Direct Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets to conduct study on vertical farming
Authorize Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets to conduct study on vertical farming
Safer Weapons, Safer Home Act — requiring the Division of Criminal Justice Services to study the technological viability of personalized firearms
The New York State Assembly debated A01191-B, the Safer Weapons, Safer Home Act, which would direct the Division of Criminal Justice Services to conduct a two-year study on the technological viability of personalized firearms—weapons that can only be fired by authorized users. Sponsor Assemblyman Bores said the bill, simplified from prior versions, aims to provide data on existing market technology that could enhance public safety by preventing accidents, gun theft, and officer disarmament. He emphasized the bill contains no mandates and will inform future legislative decisions. However, opponents including Assemblymen Angelino, Pirozzolo, DiPietro, and Manktelow argued the bill infringes Second Amendment rights, duplicates existing safe storage laws, and wastes resources on a study that won't prevent crime. They raised concerns about technology failures, unintended consequences like false sense of security, and scenarios where authorized users might need to share weapons for self-defense. Pirozzolo questioned spending on the study when the state faces larger issues like homelessness and drug use. No vote was taken during this segment of debate.
Washing Machine Microfiber Filtration Act
The Assembly debated A04716-D, the Washing Machine Microfiber Filtration Act, sponsored by Assemblywoman Kelles, which would require washing machines sold in New York State after January 1, 2030 to include microfiber filtration systems. Kelles argued that microplastics from washing machines contribute approximately 30 percent of ocean microplastics and have been found in human brains and tissues, causing inflammation and health risks. She noted that filter technology already exists and is used in Europe, with some filters capturing up to 98 percent of microfibers. However, multiple Assembly members raised significant concerns. Assemblyman Mikulin questioned why washing machines are regulated rather than the textile industry and noted that no U.S. states have yet implemented such requirements. Assemblyman Manktelow expressed concern that the bill simply moves microplastics from water systems to landfills, potentially contaminating New York's freshwater resources including Lake Ontario and the Finger Lakes. Assemblyman Lemondes questioned whether alternative disposal methods like incineration were explored and warned the microfibers could eventually be classified as hazardous waste. Assemblyman Bologna raised concerns about consumer compliance with filter maintenance and questioned the actual cost increase to consumers. The bill had not been voted on at the conclusion of this transcript segment.
An act to amend the Criminal Procedure Law, in relation to requiring certain covered platforms to provide a process for law enforcement agencies to contact such platform and to comply with search warrants within 72 hours
An act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law, in relation to pesticide application in wetlands hydrologically connected to public water supplies
The Assembly passed a bill sponsored by Asm. Burdick allowing municipalities to establish local regulations on pesticide applications in wetlands that are hydrologically connected to public water supplies. The measure is optional for municipalities and allows them to impose restrictions more stringent than state standards but not less restrictive. Burdick argued the bill addresses a significant gap in state oversight, noting that the Department of Environmental Conservation's review process for pesticide permits is minimal—requiring only a form with an applicator's certification number. The bill includes exemptions for farm operations defined under existing Agriculture and Markets Law. Opponents, including Asm. Walsh and Asm. Manktelow, raised concerns about vague agricultural exemptions and the lack of required training for municipal boards administering the law. Manktelow worried that changing town boards could impose overly restrictive regulations on farmers in areas with sensitive wetlands. Burdick noted that 20-30 municipalities have expressed interest in the measure. The Republican Conference voted generally in opposition, while the Majority Conference supported the bill as environmental protection legislation.
An act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law, in relation to prohibiting the use of drilling fluids, brine and flowback water from gas or oil wells on any highway
The Assembly debated A04725-B, sponsored by Assemblymember Burdick, which would prohibit the use of drilling fluids, brine, and flowback water from oil and gas wells on New York highways. The bill aims to close what Burdick characterized as a regulatory loophole allowing fracking wastewater containing toxic substances—including arsenic, barium, lead, and radioactive materials like radium—to be applied to roads for deicing and dust suppression. Burdick argued the Department of Environmental Conservation's beneficial use determination process does not adequately test for all contaminants and that runoff poses health risks to drinking water and groundwater. However, opponents including Assemblymen Simpson, Ra, and Manktelow questioned whether contamination is currently occurring, argued the bill lacks concrete examples of harm, and expressed concern it would create an unfunded mandate on local governments already struggling with infrastructure costs. They suggested the better approach is strengthening DEC oversight rather than banning a cost-effective option. The debate highlighted tension between environmental precaution and deference to agency expertise, with no vote recorded in this segment.
