Asm. Grace Lee

The Assembly passed the AANHPI Education Equity Act (A08463-E), sponsored by Asm. Lee, which directs the Commissioner of Education to survey school districts on instruction related to Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander history and establishes a temporary four-member advisory committee to recommend curriculum resources. Debate focused on committee composition, with Minority members objecting to the lack of Minority party representation. Asm. Walsh questioned why the committee was limited to four experts and suggested expanding to six to allow Minority appointments. Asm. Lee responded that appointments are based on subject matter expertise and that Minority members could provide recommendations through the Speaker and Majority Leader. Asm. Gallahan and Asm. Tague voted against the bill citing the exclusion of Minority representation. The bill passed with support from Asm. Lee, Asm. Chang (cosponsor), Asm. Lunsford, and Asm. Meeks, who emphasized the importance of inclusive curriculum and diverse perspectives.

The Assembly passed A05031-A, sponsored by Asm. Jacobson, requiring State-chartered banks to provide 60 days' notice and written explanation before closing customer accounts, with funds returned within 60 days of closure. The bill aims to protect consumers from unexpected account closures that can result in bounced checks and financial hardship. Jacobson noted the measure does not preempt Federal law enforcement actions. However, Asm. Bologna raised concerns that the bill lacks explicit exemptions for State law enforcement investigations into fraud, money laundering, and terrorism, and warned it could disadvantage State-chartered banks and credit unions already struggling to compete with Federal-chartered institutions. Asm. Peoples-Stokes supported the measure, citing instances where banks closed accounts without notice and funds ended up unclaimed. The bill takes effect immediately.

The Assembly engaged in extensive debate on the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act (A08148-A/S07694-A), sponsored by Assemblywoman Rozic, which would restrict minors' access to algorithmic social media feeds without parental consent. The bill prohibits platforms from sending notifications from addictive feeds to users under 18 between midnight and 6 a.m. without verifiable parental consent and authorizes the Attorney General to enforce compliance with civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation. Assemblymember Blumencranz raised significant concerns about the bill's broad definition of "addictive feed"—any platform using algorithms to recommend content based on user data—arguing it could capture music streaming services, news apps, and book recommendation platforms like Goodreads. He questioned whether the bill adequately addresses advertising and marketplace features, and expressed concern about delegating definitional clarity to the Attorney General without legislative oversight. Rozic countered that the definition applies specifically to social media platforms and that the bill is content-neutral, targeting only the delivery mechanism. She emphasized the bill addresses a documented crisis: social media use is ten times more dangerous for children than other screen time, with studies showing direct correlation to rising rates of self-harm, anxiety, depression, and suicide. Supporters including Assemblywoman Walsh and Assemblymember Lemondes acknowledged the bill's imperfections but backed it as a necessary first step to protect children from algorithmic manipulation. The debate continued as the transcript segment ended.

The Assembly engaged in extensive debate on the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act (A08148-A/S07694-A), sponsored by Assemblywoman Rozic, which would restrict algorithmic feeds to minors without parental consent. The bill prohibits social media platforms from sending notifications to users under 18 from addictive feeds between midnight and 6 a.m. without verifiable parental consent, and authorizes the Attorney General to enforce compliance with civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation. Sponsor Rozic argued the bill addresses a documented public health crisis, citing studies linking social media to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide among minors. She emphasized the bill's content-neutral approach, targeting only the algorithmic delivery mechanism rather than speech itself. Assemblymember Blumencranz raised significant concerns about the bill's definition of "addictive feed," arguing it is overly broad and could capture platforms like Spotify, Apple News, Netflix, Goodreads, and podcast applications that use algorithms to recommend content. He questioned whether the bill adequately addresses advertising and marketplace features, and expressed concern about delegating definitional authority to the Attorney General without legislative oversight. Assemblywoman Walsh acknowledged concerns but supported the bill as a necessary first step, though she cautioned against vesting excessive discretion in the Attorney General's office. Assemblymember Lemondes supported the bill as addressing a real crisis affecting child development and national security. The debate remained ongoing at the end of the transcript segment.

