An act to amend the Social Services Law, in relation to child care provider registration and training
The Assembly passed A10539, legislation amending the Social Services Law to extend childcare provider registration and licensure periods from four to six years. Sponsor Chandler-Waterman, a childcare facility owner, explained that frequent renewal applications and compliance procedures create burdensome administrative costs, particularly for smaller providers. The bill aims to reduce regulatory burden while maintaining health and safety oversight administered by the Office of Children and Family Services. Chandler-Waterman emphasized the importance of supporting childcare workers and providers to expand affordable childcare availability for New York families. The bill passed on consent.
An act to amend Executive Law, in relation to requiring documents utilized by State agencies, public authorities and municipalities to replace the term 'emotionally disturbed person' with the term 'person experiencing an emotional crisis'
The Assembly passed A04762-B, sponsored by Assemblywoman Monique Chandler-Waterman, which requires state agencies, public authorities and municipalities to replace the term 'emotionally disturbed person' with 'person experiencing an emotional crisis' in official documents and forms. The bill aims to reduce stigma and promote dignity in how government discusses mental health, aligning with best practices supported by national health organizations. Chandler-Waterman emphasized that language shapes how systems treat people and that the shift to person-centered, trauma-informed terminology can de-escalate public perception, particularly in police and emergency contexts. Assemblyman Gandolfo, initially concerned about implementation costs and potential conflicts with federal regulations, withdrew his objections after the sponsor clarified that agencies would have one year to update materials and that the bill applies to first responder reporting forms rather than medical diagnoses. The bill takes effect on the 365th day.
Francesco's Law — safe firearm storage requirements and data collection on unsafe storage incidents
The Assembly passed Francesco's Law (A08463), sponsored by Asm. Khaleel Anderson, which strengthens safe firearm storage requirements and mandates data collection on unsafe storage incidents. The bill clarifies existing law to ensure firearms not in immediate control are secured, directs the Office of Gun Violence Prevention to conduct public education campaigns, and requires DCJS to collect data on violations. The legislation was inspired by Francesco, a 17-year-old Long Island resident who died by suicide in 2021 using an unsecured family firearm after experiencing bullying. Supporters cited statistics showing suicides account for 36% of firearm deaths among children ages 10-19 and that 66% of unintentional fatal shootings involving children occur when firearms are handled by someone else. Asm. Lunsford noted that 80% of gun owners support safe storage laws. Opponents, including Asm. Lemondes, raised Second Amendment concerns and questioned whether the law could impede self-defense during home invasions. Asm. Gallahan advocated for education over legislation. Francesco's mother and godmother attended the session. The bill passed with strong support from the Majority Conference.
An act to amend Chapter 192 of the Laws of 2011, relating to authorizing certain health care professionals licensed to practice in other jurisdictions to practice in this State in connection with an event sanctioned by the New York Road Runners, in relation to extending the provisions thereof
Requiring at least one conductor on board NYC Transit Authority vehicles
The Assembly passed A04873, sponsored by Asm. Chandler-Waterman, requiring the New York City Transit Authority to maintain at least one conductor on board vehicles. Chandler-Waterman argued that human presence on trains is essential and should never be fully automated. She emphasized that conductors provide safety assistance if trains break down or passengers experience sensory issues, and noted the bill supports both job creation and public safety. The measure takes effect immediately.
An act to amend Chapter 192 of the Laws of 2011, relating to authorizing certain health care professionals licensed to practice in other jurisdictions to practice in this State in connection with an event sanctioned by the New York Road Runners, in relation to extending the provisions thereof
Amend Public Authorities Law to require the New York City Transit Authority to have at least one conductor on board
The Assembly passed legislation requiring the New York City Transit Authority to maintain at least one conductor on board each train, sponsored by Asm. Chandler-Waterman. The bill takes effect immediately. Asm. Chandler-Waterman argued that human presence on trains is essential for safety and cannot be replaced by full automation. She emphasized that conductors provide critical assistance during emergencies such as train breakdowns or sensory issues, and noted the bill supports job creation in the transit system.
