Asm. Anna Kelles

Argued unencapsulated foam breaks into microplastics highly toxic to wildlife and humans; noted microplastics bioaccumulate in fish and birds, and recent studies show microplastics in human brains linked to infertility and miscarriage; emphasized government responsibility to protect public health when scientific evidence shows toxicity; noted similar bans are becoming common in other states.

Explained the bill expands PFAS testing in New York's waters to provide transparency about pollution levels and aid development of effective regulations, while clarifying it is a monitoring and reporting bill, not a regulatory mandate.

Ms. Kelles explained the bill requires water testing results from correctional facilities to be posted on websites and provided in physical copies upon request. Ms. Walsh questioned whether the bill changes the type or frequency of testing (it does not) and challenged claims in the Memorandum of Support about protecting aquatic habitats and ecosystems, noting the bill only mandates transparency without altering testing protocols. Ms. Kelles argued transparency increases responsibility and accountability. Ms. Walsh ultimately supported the bill after clarifying its limited scope.

Ms. Kelles explained the bill requires water testing results from correctional facilities to be posted on websites and provided in physical copies upon request. Ms. Walsh questioned whether the bill changes the type or frequency of testing (it does not) and challenged claims in the Memorandum of Support about protecting aquatic habitats and ecosystems, noting the bill only mandates transparency without altering testing protocols. Ms. Kelles argued transparency increases responsibility and accountability. Ms. Walsh ultimately supported the bill after clarifying its limited scope.

The bill expunges prior convictions for possession of syringes and hypodermic needles, which were decriminalized in 2021. Sponsor Kelles explained expungement means complete removal of records, not sealing, and that over 25,000 prior convictions exist. Assemblyman Molitor questioned the implementation mechanics, particularly how the Office of Court Administration would coordinate with the Division of Criminal Justice Services to remove records from criminal histories, and raised concerns based on his prosecutorial experience that marijuana expungements were not always properly implemented. Molitor also argued that expungement wipes away history and that sealing provisions would be sufficient. Kelles responded that the process follows established marijuana expungement protocols and that agencies have clear records of the convictions to be expunged.

Emphasized the public health rationale for decriminalization in 2021 and the unfairness of retroactively punishing people for conduct that is no longer illegal. Noted that convictions have prevented people from accessing housing, employment, and family stability, affecting over 25,000 individuals.

Assemblymember Simpson expressed concerns about the bill despite supporting its intent, noting that sportsmen organizations in his district reported no communication with the Department of Environmental Conservation on the issue. Simpson stated there has not been enough scientific data to support the measure and cited past bad experiences with similar policies.

Assemblymember Glick clarified that the bill is limited to traveling acts and prohibits only large cats, bears, non-human primates, kangaroos and wallabies. She emphasized the bill does not limit domesticated farm animals at county fairs or other events, and is targeted at protecting the public from dangerous incidents. Glick noted that 4-H activities and county fair displays of safe animals remain unaffected.

Sponsor explained the bill bans three chemicals already identified as harmful and requires disclosure of safety analyses already conducted under federal standards. Emphasized the disclosure requirement is not duplicative because federal disclosure is voluntary, and noted alternatives to the banned chemicals already exist in the market at comparable costs.

Sponsor argued that microplastics from washing machines contribute significantly to ocean pollution and have been found in human brains and tissues, causing inflammation and health risks. Emphasized that effective filter technology already exists and is used in Europe, and that a 2030 implementation date allows manufacturers time to adapt.

The bill would require washing machines sold in New York to include filters to prevent microplastics from entering wastewater. Supporters argued microplastics are a widespread environmental and health threat found in water, soil, air, and human bodies, and that the technology exists and has been used for two decades. Opponents raised concerns about cost to consumers, citing California Governor Newsom's 2023 veto of similar legislation due to affordability concerns, and questioned why New York should be first when no other state has successfully implemented such a requirement.

Bill allows trafficking survivors and sex workers to report crimes without fear of arrest, enabling justice and providing law enforcement with investigative information. Cited Long Island Serial Killer case as example of how fear of arrest prevented timely investigation.

Sponsor explained federal court decisions require states to waive sovereign immunity for state employee claims under the ADA, FLSA, ADEA, and FMLA. Noted four to five states have already done so and praised the removal of retroactivity language in recent revisions.

Argued that the State should be held to the same standards as private entities and local governments, and that precedent from other states that have waived sovereign immunity shows no significant fiscal impact. Emphasized that meritless cases can be dismissed early through judicial process.

Supported the bill and applauded steps to create parity for environmental conservation officers, State Parks, and SUNY Campus Police with other officers statewide.

Supported legal defense provision as protecting the seat rather than naming specific individual; applauded steps creating parity for environmental conservation officers, State Parks, and SUNY Campus Police.

Supported the bill and applauded steps taken to create parity for environmental conservation officers, State Parks, and SUNY Campus Police with other state officers.

Cited 30 years of data from ten states and D.C. showing zero reported cases of physician liability under medical aid in dying laws. Criticized fear-mongering and emphasized the importance of choice and dignity, speaking from her recent experience watching her father die in pain.