The Assembly engaged in extensive debate on the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act (A08148-A/S07694-A), sponsored by Assemblywoman Rozic, which would restrict algorithmic feeds to minors without parental consent. The bill prohibits social media platforms from sending addictive feed notifications to users under 18 between midnight and 6 a.m. without verifiable parental consent and authorizes the Attorney General to enforce compliance with civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation. Sponsor Rozic emphasized the bill targets the root cause of social media's harmful effects on children—algorithmic feeds designed to maximize engagement—in a content-neutral manner. She cited studies linking social media to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide among minors, and noted the 2000 COPPA law is outdated for today's digital landscape. Assemblywoman Walsh expressed support despite concerns about concentrating regulatory authority in the Attorney General's Office, noting the broad bipartisan sponsorship reflects the bill's importance. However, Assemblymember Blumencranz raised significant concerns about the definition of "addictive feed," arguing it is so broad it could capture music streaming services, news aggregators like Apple News, book recommendation platforms like Goodreads, and podcast apps—none of which are social media platforms. He questioned whether the Attorney General has the technical expertise to implement vague standards like "commercially reasonable and technically feasible" methods for age verification, and expressed concern that the Legislature would have no oversight of future regulations. Rozic countered that the definition applies only to platforms where algorithmic feeds are a significant part of services, and that the Attorney General's office includes respected lawyers and technologists capable of crafting appropriate rules. The debate highlighted tensions between addressing a genuine public health concern and concerns about regulatory overreach and definitional ambiguity.

The Assembly debated A06789-B, which requires social media platforms to publish their terms of service and provide transparency on content moderation practices, specifically addressing policies on hate speech, racism, disinformation, harassment, and threats of violence. Sponsor Ms. Lee argued platforms have failed to provide clear policies despite rising hate speech and harassment online. The bill is modeled after California law. However, Asm. Goodell raised First Amendment concerns, arguing the bill is a precursor to censorship by requiring platforms to report on 'disinformation,' a term without clear definition. He noted that traditional news media face no comparable reporting requirements and questioned why social media platforms are singled out. Goodell emphasized that the First Amendment protects free expression, including speech that is wrong, and that the marketplace of ideas—not government regulation—should determine what information prevails.

The Assembly passed the Stop Hiding Hate Act (A09616-C), sponsored by Assemblywoman Lee, requiring social media platforms to report their terms of service to the New York Attorney General on a biannual basis. The bill mandates that platforms consolidate their terms on a state website to increase transparency and combat hate speech proliferation. Supporters argued the measure addresses the role of social media in spreading harmful content and misinformation that fuels real-world violence, citing the 2022 Buffalo mass shooting as evidence. Opponents, led by Assemblyman Goodell, contended the bill imposes unnecessary regulatory burden on businesses, arguing that terms of service are already publicly available and easily accessible online. Goodell warned the measure will increase state costs and make New York less business-friendly. The bill passed with Democratic support; Republicans were generally opposed.

The Assembly debated a bill requiring social media platforms to publish their terms of service and report to the Attorney General on content moderation practices regarding hate speech, racism, disinformation, harassment, and threats of violence. Sponsor Asm. Lee characterized the measure as a transparency and reporting requirement, not a mandate for how platforms moderate content, citing the rise in hate speech and harassment on social media despite company inaction. Asm. Goodell raised constitutional concerns, arguing the bill's focus on 'disinformation' could be a precursor to censorship and questioning why social media platforms are singled out while traditional news media like the New York Times face no comparable reporting requirements. Lee clarified the bill is modeled after California law and does not instruct platforms on how to conduct content moderation, only what to report publicly. The debate highlighted tensions between transparency advocates seeking to address online harms and free speech advocates concerned about government involvement in regulating speech.

