An act to amend the Elder Law, in relation to establishing an Elder Financial Exploitation Public Awareness Campaign
The Assembly passed A08447-A, which requires the Office for the Aging to develop a public awareness campaign on financial exploitation of the elderly. Assemblymember Walsh expressed strong support, noting that financial exploitation of elderly constituents is a serious problem that generates significant constituent complaints. She stated the bill passed unanimously last year and expressed hope for similar support this year, though she noted there is currently no Senate companion bill.
An act to amend the Tax Law, in relation to the timeframe of distributors of cannabis products to file tax returns
An act to amend the Tax Law, in relation to the timeframe of distributors of cannabis products to file tax returns
An act to amend the Agriculture and Markets Law, in relation to exempting processors of syrup made from tree sap or honey from certain licensing requirements
Amend Alcoholic Beverage Control Law to establish a brand owner's license
Amend Tax Law to extend the authorization of the County of Broome to impose an additional one percent of sales and compensating use taxes
An act to amend the General Municipal Law, in relation to removing emergency medical services from the limit on real property tax levies by local governments
The Assembly passed legislation removing emergency medical services from the real property tax levy cap imposed on local governments, allowing municipalities to fund EMS agencies outside the 2 percent tax cap limit. Sponsored by Asm. Lupardo, the bill is part of a multi-year "RescueMS" initiative to support struggling EMS providers. Lupardo noted that EMS agencies have faced staffing shortages and lack funding for vital equipment, infrastructure improvements, and staff training. Asm. Angelino emphasized the particular impact on rural volunteer ambulance providers, many of which are struggling to remain operational. He noted that some municipalities have no ambulance coverage and rely solely on mutual aid from neighboring jurisdictions. Angelino stated that the bill will provide municipalities with breathing room to fund EMS services, with some needing only to sign contracts at 50 cents on the dollar over the tax cap. The bill passed with support from both sponsors and recognition from the Association of Counties and Conference of Mayors.
Therapeutic agriculture definition for community gardens
An act to amend the Education Law, in relation to continuing education requirements for landscape architects
An act to amend the Real Property Tax Law, in relation to partially exempting from taxation certain residential real property transferred to low-income households
Amend Civil Service Law to enact the 'New York State Teleworking Expansion Act'
An act to amend the Cannabis Law in relation to cannabis showcase event permits
The Assembly debated legislation to amend New York's Cannabis Showcase Event Permit program, which allows cultivators and processors to sell products at temporary pop-up events. Sponsor Assemblywoman Lupardo explained the bill requires both a cultivator and processor to participate in permits (rather than one or the other) and restricts events to separate, standalone pop-ups while maintaining the option for farmers market locations. The bill aims to help struggling cannabis growers build customer bases as retail licensing expands. However, Assemblywoman Walsh opposed the measure, arguing the program is no longer necessary given increased retail licensing and expressing concern that allowing cannabis pop-ups at farmers markets exposes children to the product. She called for OCM to instead focus on policing illegal pot shops. Assemblyman Norber raised similar concerns about child exposure and questioned whether limits exist on the number of pop-up shops at individual farmers markets. Municipal control over opt-out communities and farmers market participation was clarified during debate.
Economic Development Law amendment promoting the New York State beverage industry
Amend Agriculture and Markets Law relating to types of New York grown, produced or harvested milk products included in the definition of surplus agricultural products for the Nourish New York program
Chapter amendment relating to expanding the definition of crops, livestock and livestock products to include cannabis; clarifies that only legally-cultivated cannabis is entitled to agricultural assessment
The Assembly passed a chapter amendment to legislation expanding agricultural definitions to include cannabis, with Assemblywoman Walsh explaining that the amendment clarifies only legally-cultivated cannabis qualifies for agricultural assessment. Walsh noted the clarification addresses concerns raised during last year's vote on the underlying legislation.
