Asm. Josh Jensen — The Commons Gallery

Josh Jensen represents AD-134, a Republican-leaning district with a base lean of R+4 and a voter registration breakdown of 33.5% Republican, 33.3% Independent, and 30.2% Democrat; he ran uncontested in both 2024 and 2022, and in his first contested run in 2020 won by a 19.3-point margin, though scenario modeling places the district as a toss-up in a favorable Democratic environment, flagging modest but real vulnerability in 2026. The district is predominantly suburban and homeowning — 74.1% homeownership, 79.5% white, with a median household income of $83,189 and a poverty rate of 9.8% — reflecting a stable middle-class constituency with a slight but not commanding Republican registration edge. In the 2025 session Jensen sponsored 89 bills, with his heaviest concentration in Education (14 bills), Public Health (8 bills), Penal and Tax law (6 bills each), and State Finance (4 bills), indicating a broad generalist portfolio with particular emphasis on education and health policy. Jensen recorded 1 joint hearing engagement and no committee chairmanship is listed in this brief.AI

Vulnerability Index AD-134

Base lean: R+4

Favorable D

Toss-up

Neutral

Lean R

Favorable R

Likely R

Limited contested election data — registration lean used as primary signal
Ran uncontested in most recent election

Scenario model: ±5pt national environment shift applied to district base lean (R+4). 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-134

General Elections

Year	Winner	Runner-up	Margin
2024	Josh Jensen 100.0% (48,903)	Uncontested	—
2022	Josh Jensen 100.0% (38,580)	Uncontested	—
2020	Josh Jensen 57.8% (38,937)	Carolyn D. Carrol 38.5% (25,924)	19.3pts
2018	Peter A. Lawrence 100.0% (37,758)	Uncontested	—
2016	Peter A. Lawrence 100.0% (48,022)	Uncontested	—
2014	Peter A. Lawrence 67.7% (24,269)	Gary E. Pudup 32.3% (11,553)	35.4pts
2012	Bill Reilich 100.0% (45,841)	Uncontested	—
2010	Bill Reilich 69.6% (27,407)	David G. Zimmerman 30.4% (11,998)	39.2pts
2008	Bill Reilich 63.9% (33,513)	David L. Garretson 36.1% (18,897)	27.8pts
2006	Bill Reilich 64.9% (25,017)	Philip A. Fedele 35.1% (13,541)	29.8pts
2004	Bill Reilich 65.8% (33,494)	Laurie E. Shea 34.2% (17,437)	31.6pts
2002	Bill Reilich 62.3% (24,573)	Frederick J. Amato 37.7% (14,842)	24.6pts
2000	Joseph E. Robach 78.6% (36,824)	William N. Faber 21.4% (10,050)	57.2pts
1998	Joseph Е. Robach 80.9% (29,689)	Carolyn S. Rapp 19.1% (7,025)	61.8pts
1996	Joseph E. Robach 100.0% (36,987)	Uncontested	—

Primary Elections

Year	Winner	Runner-up	Margin
2020 (Democratic)	Carolyn D. Carrol 78.9% (5,172)	Dylan P. Dailor 21.1% (1,386)	57.8pts

Source: NYS Board of Elections certified results. ⚡ = margin under 10 pts. District history reflects 2022 redistricted boundaries.

Voter Registration

30%

34%

36%

Dem 30.2% Rep 33.5% Ind/Other 36.3%

District 134 Profile

Population 131,714

Median income $83,189

Median rent $1,182

Homeownership 74.1%

Education (BA+) 32.8%

Poverty rate 9.8%

Uninsured rate 2.6%

Unemployment rate 4.6%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2024).

Demographics

White 79.5%

Black 7.6%

Hispanic 7.7%

Asian 2.1%

Median age 41.8

Foreign born 6.3%

Limited English households 1.8%

Veterans 5.8%

Disability rate 14.3%

Commute Mode

Drive alone 78.2%

Public transit 0.5%

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)

89

1

25

Years in office 5

Bill sponsorship from NYS Open Legislation API. Joint hearing appearances from NYS Senate hearing transcripts.

