Asm. Andrew Hevesi

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.

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.

The Assembly passed a chapter amendment to child abuse reporting law (A09481/S00550-A) sponsored by Asm. Hevesi that makes technical changes to the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment. The bill removes duplicative confidentiality provisions, changes references to preventative services, and creates an exception allowing anonymous reports if the caller is reasonably believed to be under 18. The Majority Conference voted in favor. Asm. Walsh led opposition, arguing the bill eliminates anonymous reporting for adults and will discourage reports from neighbors, grandparents, and non-mandated reporters who fear retaliation. She cited a recent case where anonymous calls saved the lives of severely malnourished children. Supporters including Asm. Glick and Mrs. Peoples-Stokes argued the measure addresses misuse of the system by false and malicious reporters. The bill passed on a party-line vote with the Minority Conference generally opposed.

The Assembly passed legislation requiring local social services districts to provide luggage to children in foster care. Sponsor Asm. Hevesi's bill addresses a practical concern raised by Asm. Walsh, who noted that foster children often move between homes with their belongings in garbage bags. A chapter amendment shifted implementation from the state Office of Children and Family Services to local districts while authorizing state reimbursement to prevent unfunded mandates. Walsh said the measure recognizes the inherent dignity of vulnerable youth in the foster care system.

The Assembly passed legislation on June 16 that would end anonymous reporting to New York's State Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment, requiring callers to provide their name and contact information. Sponsor Assemblyman Hevesi argued the change is necessary to prevent malicious false reports, particularly in domestic violence situations, and to address racial disparities in child protective services investigations. He cited data showing Black families are investigated at seven times the rate of white families. The bill includes safeguards: callers who refuse identification are referred to a supervisor who can reassure them about confidentiality protections, refer them to 911 for immediate complaints, or direct them to the HEARS community service line. Opponents, led by Assemblywoman Walsh, warned the requirement would discourage legitimate reports from neighbors and others who fear retaliation, potentially leaving abused children unprotected. Walsh noted opposition from the New York Public Welfare Association, family court judges, and caseworkers. The bill passed with some Republican opposition and at least one Democratic defection.

The Assembly passed legislation (A4664/S700) sponsored by Asm. Epstein that protects low-income New Yorkers from driver's license suspension for tax delinquency while maintaining state tax collection authority. The bill adjusts inflation thresholds and exempts individuals below 250% of the federal poverty level, those on public assistance, and SSI recipients from license suspension. The Tax Commissioner gains discretion to waive suspensions based on financial hardship. Sponsor argued that losing a driver's license prevents low-income workers from reaching employment and paying down tax debt, creating a counterproductive Catch-22. The Minority Conference opposed the measure, with Minority Leader Gandolfo arguing that removing the suspension threat eliminates incentive for delinquent taxpayers to negotiate payment plans. However, the sponsor noted that wage garnishment and other collection tools remain available. The bill takes effect April 1st.

The Assembly debated legislation to establish a Statewide supervised visitation initiative addressing a critical shortage of services in New York's family court system. Sponsor Asm. Hevesi cited 2023 data showing 28 counties have zero supervised visitation providers and New York City's three providers can accommodate only 850 arrangements when 8,000-9,000 are needed. The bill would require the Office of Victim Services and Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence to establish one program per county and expand existing programs, funded at $25 million annually through the state budget. Hevesi argued the investment prevents costly family separation through foster care and court proceedings and protects children's fundamental right to maintain parental contact. However, Asm. Walsh questioned the cost estimate as too low and expressed concern the bill would create unlimited obligations for supervised visitation through age 18. She noted that many families in family court cases will demand state-supervised visitation, potentially making costs astronomical. Walsh also raised concerns about mental health issues and whether parents need to address underlying problems before visitation should occur. Hevesi clarified that judicial discretion would limit orders to appropriate cases and that the state would fund free waivers for low-income families. The bill would require counties to provide data on local needs, program plans, usage data, and projected costs in their annual child welfare plans, with no county funding required.

The Assembly passed A05434, legislation requiring the Office of Children and Family Services to provide luggage to youth in foster care. Asm. Hevesi sponsored the bill, which originated from Sophie Vachona, a young woman with lived experience as both homeless and in foster care. The measure will cost $200,000 to provide luggage to approximately 13,000 children. Multiple members spoke in support, including Asm. Walsh, who drew on her prior work as an Assistant County Attorney representing foster children, and Asm. Eachus, who noted his 13 foster siblings often arrived with belongings in garbage bags. Members emphasized the bill's dignity and practical benefits for vulnerable youth.

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.

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.