An act to amend the Tax Law, in relation to extending the additional 1 percent sales tax for Wayne County
An act to amend the Tax Law, in relation to extending the additional 1 percent sales tax for Wayne County
An act to amend the Tax Law, in relation to extending the additional 1 percent sales tax for Wayne County
Budget Bill - Rules Report No. 181. Comprehensive budget implementation legislation covering transportation, environment, economic development, cannabis regulation, consumer protection, and energy provisions.
The Assembly passed A03008-C, a comprehensive budget implementation bill (Rules Report No. 181), following extensive floor debate on multiple provisions. The bill covers transportation, environmental, economic development, cannabis regulation, consumer protection, and energy matters. Key provisions include reclassifying the Cannabis Control Board chair as a per diem rather than salaried position; requiring disclosure of algorithmically-determined dynamic pricing by retailers; regulating buy-now-pay-later lenders under Department of Financial Services oversight; extending DMV pre-licensing course provisions; redefining abandoned vehicles to expedite removal from streets; authorizing weigh-in-motion technology for overweight vehicle enforcement; committing $6 billion to the MTA 2025-2029 Capital Plan; and allowing tax data sharing between the Department of Taxation and Finance and environmental agencies for Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act implementation. During colloquy, Assemblymember Ra questioned provisions on AI companion systems, EV weight impacts on roads, and safeguards for tax data sharing. Chair Pretlow confirmed drug driving provisions were omitted and will appear in a future bill. The bill drew criticism from members concerned about corrections officer staffing and support, though others praised domestic violence victim protections and NYPD pension enhancements included in the measure.
Budget Bill - FY 2025-26 implementation legislation covering transportation, environment, economic development, and consumer protection provisions
The Assembly passed A03008-C, a comprehensive budget implementation bill covering FY 2025-26 provisions across transportation, environment, economic development, and consumer protection. The bill includes provisions reclassifying the Cannabis Control Board chair from salaried to per diem status while maintaining Section 73 ethics compliance; requiring dynamic pricing disclosure by retailers; regulating buy-now-pay-later lenders under DFS oversight; extending DMV pre-licensing courses; redefining abandoned vehicles to expedite removal; committing $6 billion to the MTA 2025-29 Capital Plan ($3 billion each from state and city); allowing tax data sharing with DEC and NYSERDA for CLCPA implementation; and prioritizing Superfund remediation at disadvantaged community sites. During floor debate, Asm. Ra questioned omission of drug driving provisions and MTA funding mechanisms, while Asm. Walsh and Manktelow opposed provisions allowing 18-21 year-olds in correctional facilities, citing maturity and retention concerns. Asm. Clark praised domestic violence victim support provisions using self-attestation for benefits. The bill passed without recorded vote tally being announced.
Budget Bill - Rules Report No. 181. Comprehensive budget implementation legislation covering transportation, environment, economic development, cannabis regulation, consumer protection, and energy provisions for State fiscal year 2025-26.
The Assembly passed A03008-C, a comprehensive budget implementation bill (Rules Report No. 181) covering transportation, environment, economic development, cannabis regulation, and consumer protection for fiscal year 2025-26. The bill drew debate on multiple provisions including allowing 18-21 year olds to work in correctional facilities, domestic violence victim benefits, NYPD pension increases, and cannabis board chair reclassification. Minority Leader Ra extensively questioned Chair Pretlow on dynamic pricing disclosure requirements, AI companion notification standards, MTA funding gaps, and buy-now-pay-later lending regulation. Assemblywoman Walsh opposed the corrections officer recruitment provision, citing maturity concerns and inadequate support for experienced officers. Assemblyman Manktelow similarly criticized the lack of corrections officer retention measures. The bill passed with support from members including Asm. Clark, who praised domestic violence victim self-attestation provisions, and Asm. Pheffer Amato, who defended the youth recruitment provision and highlighted NYPD pension improvements.
Budget Bill — Debt Service. An act making appropriations for the legal requirements of the State debt service and lease purchase payments and other special contractual obligations.
The Assembly passed A03002, the state's Debt Service Bill for fiscal year 2025-26, on a party-line vote with some Republican dissent. The bill appropriates $10.7 billion to cover $2.3 billion in debt service payments on $65.1 billion in outstanding state debt, a decrease of $845 million from the prior year. Chair Pretlow explained the funds support debt obligations for transportation, SUNY, CUNY, and other state priorities. Debate focused on New York's growing debt burden, with members noting projected debt will reach $95.6 billion by 2030—exceeding the total budgets of 43 states—and that per-capita state-supported debt stands at $2,775, rising to nearly $17,000 when including public authority debt. Republicans and some Democrats expressed concern about fiscal sustainability, with Asm. Smullen calling the situation a 'red light warning' and urging spending cuts rather than continued borrowing. Asm. Ra emphasized the need for transparency in budget negotiations and noted that only $2.6 billion of the state's outstanding debt has been directly approved by voters. The bill passed as the first of 11 budget bills expected to be considered this week.