Floor Session Activity 2025–2026

A01234 PASSED 2026-04-21

Vaccine recommendations and medical advisory standards

The Assembly passed a bill allowing New York's health commissioner to base vaccine recommendations on guidance from medical academies rather than solely on federal ACIP/CDC recommendations. During debate, Assemblyman Jensen questioned the transparency and peer-review standards of the academies, asking whether they publish recommendations annually and what would happen if different organizations provided conflicting guidance. Sponsor Assemblywoman Paulin responded that the academies are elected by pediatricians and that the bill gives the commissioner discretion to consider multiple organizations. Assemblywoman Walsh, speaking for the minority, characterized the bill as an overreaction to the current federal administration and noted opposition from the autism and disabilities community. The bill passed with the majority supporting it, though the minority conference voted against it.

A00340-A / S[NUMBER NOT SPECIFIED] PASSED 2026-04-20

Manufactured home park rent increase justification requirements

The Assembly passed A00340-A, requiring manufactured home park owners to provide written justification for rent and fee increases exceeding 3 percent. The bill aims to protect vulnerable residents—many seniors and families on fixed incomes—from sudden burdensome increases. However, the measure drew significant opposition from those concerned it will discourage necessary infrastructure investment. Asm. Jensen warned the bill creates perverse economic incentives, making property owners less likely to invest in roads, sewer systems, water infrastructure, and electrical upgrades if they cannot easily recover costs through rent increases. He argued this could lead to aging infrastructure and declining conditions that ultimately harm residents more than protect them. Jensen called for amendments establishing a clear capital improvement recovery mechanism and differentiating between routine maintenance and capital investment. The bill passed on a party-line vote with the Majority Conference supporting and the Republican Conference generally opposed.

A00340-A / S[NUMBER NOT SPECIFIED] PASSED 2026-04-20

Manufactured Home Park Rent Increase Justification Requirements

The Assembly passed A00340-A, legislation clarifying rent increase notification requirements in manufactured home parks. The bill requires community owners to provide written justification when notifying residents of rent or fee increases exceeding 3 percent, with documentation available upon request. Sponsor Asm. Barrett presented it as a consumer protection measure for vulnerable residents. However, Asm. Jensen raised concerns that the bill could backfire by discouraging property owners from investing in necessary infrastructure improvements like road repaving, sewer system upgrades, and water system modernization. Jensen argued that by making it harder to recover capital improvement costs through rent increases, the bill creates economic disincentives for investment, potentially leading to aging infrastructure and declining conditions that ultimately harm residents. He called for clearer mechanisms to allow cost recovery and differentiation between routine maintenance and capital improvements. The Republican Conference voted generally in opposition while the Majority Conference supported passage. Specific vote totals were not announced.

A00382-A PASSED 2026-03-25

An act to amend the Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law, in relation to advertising restrictions for mobile sports wagering licensees

The Assembly passed A00382-A, sponsored by Assemblyman Vanel, extending existing casino advertising restrictions to mobile sports wagering licensees. The bill requires truthful and transparent advertising, opt-out mechanisms for consumers, and mandates that the New York State gambling helpline (1-877-8-HOPENY) be clearly displayed throughout video advertisements. Vanel defended the New York-specific helpline requirement as necessary to track problem gambling data and connect New Yorkers to local providers. Debate revealed concerns from members Walsh and Jensen about the practical burden on companies running national or international advertisements, particularly for major sporting events. Assemblywoman Woerner supported the requirement, noting the state helpline connects callers to nearby providers in crisis situations. Assemblyman Morinello criticized the underlying sports betting law as fundamentally flawed, while Assemblyman Fitzpatrick raised concerns about advertising targeting young people and the lack of private right of action for families harmed by problem gambling. The bill passed without a recorded vote tally.

