Amend Public Health Law authorizing body scanner utilization in Office of Children and Family Services
The Assembly passed A09333, which authorizes the Office of Children and Family Services to use body scanners in juvenile detention facilities. Assemblywoman Forrest voted against the measure, expressing concerns that implementation could mirror problems experienced in state prisons, where scanners have been misinterpreted, leading to wrongful denial of family visitation rights. Forrest noted that contact visits are crucial for incarcerated youth and their families, and called for the sponsor to work with the OCFS Commissioner to develop protective regulations before the scanners are deployed.
An act to amend the Public Health Law, in relation to guidance, recommendations and best practices related to incorporating placenta accreta spectrum screenings into routine prenatal care
The Assembly passed A10514-A, legislation requiring the New York State Department of Health to develop guidance and best practices for incorporating placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) screenings into routine prenatal care. Sponsor Zaccaro noted that PAS incidence has surged from 1 in 1,250 pregnancies in 1980 to 1 in 272 by 2025, often going undetected until delivery and causing life-threatening complications. The bill mandates standardized, evidence-based screening guidelines to ensure consistent assessments across providers. Assemblywoman Forrest praised the legislation as part of addressing Black maternal health disparities. The bill passed on consent.
Francesco's Law - Safe storage of firearms; amends Penal Law and Executive Law regarding gun violence prevention reporting
The Assembly passed A01962-B, sponsored by Asm. Anderson, amending safe storage requirements for firearms under Penal Law Section 265. The bill, known as "Francesco's Law," establishes a noncriminal violation for failure to safely store firearms and a Class A misdemeanor when minors gain access to unsecured weapons. The legislation aligns New York with safe storage standards in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, and Minnesota, and directs the Department of Criminal Justice Services to collect data on firearm-related incidents and conduct public education campaigns. The bill includes exceptions for unlawful entry, self-defense, and lawful hunting by licensed minors. Supporters, including Asm. Lavine and Asm. Forrest, emphasized the bill's potential to prevent youth suicides and protect children, citing testimony from joint committee hearings. Opponents, including Asm. Molitor, raised concerns about forcing gun owners to choose between accessibility for self-defense and secure storage, and questioned whether existing 2022 legislation already addressed the core protections. Rural members raised practical questions about hunting, trap shooting teams, and farm protection scenarios. The bill passed without a recorded vote tally being announced in this segment.
An act to amend the Public Health Law, in relation to establishing an awareness campaign on the use of hormone replacement therapy in treating the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause
The Assembly passed A02698, sponsored by Assemblymember Forrest, establishing an awareness campaign on hormone replacement therapy for perimenopause and menopause symptoms. Ms. Forrest spoke in support, noting that menopause affects all women and their families, and that awareness campaigns promoting education, family support, and therapeutic options are essential for women's health across New York.
An act to amend the Public Health Law, in relation to establishing an awareness campaign on the use of hormone replacement therapy in treating the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause
The Assembly passed legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Forrest to establish a public awareness campaign on hormone replacement therapy for perimenopause and menopause. Forrest, who has worked with women experiencing menopause across Brooklyn and New York City, emphasized that the condition affects all women regardless of lifestyle and impacts families broadly. The bill aims to educate both the medical community and the public about treatment options and self-care strategies during this critical life stage.
An act to amend the Public Health Law, in relation to establishing an awareness campaign on the use of hormone replacement therapy in treating the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause
The Assembly passed legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Forrest establishing a public awareness campaign on hormone replacement therapy for perimenopause and menopause symptoms. Forrest, who has worked with women experiencing menopause across Brooklyn and New York City, described the transition as a significant life event affecting women and their families. The bill aims to educate the medical community and the public about treatment options and therapies available to women during this period.
An act to amend the Labor Law, in relation to providing protections for telecommunications tower technicians
Amend Civil Service Law to enact the 'New York State Teleworking Expansion Act'
Workers' Compensation Law amendment — mental injury claims for extraordinary work-related stress
The Assembly passed legislation expanding Workers' Compensation eligibility for mental injury claims to all workers, removing restrictions that previously limited such claims to police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and emergency dispatchers. The bill, sponsored by Assemblywoman Reyes and others, allows workers in any profession to file claims for mental injuries stemming from extraordinary work-related stress, provided claims are evaluated by the Workers' Compensation Board and supported by physician diagnosis. Supporters cited examples of nurses during COVID, correction officers, and supermarket workers affected by traumatic events. Opponents, including Assemblywoman Walsh and Assemblyman Goodell, warned the bill lacks clear standards for defining 'extraordinary stress,' could invite fraud and unlimited claims, and would increase costs for businesses already burdened by New York's Workers' Compensation rates, which are 69 percent higher than the national average. The measure passed despite Republican opposition and concerns about unknown fiscal impact.
