An act to amend the Civil Practice Law and Rules, in relation to prohibiting undisclosed recording of mediation and court-annexed alternative dispute resolution proceedings.
An act to amend chapter 455 of the Laws of 1997 and chapter 129 of the Laws of 2024 relating to New York City marshals' functions and eviction notice procedures
An act to amend the Executive Law, in relation to limiting recordkeeping and reporting duties of public notaries
Cannabis regulatory clarification — measurement standards for dispensary proximity to schools and houses of worship
The Assembly passed legislation on Feb. 11 correcting regulatory guidance from the Office of Cannabis Management that retroactively deemed over 100 licensed cannabis dispensaries non-compliant with proximity requirements to schools and houses of worship. Sponsor Assemblywoman Zinerman's bill (A05906-B) clarifies that distance measurements run center-door-to-center-door at 500 feet from schools and 200 feet from houses of worship, restoring consistency with the original Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act. The bill protects businesses that received written state confirmation and invested capital in good faith. Supporters, including Assemblyman Dais and Mrs. Peoples-Stokes, emphasized OCM's rigorous age-verification safeguards exceed those of liquor retailers and that the cannabis industry generates tax revenue and economic opportunity for justice-involved individuals. Opponents including Assemblywoman Walsh and Assemblyman Slater criticized the bill as special treatment unavailable to other regulated industries, questioned the cannabis program's overall implementation, and objected to the compressed legislative timeline. The bill passed on a party-line vote with the Minority Conference voting in the negative, though individual members were permitted to vote affirmatively at their seats.
An act to amend the Estates, Powers and Trusts Law, in relation to electronic wills; to amend the Judiciary Law, in relation to rules relating to electronic wills; and to amend a chapter of the Laws of 2025 amending the Estates, Powers and Trusts Law and the State Technology Law relating to electronic wills
The Assembly passed A09497, a chapter amendment to New York's electronic wills law that strengthens fraud protections and clarifies implementation procedures. Sponsored by Asm. Lavine, the bill requires electronic wills be created and stored on systems that verify testator signatures, prevent version tampering, capture all post-signing modifications, and maintain audit trail data including timestamps and access logs. The amendment extends the effective date from 540 days to two years, giving the chief administrator of courts time to develop necessary rules and infrastructure for statewide implementation. During debate, Asm. Walsh raised concerns about technological barriers for older testators and sought clarification that witnesses must be electronically present during signing, not reviewing recordings afterward. Mrs. Peoples-Stokes supported the bill as potentially accelerating estate planning access and reducing community blight from unprobated properties. The Minority Conference voted generally in opposition.
An act to amend the Criminal Procedure Law, in relation to the method of notifying certain crime victims of the disposition of criminal trial
The Assembly passed legislation (A09493) sponsored by Asm. Romero that modifies how crime victims are notified of criminal case dispositions. The bill removes the requirement that written disposition notices be mailed and instead allows prosecutors to provide them through reasonable and secure means, including electronically. Sponsor Romero argued the change ensures victims receive plain-language summaries explaining case outcomes rather than jargon-filled Certificates of Disposition. However, Asm. Molitor raised concerns that the bill lacks specificity about what constitutes an adequate written summary, potentially allowing different District Attorney offices to apply it inconsistently and permitting minimal information to satisfy requirements. Asm. Bailey opposed the measure, arguing it creates room for error by allowing flexibility in what information is included and noting that informal summaries may not be filed in official case records. The Majority Conference voted in favor while the Minority Conference generally opposed it, though individual members could vote contrary to their conference position. Asm. Lavine spoke in favor, noting that modern Certificates of Disposition are costly and difficult for average citizens to understand.
Amend Domestic Relations Law regarding what qualifies as an applicable, timely and relevant economic issue for no fault separation
Amend General Business Law regarding electronic notice for collateral loan brokers
An act to amend the Estates, Powers and Trusts Law and the State Technology Law, in relation to electronic wills
The Assembly passed legislation authorizing electronic wills in New York, allowing remote execution via secure video conference with trained notaries and witnesses. Sponsor Asm. Lavine argued the measure addresses access barriers, noting less than one-third of New Yorkers have wills and rural areas face particular challenges. The bill requires multifactor authentication, video recording filed with Surrogate's Court within 30 days, and trained notaries to assess testator competence. Opponents, including Asm. Walsh and Asm. Ra, raised concerns about inability to detect undue influence or family pressure through video, loss of personal attorney-client interaction, and potential for fraud. Walsh shared a personal anecdote about discovering undisclosed family influence on an elderly client with dementia that she might have missed via video. Proponents emphasized strong procedural safeguards and convenience for elderly and disabled individuals. The Republican Conference generally opposed the measure while the Majority Conference supported it. The effective date is 545 days after enactment to allow court system preparation.