Budget Bill — Debt Service. An act making appropriations for the legal requirements of the State debt service and lease purchase payments and other special contractual obligations.
The Assembly passed A03002, the state's Debt Service Bill for fiscal year 2025-26, on a party-line vote with the Republican Conference generally opposed. The bill appropriates $10.7 billion to cover $2.3 billion in debt service payments on $65.1 billion in outstanding state debt, a decrease of $845 million from the prior year. Chair Pretlow noted the state remains well under its debt cap with $25.1 billion in remaining capacity for fiscal year 2026. However, debate revealed deep concerns about the state's long-term debt trajectory. Members noted that state debt is projected to reach $95.6 billion by fiscal year 2030, and when combined with $328 billion in public authority debt, New Yorkers carry a per capita burden of nearly $17,000. Opponents argued the state is not reducing debt fast enough and urged the legislature to cut spending rather than continue borrowing. The bill passed as the first of 11 budget bills expected to be considered this week.
An act to amend the Penal Law, in relation to the provision of written information regarding the safe storage of firearms and suicide prevention resources at the time of purchase of a rifle or shotgun
The Assembly passed legislation requiring gun dealers to provide written information about safe firearm storage and suicide prevention resources at the time of purchase of rifles and shotguns. Sponsor Assemblyman Dinowitz argued the measure targets the specific weapons most commonly used in suicides, particularly among young people, and that written information is a necessary safeguard. Opponents including Assemblyman Manktelow questioned why the bill excludes other weapons like crossbows if suicide prevention is the true goal, and argued that comprehensive gun safety education in schools would be more effective than signage requirements. The Minority Conference voted against the bill, though the measure ultimately passed on a party-line vote.
An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to including outpatient care provided by creative arts therapists in certain insurance policies
The Assembly passed legislation requiring commercial insurance carriers to cover outpatient mental health services provided by licensed creative arts therapists. Sponsor Assemblyman Bronson argued the bill addresses a critical gap for nonverbal individuals—including stroke victims, developmentally disabled children, and trauma survivors—who cannot benefit from traditional talk-based therapy. He characterized the measure as an expansion of covered providers rather than covered services, since psychotherapy is already mandated by law. The New York Health Plan Association and BlueCross BlueShield Plans opposed the bill, citing concerns about increased costs and potential state mandate implications under the Affordable Care Act. Bronson countered that the Attorney General's Office disagrees with that analysis. Several members spoke in favor, including Assemblyman Manktelow, who noted the benefits for veterans processing trauma. The bill passed with bipartisan support.
An act to amend the Energy Law, in relation to electric vehicle charging infrastructure in new buildings
The Assembly passed a chapter amendment to the Energy Law requiring new buildings with off-street parking to include electric vehicle charging infrastructure, despite significant opposition from members concerned about construction costs, fire safety, and regulatory overreach. Sponsor Asm. Burroughs argued the measure addresses climate crisis and expands EV charging access, particularly for multi-family dwellings. Opponents, including Asm. Brown, a builder, warned the bill will exponentially increase construction costs and make affordable housing less affordable by imposing uniform statewide standards through an unelected 17-member Code Council. Critics also questioned whether the bill reduces carbon emissions given the electricity grid's reliance on fossil fuels, and raised concerns about lithium-ion battery fire risks. Asm. Pirozzolo attempted to motion the bill off the floor but withdrew the request. The bill passed on a party-line vote, with the Majority Conference voting yes and the Minority Conference voting no.
Payment Card Networks Merchant Category Codes for Firearm Merchants
Payment Card Network Merchant Category Codes for Firearm and Ammunition Merchants
Payment Card Network Merchant Category Codes for Firearm Merchants
The Assembly debated A09862-A, sponsored by Asm. Solages, which would require payment card networks to create specific merchant category codes (MCCs) for firearm and ammunition merchants to detect suspicious purchasing patterns. Solages argued the measure would flag bulk purchases of weapons and ammunition that might indicate illegal activity or fraud, citing at least eight major mass shootings between 2007-2018 financed through credit card purchases. Goodell raised significant concerns about the bill's practical effectiveness, noting it would not apply to big-box retailers like Walmart where most ammunition is purchased, questioned whether data would be shared with New York State agencies, and warned the measure could create a backdoor gun registry. Manktelow questioned whether individuals could circumvent detection by using multiple credit cards. The debate remained ongoing at the end of the transcript segment, with no vote recorded.