A06757 / S06757 PASSED 2025-06-16

Peer-to-peer vehicle rental insurance requirements

The Assembly passed legislation reducing minimum insurance requirements for peer-to-peer vehicle rental companies, lowering the threshold from $1.25 million to $75,000-$150,000. Sponsor Assemblymember Weprin argued the higher requirement was preventing market competition and that competitor Getaround left New York specifically citing the mandate. However, opponents including Assemblymembers Ra, Durso, Chang, and Jensen raised public safety concerns, noting that the online-only transaction model lacks the verification procedures of traditional rental companies and that unvetted drivers operating unverified vehicles warrant higher insurance coverage. The bill passed with support from the Majority Conference, though Republicans generally opposed it. Several members explained their votes, with Assemblymember Steck voting yes after determining that existing statute requires the company to defend vehicle owners against lawsuits, and Assemblymember Jensen voting no, arguing the change was premature given that Turo remains profitable.

A08883 2025-06-12

An act to amend the Judiciary Law, in relation to judicial departments

The Assembly took up A08883, sponsored by Assemblyman Luis Rivera, which would reapportion New York's judicial districts for the first time since 2007, creating two new judicial districts to address diversity disparities on the bench. Rivera presented demographic data showing that in the 4th Department, minorities comprise a substantial portion of the population in Monroe County but represent only a tiny fraction of the 67 justices—only two are African-American, none are Asian, and none are Hispanic. The bill would separate Monroe, Erie, and Onondaga counties into their own districts to increase the likelihood that judges elected reflect their communities' demographics. However, Assemblyman Jensen raised significant concerns, including that the Office of Court Administration had stated today or earlier this week that it preferred the bill be delayed until next year for further study, that no public hearings were held in the affected districts, and that OCA estimates the cost at $9.6 million without accompanying appropriation language. Jensen also questioned the process for assigning individual judges to the new districts and whether administrative judges had been consulted. The debate remained ongoing at the end of this transcript segment.

A03862 / S03486 PASSED 2025-06-11

An act to amend the Public Health Law and the Insurance Law, in relation to providing information to patients and the public on hospital rule-based exclusions

The Assembly passed legislation requiring hospitals to publicly disclose facility-level policy-based exclusions to the Department of Health on an annual basis, allowing consumers to determine what healthcare services are available before admission. Sponsored by Asm. Rozic with 30 co-sponsors, the bill applies to approximately 200 general hospitals statewide and targets facility-wide policies rather than individual provider decisions. The measure exempts restrictions based on lack of equipment, available bed space, or insurance denial. During debate, Asm. Jensen questioned the scope and implementation, expressing concern about reporting burdens on hospitals and the Department of Health, and the potential for providers to be targeted based on services they do not provide. The Republican Conference voted in opposition while the Majority Conference supported passage.

S01226 / A06004 PASSED 2025-06-10

Hospital closure notice and public engagement requirements

The Assembly passed S01226, legislation requiring hospitals to provide public notice and community engagement before closing entirely or closing units providing maternity, mental health, or substance use care. The bill, sponsored by Assemblymember Simon, establishes a procedure for pre-closure public forums and requires the Department of Health to consider community healthcare needs before approving closures. Assemblymember Jensen opposed the measure, arguing that DOH guidance issued in August 2023 already requires similar community notification and public meetings, and that the bill's procedural requirements could threaten hospital viability during financial crises. Simon countered that statutory authority is stronger than guidance and cited the 2013 closure of her hospital and the loss of 41 hospitals statewide in the past decade. The bill had been vetoed by Governor Hochul in 2024.

S01226 / A06004 PASSED 2025-06-10

Hospital closure notice and public engagement requirements

The Assembly passed legislation requiring hospitals to provide advance public notice and community engagement before closing entirely or shutting down emergency, maternity, mental health, or substance use units. The bill, sponsored by Assemblywoman Simon, establishes a pre-closure procedure replacing the current requirement for a community forum held after closure. Simon cited the 2013 closure of her hospital as evidence that the Department of Health fails to adequately assess community healthcare needs, noting that 41 hospitals have closed in the past decade. Assemblymember Jensen opposed the bill, arguing that the Department of Health already implemented similar requirements through 2023 guidance and that the bill's procedural requirements could jeopardize hospital financial viability. The bill passed despite Republican opposition and the Governor's veto of similar legislation last year.

