was sponsored by Asm. Burdick and co-sponsored by multiple members. In explaining her affirmative vote, Asm. Walsh noted that while she supports the legislation, the Center for Disability Rights has raised concerns about the lack of dedicated funding and the bill's narrow focus on intellectual and developmental disabilities rather than the broader disability community. Walsh also noted the absence of Minority Conference appointments to the task force. Despite these concerns, the bill passed with broad support.
An act to amend the Labor Law, in relation to providing protections for telecommunications tower technicians
An act to amend the Tax Law, in relation to making technical changes; and to amend Chapter 507 of the Laws of 2016, relating to the imposition of an occupancy tax in the Village of Harrison, in relation to extending the effectiveness thereof
An act to amend the Tax Law, in relation to making technical changes; and to amend Chapter 507 of the Laws of 2016, relating to the imposition of an occupancy tax in the Village of Harrison, in relation to extending the effectiveness thereof
Source: Official NY Assembly floor session transcripts (Granicus). AI-processed. Includes sessions from 2023 onward where transcripts are available.