The Assembly debated A09057-C, which would require state-chartered financial institutions to accept the New York City Identity Card as a primary form of identification to promote financial inclusion for underbanked populations. Sponsor Assemblywoman Lee argued the bill advances access to banking services for vulnerable New Yorkers and noted that 12 banking institutions already accept the NYC ID without compliance issues. However, significant opposition emerged over federal regulatory concerns. Assemblyman Curran questioned whether the bill adequately protects banks from federal penalties under anti-money laundering requirements if they accept the NYC ID but later face federal violations. Assemblyman Blumencranz raised concerns about the transparency of the NYC ID verification process, the ability of undocumented individuals to obtain the card, and vague language about which banking services must be provided. The debate remained unresolved at the end of the transcript segment, with no vote recorded.

The Assembly passed legislation requiring state-chartered banks, interstate branches, and foreign banking corporations to accept the IDNYC (New York City ID) as valid identification for opening bank accounts. Sponsored by Asm. Lee, the bill aims to expand banking access for vulnerable populations, including undocumented immigrants and low-income New Yorkers who lack traditional identification. Supporters noted IDNYC is already used by over 2 million New Yorkers and has been affirmed by federal banking regulators including the Federal Reserve, FDIC, and OCC. Over a dozen banks in New York already accept the ID. Opponents, primarily Republicans, raised concerns that the requirement could expose banks to federal regulatory violations and fraud risks, particularly given state oversight limitations over IDNYC issuance during the ongoing migrant crisis. The Majority Conference voted in the affirmative; the Minority Conference voted generally in the negative, though members could vote individually at their desks.

The Assembly debated A09057-C, the Pro-Banking Act, which would require state-chartered financial institutions to accept the New York City Identity Card as a primary form of identification to promote financial inclusion. Assemblywoman Lee, the sponsor, argued the bill advances banking access for vulnerable populations and cited federal regulators' affirmation of the NYC ID's acceptability. However, Assemblyman Curran raised significant concerns about whether the bill adequately protects banks from federal anti-money laundering violations under the Customer Identification Program, arguing that a severability clause cannot shield banks from federal penalties. Assemblyman Blumencranz questioned the transparency of the NYC ID verification process and whether undocumented individuals could obtain the card. Lee countered that 12 banking institutions have already accepted the NYC ID without compliance issues. The bill includes an amendment adding a severability clause allowing the DFS Superintendent to exempt entities unable to comply with federal regulations.

The Assembly passed legislation requiring state-chartered banks, interstate branches, and foreign banking corporations to accept the IDNYC (New York City ID) as valid identification for opening bank accounts. Sponsor Assemblywoman Lee argued the measure addresses financial exclusion of vulnerable New Yorkers, noting IDNYC is used by over 2 million residents and has been affirmed by federal banking regulators. Supporters cited successful adoption by major banks and credit unions. Republicans and some Democrats opposed the bill, citing potential federal regulatory compliance risks for banks and fraud concerns related to IDNYC issuance to homeless individuals without verified addresses. The Minority Conference voted generally in the negative, while the Majority Conference supported passage.

The Assembly passed legislation expanding access to technical assistance grants for communities dealing with contaminated brownfield sites. Sponsor Asm. Lee (A07396-B) shared her personal experience discovering that a parking lot across from her daughter's school was the site of the largest thermometer factory in the country, heavily contaminated with mercury—a known neurotoxin. Lee explained that her community was initially denied access to technical assistance grants and had to rely on outside help from the Manhattan Borough President. The bill allows community boards to qualify for grants to enhance community input and provide resources for residents to advocate for their children's safety and hold developers accountable.