An act to amend the Executive Law, in relation to requiring documents utilized by State agencies, public authorities and municipalities to replace the term 'emotionally disturbed person' with the term 'person experiencing an emotional crisis'
An act to amend the Executive Law, in relation to requiring documents utilized by State agencies, public authorities and municipalities to replace the term 'emotionally disturbed person' with the term 'person experiencing an emotional crisis'
An act to amend the Executive Law, in relation to requiring documents utilized by State agencies, public authorities and municipalities to replace the term 'emotionally disturbed person' with the term 'person experiencing an emotional crisis'
Requiring NYC Transit Authority to have at least one conductor on board
An act to amend Chapter 192 of the Laws of 2011, relating to authorizing certain health care professionals licensed to practice in other jurisdictions to practice in this State in connection with an event sanctioned by New York Road Runners, in relation to extending the provisions thereof
An act to amend the Emergency Tenant Protection Act of 1974 and the Administrative Code of the City of New York, in relation to rent registration statements for vacant units
An act to amend the Executive Law, in relation to defining the term 'mass shooting' for purposes of emergency response measures and access to emergency funding
The Assembly passed A08569, sponsored by Assemblywoman Chandler-Waterman, which defines 'mass shooting' in New York State law to align with the Federal definition, ensuring the state can access Federal emergency funding in the event of a mass shooting. Assemblywoman Chandler-Waterman, co-chair of the Anti-Gun Violence Subcommittee, characterized the bill as a first step in addressing what she called an epidemic of gun violence disproportionately affecting Black and Brown communities. She emphasized the need for continued legislative action and resources to support victims and families affected by gun violence, including mental health services and community-based support.
Defining the term 'mass shooting' for purposes of emergency response measures and access to emergency funding
The Assembly passed legislation defining 'mass shooting' for emergency response and funding purposes, with Assemblywoman Chandler-Waterman explaining her support. The bill defines mass shootings as four or more people being shot, regardless of demographic factors. Chandler-Waterman noted that mass shootings in predominantly Black and Brown communities are often not classified as such and lack resources. She cited a March 12 incident in her East Flatbush district where a father of five and three others were injured but the incident was not labeled a mass shooting. The legislation aims to ensure that victims in underserved communities receive mental health and trauma-informed care. The bill passed with support from Senator Zellnor Myrie in the Senate.
Reparations Commission Act
The New York State Assembly passed legislation establishing a commission to study the effects of slavery and recommend reparations for descendants of enslaved people in New York. Sponsor Asm. Solages, in closing remarks, invoked a recent mass shooting targeting Black New Yorkers and called the bill a step toward dismantling systemic barriers. The debate spanned hours with passionate testimony from members, many of whom are descendants of enslaved people or members of communities affected by slavery's legacy. Supporters emphasized the bill's importance given efforts in other states to erase slavery from curricula and highlighted slavery's continuing impact through mass incarceration, police brutality, and redlining. Republican opponents objected primarily that the bill excludes minority party appointments to the commission, with Asm. Angelino and Asm. Gallahan arguing the whole community should be represented. Some members raised concerns about defining eligibility, with Asm. Lucas initially voting no but switching to yes after the sponsor acknowledged on record that lineage-based slavery would be a focus of the study. The bill passed with applause from the chamber.
Amend General Business Law to clarify the definition of 'imitation weapon'
The Assembly passed A02209, clarifying the definition of 'imitation weapon' in General Business Law. Sponsor Asm. Chandler-Waterman, who has spent 20 years advocating for gun reform, cited data showing 63 shootings in New York State since 1994 where toy guns were mistaken for real firearms. She referenced the case of 12-year-old Tamir Rice and stated the amendment makes technical changes to ensure toys are clearly identifiable as toys, aligning state law with New York City law. Chandler-Waterman emphasized the legislation's importance in preventing tragic deaths of children.
Source: Official NY Assembly floor session transcripts (Granicus). AI-processed. Includes sessions from 2023 onward where transcripts are available.