A00026 PASSED 2025-06-05

Prohibition on Medicaid prior authorization for HIV medication

The Assembly passed A00026, sponsored by Asm. Rosenthal, eliminating prior authorization requirements for anti-retroviral medications and preventive drugs like PrEP and PEP for Medicaid beneficiaries with HIV or AIDS. Rosenthal cited American Medical Association research showing prior authorizations cause 94 percent of patients to experience care delays and 78 percent to abandon treatment altogether, undermining medication effectiveness. The bill extends protections previously granted to private insurance holders to Medicaid plans. Asm. Jensen voted in favor but expressed concerns about removing plans' ability to monitor health metrics for medication effectiveness and questioned whether the measure duplicates existing protections. The bill passed with Democratic support.

A00387-B PASSED 2025-05-14

An act to amend the Public Health Law, in relation to requiring general hospitals to provide language assistance services

The Assembly passed legislation requiring general hospitals to establish comprehensive language assistance programs, including designation of a language assistance coordinator and staff training on culturally competent care. Sponsor Assemblywoman Rozic clarified that the bill codifies existing Department of Health regulations and allows hospitals flexibility in implementation, including use of digital translation services. The Majority Conference voted in favor while the Minority Conference generally opposed, though some members crossed party lines. Assemblywoman Rozic cited Census data showing nearly six million New Yorkers speak a language other than English, with almost half reporting limited English proficiency. Opponents, including Assemblyman Sempolinski, raised concerns about unfunded mandates on rural hospitals in areas with minimal language diversity. The bill passed with support from members representing diverse urban communities.

A04938 PASSED 2025-05-05

An act to amend the Labor Law, in relation to providing protections for telecommunications tower technicians

A4850 PASSED 2025-04-30

New York State Teleworking Expansion Act

The Assembly passed the New York State Teleworking Expansion Act (A4850), sponsored by Assemblywoman Rozic, requiring state agencies to establish policies allowing employees to work remotely to the maximum extent possible without diminishing performance. The bill aims to help state government compete with the private sector for talent amid tens of thousands of job vacancies and projected retirements of over a quarter of the state workforce within five years. However, the measure drew criticism from several members who questioned implementation details and potential impacts. Assemblyman Gandolfo and Assemblywoman Walsh expressed concerns about how agencies would handle individual employee exceptions and whether some workers would be allowed remote work while others are not, potentially creating grievance issues. Assemblyman Chang argued the bill's mandatory language should be permissive to avoid unnecessary bureaucratic burden, and multiple members raised concerns about the impact on Albany's downtown revitalization efforts if state workers remain remote. Assemblyman Jensen defended the legislation, arguing it would help ensure efficient government operations while maintaining productivity.

A4850 PASSED 2025-04-30

New York State Teleworking Expansion Act

The Assembly passed A4850, the New York State Teleworking Expansion Act, sponsored by Asm. Rozic, requiring each State agency to establish teleworking policies allowing employees to work remotely to the maximum extent possible without diminishing performance. The bill aims to help State government compete in recruiting and retaining talent amid widespread job vacancies and anticipated retirements. Debate revealed concerns about implementation, including potential grievance disputes if policies are applied inconsistently to individual employees, lack of external oversight to verify performance standards, and possible negative economic impacts on Albany's downtown business community. Supporters argued telework is an industry standard and necessary to address State workforce shortages. The bill passed without a recorded vote tally being announced in this segment.