An act to amend the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, in relation to authorizing the direct intrastate and interstate shipment of liquor, cider, mead, and braggot and relates to direct shipments of wine
The Assembly debated A03132-A, which would authorize direct-to-consumer shipment of distilled spirits, cider, and mead to private residences, extending a privilege currently available only for wine. Sponsor Assemblywoman Lupardo argued the bill supports New York's micro-distilleries, cideries, and meaderies—capped at 75,000 gallons annually—and helps local farmers by allowing small producers to build customer bases before entering the traditional three-tiered distribution system. The bill was tested successfully during COVID with minimal enforcement issues, she said. However, Assemblyman Morinello raised concerns about large out-of-state producers potentially circumventing the production cap through subsidiaries, and cited public health advocates' worries about youth access to high-proof spirits (40% alcohol). He also referenced a 2020 Washington Post study finding an 80% failure rate by delivery companies to verify age. Assemblyman Ra questioned whether the 75,000-gallon cap was appropriately calibrated, noting the largest New York farm distilleries produce only 4,200-19,000 gallons, and expressed concerns about enforcement based on his own experience with unattended wine deliveries. Lupardo countered that the State Liquor Authority would closely monitor compliance and that local producers welcomed competition, confident their award-winning products using New York farm goods would prevail in the market.
An act to amend the Banking Law, in relation to establishing multiple-person accounts; and to repeal certain provisions of such law relating thereto.
Distillery direct shipment bill - allowing small New York distilleries to ship products directly to consumers
The New York State Assembly passed legislation sponsored by Assemblymember Lupardo on June 7 allowing small distilleries to ship products directly to consumers in reciprocal states. The bill addresses concerns from approximately 175 small New York distilleries, 20 of which have closed in the past year due to inability to access traditional distribution channels. Lupardo emphasized that the bill applies only to small producers whose products are not currently available in liquor stores, and therefore poses no threat to the existing three-tier alcohol distribution system or retail liquor stores. The bill would allow small distilleries to ship directly to consumers who visit their facilities or purchase their award-winning products online. Assemblymember Tague praised the bill as supporting agricultural diversification, noting that farmers across New York are using alternative crops like potatoes to produce spirits. The legislation passed with support from members who recognized the need to help small producers survive while maintaining the existing regulatory framework for larger producers.
Cannabis showcase event permit
The Assembly passed legislation on June 7 creating a cannabis showcase event permit program to help farmers sell crops amid the slow rollout of New York's cannabis market. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Lupardo, the bill replaces an experimental temporary cannabis market program that expired January 1, 2024, with a new regulatory framework featuring clearer compliance mechanisms and stricter reporting requirements to the Office of Cannabis Management. The program allows licensed adult-use retailers to sell products at farmers markets and public markets in partnership with licensed cultivators and processors in municipalities that have opted in, with permits limited to 14 days. Lupardo emphasized the program is designed to assist farmers, particularly those with one-acre operations, who have been left in financial difficulty by the delayed cannabis program rollout. Assemblyman Goodell raised concerns that the program requires dispensary licenses, which were preferentially awarded to individuals with drug convictions under the original legalization scheme, and questioned the optics of promoting drug sales in communities. The bill takes effect immediately. A party vote was requested, with the Republican Conference generally opposed.
An act to amend the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, in relation to authorizing the direct intrastate and interstate shipment of liquor, cider, mead, and braggot and relates to direct shipments of wine
The Assembly debated A03132-A, which would authorize direct-to-consumer shipment of distilled liquor, cider, and mead to private residences in-state and out-of-state, extending privileges currently available only for wine. Sponsor Assemblywoman Lupardo argued the bill supports micro-distilleries, cideries, and meaderies—most producing well below the 75,000-gallon annual cap—while supporting New York farmers and allowing small producers to eventually enter the three-tiered distribution system. The bill would require age verification (ID check and signature) through common carriers like UPS and FedEx, mirroring successful COVID-era wine shipment protocols. Critics including Assemblyman Ra and Assemblyman Morinello raised concerns about the production cap being significantly higher than actual New York distillery output, the potential for large national brands like Jim Beam to create subsidiaries to circumvent restrictions, and public health concerns from MADD and alcohol counselors about youth access to high-proof spirits. A Washington Post study cited by Morinello found an 80% failure rate in age verification at delivery points. Lupardo countered that the State Liquor Authority would closely monitor compliance and that local producers welcome competition, noting New York's award-winning spirits and farm products give local distillers a competitive advantage. The debate remained ongoing at the end of the transcript segment.