Expand Workers' Compensation claims for mental injury from extraordinary work-related stress to all employees
The Assembly passed legislation expanding Workers' Compensation eligibility for mental injury claims based on extraordinary work-related stress to all employees, removing current restrictions limiting such claims to police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and emergency dispatchers. Sponsor Assemblywoman Reyes argued the expansion is necessary to cover workers like nurses, correction officers, and supermarket employees who experience extraordinary stress but are currently excluded. The bill allows claims to be evaluated by the Workers' Compensation Board and a physician rather than requiring a specific work-related emergency. Opponents, including Assemblywoman Walsh and Assemblyman Goodell, raised concerns about undefined standards for "extraordinary stress," potential fraud, unknown costs to businesses, and the impact on New York's already-strained Workers' Compensation system and business climate. Goodell cited New York's 69% higher Workers' Comp rates compared to the national average and the state's loss of 200,000 residents last year. The bill passed without a recorded tally being announced in this segment.
An act to amend the Banking Law, in relation to prohibiting state chartered banking institutions from investing in and providing financing for private prisons
An act to amend the General Municipal Law, in relation to the awarding of certain purchase contracts to purchase food
Concurrent Resolution of the Senate and Assembly proposing Amendments to Sections 3 and 4 of Article 17 of the Constitution, in relation to the protection and promotion of the mental health of New Yorkers
An act to amend the General Business Law, in relation to prohibiting the sale of infant loungers and restricting the use of such infant loungers in certain settings
The Assembly passed A1287, sponsored by Assemblywoman Paulin, banning the sale of infant loungers in New York State and restricting their use in child care facilities except for medical reasons. The bill targets products like the Boppy, which has been linked to eight infant deaths and was federally recalled. Supporters, including Assemblywoman Forrest, emphasized that child safety must take priority over parental convenience and that pediatricians recommend infants sleep on flat surfaces. Opponents, including Assemblymen Gandolfo, Jensen, and Goodell, argued the products are not marketed for sleeping and that responsible parents can use them safely while monitoring their children. Goodell noted the Consumer Product Safety Commission recently voted to adopt new design standards and questioned whether an outright ban was premature. The Democratic majority supported the bill; Republicans were generally opposed but allowed members to vote their conscience. The bill passed on a party-line vote.
Rental housing — prohibition on reporting negative rent payment history to consumer reporting agencies
The Assembly recalled a bill that would prohibit landlords from reporting negative rent payment history to consumer reporting agencies before a final vote tally was recorded. The measure, sponsored by Assemblymember Rosenthal, sparked heated debate between housing advocates and landlord advocates. Supporters argued the bill protects tenants from discriminatory practices and excessive salary requirements that exclude working people from housing. Opponents contended it would force landlords to raise rents to cover increased risk and worsen New York's housing crisis by discouraging investment in rental properties. The bill drew passionate testimony from members on both sides, with supporters citing personal experiences of housing insecurity and opponents warning of disinvestment in residential real estate. Majority Leader Peoples-Stokes moved to recall the bill and lay it aside before the roll call vote was completed, preventing a final tally from being recorded.
An act to amend the Penal Law, in relation to warnings to be posted and provided by firearms dealers.
An act to amend the Public Health Law and the Insurance Law, in relation to premium reduction for obstetric practitioners who complete a risk management strategies course.
An act to amend the Real Property Law, in relation to prohibiting landlords, lessors, sub-lessors, and grantors from demanding brokers' fees from a tenant.
Amend Public Health Law and Social Services Law to support living organ donation
The Assembly passed A02377, legislation supporting living organ donation by removing financial barriers for New York residents who donate to other New York residents. Sponsor Asm. Eachus, in his first bill, presented stark data: New York ranks last or second-to-last nationally in organ donor registration at 35% versus 56% nationally. He noted 8,161 people are on transplant wait lists, with 7,125 awaiting kidney transplants, and stated that every 18 hours a New York resident dies waiting for an organ—compared to 1-2 year waits nationally versus 3-5 years in New York. The bill provides reimbursement for living donors to increase availability. Mrs. Peoples-Stokes and Ms. Souffrant Forrest both commended the legislation, with Forrest noting one donor can give life to up to seven people. The Assembly applauded Eachus on his first bill.
Amend Social Services Law relating to limiting availability and coverage for non-invasive prenatal testing for Medicaid patients based on age
Source: Official NY Assembly floor session transcripts (Granicus). AI-processed. Includes sessions from 2023 onward where transcripts are available.