A00136 2025-04-29

Medical Aid in Dying — allows terminally ill, mentally capable adults with six-month prognosis to request and use medication for medical aid in dying

The Assembly began floor debate on A00136, legislation sponsored by Asm. Paulin that would permit terminally ill, mentally capable adults with a six-month life expectancy to request and use medication for medical aid in dying. The bill, which has 60 co-sponsors, would establish a process for patients to obtain the medication. Debate focused on safeguards against coercion. Paulin cited penal statutes imposing penalties ranging from Class A misdemeanor to Class D felony for coercive conduct, and noted that Oregon and other jurisdictions have operated similar laws for nearly 30 years without a single documented coercion case. She argued family members typically work to prolong life rather than encourage death. However, Asm. Jensen raised concerns that the legislation does not adequately address systemic and societal coercion—such as pressure from perceived burden on family or concerns about nursing home costs—that could influence vulnerable patients' end-of-life decisions. The debate continued at the time of this transcript segment.

A565 PASSED 2025-03-26

Prohibition on establishment, incorporation, construction, or increase in capacity of for-profit hospice facilities

The Assembly passed A565, legislation prohibiting the establishment of new for-profit hospice facilities in New York State while grandfathering the two existing for-profit providers. Sponsor Assemblywoman Paulin argued that independent surveys demonstrate for-profit hospices provide inferior care with fewer nursing visits and less-skilled staff compared to not-for-profit facilities. The bill allows existing for-profit providers to expand home and hospital-based services but prevents them from increasing facility bed capacity. The measure faced significant Republican opposition from members who questioned its logic given New York's severe hospice access shortage—the state ranks 50th nationally with only one hospice provider per 500,000 residents. Assemblyman Jensen and others noted the state's two existing for-profit providers have no fraud allegations and questioned why the legislature would artificially restrict willing providers when demand far exceeds supply. Assemblywoman Paulin acknowledged no for-profit or not-for-profit entities are currently seeking to enter the market but argued the bill prevents future problematic entrants. A party-line vote was requested, with the Minority Conference voting in the negative.

A01365-A 2025-03-25

Public Health Law amendment requiring nursing homes to designate dedicated storage spaces for deceased residents

A183 2025-03-13

Assembly Budget Resolution for State Fiscal Year 2025-2026 (in response to Executive Budget submission)

The New York State Assembly advanced its one-house budget resolution for fiscal year 2025-2026, proposing $256.5 billion in all-funds spending, $4.5 billion above Governor Hochul's executive proposal. The budget, presented by Ways and Means Committee Chair Pretlow, prioritizes tax relief for working and middle-class families through new tax credits totaling $1.1 billion when fully phased in, including the New York Works Tax Credit and LIFT Tax Credit. The proposal allocates $7 billion to resolve the state's Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund debt, providing relief to small businesses while raising unemployment benefits. The budget includes $2.7 billion in additional education funding, with changes to the Foundation Aid formula to benefit lower-income districts, and major investments in healthcare ($1 billion for capital needs), housing ($750 million for NYCHA and Mitchell-Lama programs), and human services ($575.7 million for direct care workforce raises). Revenue proposals include a corporate franchise tax increase for companies earning over $10 million (generating $1.6 billion in FY 2025-26) and a personal income tax increase for individuals earning over $5 million (generating $1.8 billion in FY 2025-26). Ranking Member Ra raised concerns about the budget's long-term sustainability, noting $38 billion in cumulative outyear deficits through 2029 despite the tax increases, and questioned the decision to draw $7 billion from reserve funds amid federal economic uncertainty. The debate continued with other members raising questions about specific provisions.

A10140 2024-06-10

An act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law, in relation to prohibiting the taking of horseshoe crabs for commercial and biomedical purposes

The Assembly debated A10140, sponsored by Asm. Glick, which would extend crab-taking permit authority through 2026 while prohibiting the taking of horseshoe crabs for commercial and biomedical purposes. Glick cited precipitous population declines making the species near threatened and impacts on dependent species including migratory birds. Asm. Jensen raised concerns that the biomedical prohibition is overly broad, arguing that horseshoe crab blood is critical for endotoxin testing in vaccines and medicines, that extraction methods are safe under Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission best practices, and that synthetic alternatives lack widespread FDA approval. Glick responded that no permits have been requested for biomedical purposes in years and that manufacturers like Eli Lilly have already transitioned to synthetic alternatives. The debate remained unresolved at the end of the transcript segment.