An act to amend the Tax Law, in relation to the enforcement of delinquent tax liabilities by means of the suspension of licenses to operate a motor vehicle
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.
An act to amend the General Business Law, in relation to providing for electronic notice for collateral loan brokers
An act to amend the Public Authorities Law, in relation to the Septic System Replacement Fund
The Assembly passed legislation expanding the Septic System Replacement Fund to facilitate reimbursement for septic and cesspool upgrades across New York State. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Kassay, the bill addresses widespread contamination from antiquated systems, particularly on Long Island where 70 percent of Suffolk County residents rely on conventional cesspools and septic systems that fail to filter nitrogen and other pollutants. Multiple members testified that the upgrades are critical for protecting groundwater and preventing harmful algal blooms in bays, harbors, and beaches. Assemblywoman Giglio noted replacement costs can reach $35,000 to $50,000 per property. Assemblyman Schiavoni emphasized that Long Island has no viable alternative drinking water source other than the aquifer beneath it, making the measure essential for coastal communities.
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 Real Property Tax Law, in relation to base proportions in assessing units in Nassau and Suffolk Counties
An act to amend the Real Property Tax Law, in relation to base proportions in assessing units in Nassau and Suffolk Counties
An act to amend the Executive Law, in relation to codifying the disparate impact standard in the Human Rights Law
The Assembly passed legislation codifying the disparate impact standard in New York's Human Rights Law, ensuring state protections against housing discrimination remain strong regardless of federal action. Sponsored by Assemblyman Lasher with support from Assemblywoman Wright, the bill incorporates language almost verbatim from federal fair housing regulations. Lasher explained the measure addresses potential changes at the federal level, citing the Supreme Court's Loper Light decision and a recent executive order targeting disparate impact liability. The bill was supported by members citing New York's civil rights history and the need to protect against modern redlining and discriminatory lending practices, such as the 2014 Evans Bank case in Buffalo where only 0.36 percent of mortgage applications came from African-American applicants in targeted neighborhoods. The Republican Conference generally opposed the measure, though some members were permitted to vote yes at their seats.
An act to amend the Executive Law, in relation to providing confidentiality for communications arising out of law enforcement peer support counseling
The Assembly passed A06721-A, sponsored by Asm. Judy Griffin, establishing confidentiality protections for law enforcement peer support counseling communications. The bill creates a formal peer-to-peer mental health support program for police officers modeled on the successful Joseph P. Dwyer program for veterans. Multiple members spoke in support, emphasizing that law enforcement officers face suicide rates 54 percent higher than the general population and that peer support with confidentiality protections is critical to address the trauma officers experience responding to violent crimes and life-threatening situations. Asm. Griffin noted the legislation was years in the making with input from police organizations statewide, including the Nassau County PBA. The bill passed with broad bipartisan support, with speakers including former law enforcement officer Asm. O'Pharrow and members from across the state.
An act to amend the Domestic Relations Law, in relation to automatic orders in matrimonial actions.
An act to amend the Domestic Relations Law, in relation to automatic orders in matrimonial actions.
An act to amend the Domestic Relations Law, in relation to automatic orders in matrimonial actions.
An act to amend the Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law, in relation to the foreclosure of lines for unpaid assessments due to a Homeowners' Association or condominium board
An act to amend the Education Law, in relation to requiring the appointment of a Title VI coordinator at every college and university in the State
The Assembly unanimously passed legislation requiring every college and university in New York to appoint a Title VI coordinator to address discrimination on campus. Assemblywoman Rozic, the bill's sponsor, cited the alarming rise in anti-Semitic incidents and other forms of discrimination at institutions including CUNY and Columbia University. The coordinator would serve as a dedicated point of contact for students reporting discrimination and ensure timely institutional response. Several members noted that some institutions like NYU have already taken this step. The measure passed without opposition, with members emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and institutional action in response to rising hate and bias incidents on campuses.
An act to amend the Public Health Law, in relation to treatment of deaf, hard-of-hearing and nonverbal individuals during admission to a hospital
An act to amend the Executive Law, in relation to limiting recordkeeping and reporting duties of public notaries
An act to amend the Domestic Relations Law, in relation to allowing for no fault separation
Source: Official NY Assembly floor session transcripts (Granicus). AI-processed. Includes sessions from 2023 onward where transcripts are available.