An act to amend the Agriculture and Markets Law, in relation to local procurement of agricultural products
The Assembly passed legislation modifying procurement laws to allow municipalities and school districts to purchase from local farms without requiring the lowest bid, enabling smaller agricultural operations to compete with larger conglomerates. Sponsor Mrs. Peoples-Stokes argued the bill addresses 50 years of procurement laws that eliminated small farmers from competing, allowing local farmers to supply quality, sustainable products to schools and municipalities while supporting New York's agricultural economy. She noted the bill is optional for farmers and represents a win-win opportunity following supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, opponents including Asm. Goodell, Tague, Lemondes, DiPietro, and Manktelow contended the bill violates fair bidding principles by allowing farms to charge up to 10 percent more based on union status, minority ownership, or women ownership, unfairly burdening taxpayers and disadvantaging non-certified family farms. DiPietro warned that prior government interventions in agriculture have failed, citing the loss of 3,000 farms in recent years. The Democratic majority supported the measure while Republicans generally opposed it.
An act to amend the Agriculture and Markets Law, in relation to local procurement of agricultural products
The Assembly passed legislation modifying procurement laws to allow municipalities and school districts to purchase from local farms without requiring the lowest bid, enabling smaller agricultural operations to compete with larger out-of-state conglomerates. Sponsor Mrs. Peoples-Stokes argued the bill addresses 50-year-old procurement restrictions that prevent small farmers from selling quality, locally-sourced products to schools and municipalities. She emphasized the bill is optional for farmers and supports New York's agricultural community while ensuring healthier food for families. Opponents, including Asm. Goodell, Tague, Lemondes, DiPietro, and Manktelow, contended the bill violates fair bidding principles by allowing farms to charge up to 10 percent more based on union status, minority ownership, or women ownership. They argued it unfairly disadvantages law-abiding farmers and family farms that don't meet these criteria, and criticized government agricultural policies for failing to help farmers despite past promises. The bill passed with Democratic support, though several Republicans and some Democrats voted against it.
An act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law, in relation to prohibiting the application of pesticides to certain local freshwater wetlands
The Assembly debated A09712/S09379, which would allow local governments to prohibit pesticide applications on freshwater wetlands hydrologically connected to drinking water sources. Sponsor Assemblyman Burdick defended the narrowed bill as a reasonable protection for drinking water, noting it includes exemptions for commercial agriculture and invasive species control, and that municipalities have successfully managed wetlands regulations for over 60 years. However, opponents including Assemblymen Simpson, Miller, Manktelow and Assemblywoman Giglio raised substantial concerns that the bill would undermine the Department of Environmental Conservation's established pesticide regulatory program, create confusion through undefined terms, and burden local governments lacking scientific expertise. Simpson cited the Governor's veto message opposing the bill. Manktelow, a farmer with pesticide licenses, argued EPA labels already specify application restrictions and questioned whether the sponsor consulted with agricultural communities, particularly in Western New York. The debate did not conclude with a vote in this segment.
An act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law, in relation to prohibiting the application of pesticides to certain local freshwater wetlands
The Assembly debated A09712/S09379, which would allow local governments to prohibit pesticide applications in freshwater wetlands connected to drinking water sources. Sponsor Asm. Burdick said the bill narrowly targets wetlands hydrologically linked to reservoirs and Class A waterways, includes exemptions for commercial agriculture and invasive species control, and represents a significant narrowing from prior versions. However, opponents including Asm. Simpson, Miller, Giglio, and Manktelow raised substantial concerns that the bill would undermine the Department of Environmental Conservation's established pesticide regulatory program, create confusion through undefined terms, and lack scientific requirements for local bans. Manktelow, a farmer with pesticide licenses, emphasized that EPA and DEC labels already specify application restrictions and questioned how municipalities would maintain consistency as town boards change. Simpson cited the Governor's veto message warning the bill would lead to "confusion and inconsistent application of State laws." Burdick acknowledged not consulting with farming communities or the Farm Bureau, saying he had left an unreturned phone message months earlier. The bill received no vote in this segment.
Source: Official NY Assembly floor session transcripts (Granicus). AI-processed. Includes sessions from 2023 onward where transcripts are available.