A10461 PASSED 2024-06-10

Co-payments for Pre-exposure and Post-exposure Prophylaxis

The Assembly passed A10461, sponsored by Asm. Simone, clarifying that health insurers cannot impose co-payments on pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP/PEP) drugs meeting U.S. Preventative Service Task Force recommendations. Simone argued the bill removes barriers to lifesaving HIV prevention medications, particularly for communities of color and men who have sex with men. Goodell voted against the measure, contending it inappropriately requires all policyholders to subsidize PrEP co-pays while other maintenance medications retain cost-sharing, effectively raising insurance premiums. Jensen questioned the bill's necessity and practical impact, noting that federal law and a 2019 state guidance letter already provide these protections and that the bill applies only to fully insured policies covering half the market. The bill passed without recorded vote tallies.

A10140 2024-06-07

An act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law, in relation to prohibiting the taking of horseshoe crabs for commercial and biomedical purposes

The Assembly debated A10140, sponsored by Asm. Glick, which would extend crab-taking permit authority through 2026 while prohibiting the taking of horseshoe crabs for commercial or biomedical purposes. The bill aims to protect the species, which has declined to near-threatened status and is critical to migratory birds and other dependent species. Debate centered on the biomedical restriction. Opponents, led by Mr. Jensen, argued that horseshoe crab blood contains LAL, essential for endotoxin testing in vaccines and injectable medicines, and cited the crabs' role in rapid COVID-19 vaccine development. Jensen noted the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has best practices ensuring crab survival after blood extraction, and that synthetic alternatives lack widespread FDA approval. Sponsor Glick countered that no biomedical permits have been requested in years, suggesting the restriction poses no practical threat to pharmaceutical development. The bill allows exceptions for educational and scientific research.

A10140 2024-06-07

An act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law, in relation to prohibiting the taking of horseshoe crabs for commercial and biomedical purposes

The Assembly debated A10140, sponsored by Asm. Glick, which would extend crab-taking permits through 2026 while prohibiting the taking of horseshoe crabs for commercial and biomedical purposes. Glick cited a precipitous decline in horseshoe crab populations to near-threatened status and impacts on dependent species including migratory birds. However, Asm. Jensen raised significant concerns about restricting biomedical uses, arguing that horseshoe crab blood is essential for endotoxin testing in vaccines and injectable medicines, with synthetic alternatives still lacking widespread FDA approval. Jensen noted that no permits have been requested for biomedical purposes in recent years and that the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has established best practices for blood harvesting that allow crabs to survive. He called for a carveout allowing biomedical research uses. Glick countered that the absence of permit requests indicates no actual interference with the biomedical field. The debate remained unresolved at the end of the transcript segment.

A10461 PASSED 2024-06-07

Co-payments for Pre-exposure and Post-exposure Prophylaxis

The Assembly passed A10461, sponsored by Asm. Simone, clarifying that health insurers cannot impose co-payments on pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP) drugs meeting federal preventative care standards. Simone argued the bill removes critical barriers to HIV prevention medications for vulnerable populations, particularly communities of color and men who have sex with men. Goodell opposed the measure, contending it inappropriately requires all policyholders to subsidize PrEP co-pays while maintaining co-pays for other maintenance medications, thereby raising insurance premiums. Jensen questioned the bill's necessity and practical impact, noting that federal law and prior state guidance already provide these protections and that the bill applies only to fully insured policies covering half the market. The bill passed without recorded vote tallies.

A01633-B / S____ 2024-06-06

An act to amend the Public Health Law, in relation to providing public notice and public engagement when a general hospital seeks to close entirely or a unit that provides maternity, mental health or substance use care

A09764 2024-06-06

Pharmacy benefit manager restrictions on cost disclosure

Source: Official NY Assembly floor session transcripts (Granicus). AI-processed. Includes sessions from 2023 onward where transcripts are available.

Bill Focus Areas 2025–2026

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.