The New York State Assembly passed the omnibus budget bill (A08808-C) on April 18, 2024, after extensive floor debate over multiple policy provisions. The bill includes significant public safety measures, including the SMOKEOUT Act to enforce against illegal cannabis shops, expanded hate crimes protections, and retail theft provisions addressing organized retail crime. However, the measure proved contentious over provisions to close up to five state prisons with only 90 days' notice to affected corrections officers and communities. Supporters, including Assemblymembers Rajkumar, Epstein, Lee, and Zaccaro, celebrated the cannabis enforcement provisions, with Rajkumar announcing plans to raid and padlock illegal smoke shops across New York City. Opponents, including Assemblymembers Palmesano, Manktelow, Maher, and Lemondes, criticized the prison closures as unconscionable given the corrections workforce crisis and economic impact on rural communities. Assemblymember Lavine defended bail reform provisions, explaining that judges retain authority to set bail for repeat offenders. The bill also extends alcohol-to-go sales for five additional years, drawing criticism from members including Glick and Peoples-Stokes who questioned the policy's appropriateness.

The New York State Assembly passed a comprehensive budget bill (A08808-C) on April 18 that includes major provisions on illegal cannabis enforcement, retail theft penalties, hate crimes statute expansion, and prison closures. The bill generated significant floor debate, with broad bipartisan support for cannabis enforcement measures including the SMOKEOUT Act to padlock illegal smoke shops and revoke business licenses. Members also supported retail theft provisions addressing organized retail crime and hate crimes statute modernization. However, the bill's prison closure provisions—allowing up to five facility closures with only 90 days notice—drew substantial opposition from members representing rural districts where prisons are major employers. Opponents cited workforce impacts on corrections officers and their families, increased violence in facilities, and insufficient alternative public safety measures. Supporters of closures argued prisons should reform people, not serve as permanent employment, and that resources should be redirected to community-based solutions. The bill passed with members from both parties voting affirmatively despite reservations on specific provisions.

The New York State Assembly passed legislation requiring hospitals to provide 270 days' notice before closing emergency departments, maternity wards, mental health services, substance abuse services, or specialty care units, with mandatory community engagement and Department of Health review. Sponsor Assemblywoman Shelley Mayer Simon argued the bill protects public health by ensuring communities have input on hospital closures, citing threatened closures at Beth Israel Hospital in Manhattan, SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn, and 27 rural hospitals statewide. Supporters including Assemblymembers Epstein, Lee, and Walker emphasized that hospital closure decisions are currently made in private boardrooms without public input, despite affecting hundreds of thousands of residents' access to care. Opponents Assemblymembers Jensen and Goodell raised concerns that the extended timeline could cause staff departures and supply chain disruptions, and noted the bill provides no funding to help hospitals survive the notice period. The bill includes penalties beginning at $2,000 per incident, at the discretion of the Department of Health Commissioner. The Assembly passed the bill on a party-line vote, with the Majority Conference voting in the affirmative and the Republican Conference generally opposed, though members were permitted to vote their conscience.

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.

The Assembly passed A08570, sponsored by Assemblyman Lee, amending the General Business Law relating to the sale of certain products for human consumption. The bill takes effect on the 30th day.

The New York State Assembly passed legislation establishing Lunar New Year as a school holiday, marking a historic moment for Asian-American recognition in the state. Assembly Bill A07768, sponsored by Asm. Colton and backed by dozens of cosponsors, amends the Education Law to designate the Asian Lunar New Year as an official school holiday, effective July 1, 2023. The measure eliminates the difficult choice families face between celebrating the holiday with their children or having them attend school. Multiple members spoke in support, with Asm. Kim noting the symbolic importance of the legislation at a time when Asian-Americans face rising hate crimes. Asm. Chang, while voting yes, raised concerns about the bill's language and its application only to school districts with populations exceeding one million, effectively limiting it to New York City. The bill passed with broad support from members representing diverse districts across the state.

The Assembly passed legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Lee prohibiting the sale of sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate to persons under 21, with ID checks required for anyone appearing under 30. Lee cited rising youth suicide rates and the case of actor Matthew Mindler, who purchased sodium nitrite on Amazon for $15 to commit suicide. The chemicals are commonly used as food preservatives but can be lethal at high concentrations. Assemblywoman Walsh opposed the measure, arguing that determined individuals have many accessible means of self-harm and that age restrictions alone do not address the underlying suicide crisis. The bill passed without a recorded vote tally.