Cannabis showcase event permit
The Assembly passed a bill creating a cannabis showcase event permit program to help farmers sell crops amid the slow rollout of New York's cannabis licensing system. Sponsor Assemblywoman Lupardo explained the measure allows licensed adult-use retailers to sell cannabis at farmers markets and public markets in partnership with cultivators and processors through 14-day permits in municipalities that have opted in. The program includes strict reporting requirements to the Office of Cannabis Management. Lupardo emphasized the bill is designed to assist farmers who have been left in a lurch by the delayed cannabis rollout, noting that many 2022 farmers lost value on their crops due to lack of sales opportunities. Assemblyman Goodell raised concerns that the program requires dispensary licenses originally awarded preferentially to individuals with drug convictions, but acknowledged it as a practical solution for small one-acre farms. The bill takes effect immediately.
An act to amend the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, in relation to authorizing the direct intrastate and interstate shipment of liquor, cider, mead, and braggot and relates to direct shipments of wine
The Assembly debated A03132-A, which would authorize direct-to-consumer shipment of distilled spirits, cider, and mead to private residences, extending a privilege currently available only for wine. Sponsor Assemblywoman Lupardo argued the bill supports New York's micro-distilleries, cideries, and meaderies—capped at 75,000 gallons annual production—by allowing them to reach customers online and eventually graduate into the traditional three-tiered distribution system. She emphasized the bill was safely tested during COVID and that the State Liquor Authority will strictly monitor compliance. However, Assemblyman Morinello raised concerns about youth access to high-proof spirits (40% alcohol), citing a Washington Post study showing an 80% failure rate by delivery companies to verify age, and warned the bill could undermine the three-tiered system that employs thousands of workers. Assemblyman Ra questioned whether the 75,000-gallon cap is too high—noting New York's largest farm distilleries produce only 4,200-19,000 gallons—and expressed concern that major out-of-state producers like Jim Beam could use corporate subsidiaries to circumvent the restrictions. Lupardo countered that local producers welcome competition and that New York's award-winning products will prevail in the market. The debate remained ongoing at the end of the transcript segment.
Distillery direct shipment bill (relating to small distillery direct-to-consumer sales)
The Assembly passed legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Lupardo allowing small New York distilleries to ship products directly to consumers, addressing concerns that craft producers are losing market viability. The bill, which received floor debate on June 7, updates state law to permit direct-to-consumer sales for distilleries below a certain production threshold—currently excluded from New York's three-tier alcohol distribution system. Lupardo noted that New York has lost 20 distilleries in the past year and 50 percent of remaining producers face closure risk due to changing consumer behavior and lack of retail shelf space. The legislation does not impact the three-tier system for larger producers and includes tax collection provisions requiring registration with the Department of Taxation and Finance. Supporters, including Assemblymember Tague, characterized the bill as essential for agricultural diversification in rural New York, comparing it to successful farm-to-table programs. The bill passed without recorded opposition.
Cannabis showcase event permit
The Assembly passed legislation creating a cannabis showcase event permit program on June 7. Sponsor Assemblywoman Lupardo's bill (A10398-A) establishes 14-day temporary permits allowing licensed cannabis retailers to sell products at farmers markets and public markets in partnership with cultivators and processors. The program is designed to help farmers sell crops while the broader cannabis retail rollout continues. Lupardo noted that many 2022 farmers lost income when their crops lost value due to slow program implementation. The showcase events can only occur in municipalities that have opted in to allow cannabis sales. Assemblyman Goodell raised concerns that the program requires dispensary licenses originally awarded preferentially to individuals with drug convictions under the state's legalization scheme, but acknowledged the measure as a way to assist struggling farmers. The bill takes effect immediately.
Amend the Agriculture and Markets Law, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, and the Tax Law, in relation to crop loss determinations for apples used in the production of New York State labeled cider
Source: Official NY Assembly floor session transcripts (Granicus). AI-processed. Includes sessions from 2023 onward where transcripts are available.