Direct Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets to conduct study on vertical farming
Authorize Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets to conduct study on vertical farming
An act to amend the Public Officers Law, in relation to requiring agencies to report information about FOIL inquiries to the Committee on Open Government
An act to amend the New York State Printing and Public Documents Law, in relation to requiring state agencies to make available all public documents in a digital format on their website
An act to amend the Public Officers Law, in relation to requiring agencies to report information about FOIL inquiries to the Committee on Open Government
An act to amend the New York State Printing and Public Documents Law, in relation to requiring state agencies to make available all public documents in a digital format on their website
Requiring certain health insurance policies include coverage services provided by pharmacists related to contraceptives
The Assembly passed A09519, sponsored by Asm. McDonald, requiring health insurers to reimburse pharmacists for dispensing self-administered hormonal contraceptives and providing related consultation services. The bill was vetoed last year over concerns about insurance system costs and premium impacts. The revised version addresses cost concerns by capping pharmacist reimbursement at Medicaid rates—$48.20 for initial consultation and $15.29 for follow-ups—which is less than the $92-$148 paid to physicians and nurse practitioners for the same service. McDonald emphasized the service is optional for pharmacists and expands access to women's health services in underserved areas. Assemblywoman Walsh, who supported the bill last year when it passed with only five no votes, reiterated her support, stating it is fair to compensate licensed professionals for optional services. The bill takes effect immediately.
An act to amend the Public Authorities Law, in relation to the annual reporting obligations of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
The Assembly passed A08410, which increases transparency requirements for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). The bill expands the list of individuals who will receive NYSERDA's annual report to include the chairpersons of the respective energy committees in each House of the Legislature. Assemblymember Walsh expressed support, noting the bill ensures more individuals receive important information about NYSERDA's revenues, requests for proposals, funded projects, and contracts. The bill passed the Assembly unanimously last year.
An act to amend the Legislative Law, in relation to requiring electronic filing of all lobbying filings
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
Prohibit sale of kratom to individuals under age 21; repeal certain provisions relating to kratom study
The Assembly passed legislation prohibiting the sale of kratom to individuals under age 21, with Assemblywoman Walsh dedicating her vote to the family of Nickolas Scribner, who died from kratom use. The bill also requires warning labels on the substance. Walsh praised bipartisan support for the measure, calling kratom regulation a necessary step to address deaths from the substance in New York.
Replace term 'addict' with 'person with substance use disorder' in Public Health Law
County Law amendment relating to mandatory continuing education requirements for coroners and coroner's deputies
Removal of actions to certain courts in an adjoining county under Criminal Procedure Law
An act to amend the Executive Law, in relation to providing a rebuttable presumption relating to recertification as a minority and women-owned business enterprise
The Assembly passed A09451, a chapter amendment to streamline the recertification process for minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs). Assemblywoman Walsh explained that the bill addresses complaints from MWBE businesses that were forced to repeat the entire certification process upon recertification, creating unnecessary delays and frustration. The measure aims to reduce this burden and encourage more businesses to apply for and maintain MWBE certification, supporting New York State's ambitious MWBE participation goals. The bill takes effect July 1st.
An act to amend the Public Health Law, in relation to authorizing institutional dispensers to dispense controlled substances for use off premises in an emergency situation for at least three days and authorizing practitioners to dispense controlled substances for use in maintenance or detoxification treatment to an addict or habitual user
An act to amend Chapter 434 of the Laws of 2022 authorizing the Commissioner of the Office of General Services to convey certain unappropriated State land to KIPP: Albany Community Public Charter Schools, in relation to the time of transfer of certain lands and to the effectiveness of such provisions
Parity for durable medical equipment providers under Medicaid managed care
An act to amend Chapter 434 of the Laws of 2022 authorizing the Commissioner of the Office of General Services to convey certain unappropriated State land to KIPP: Albany Community Public Charter Schools, in relation to the time of transfer of certain lands and to the effectiveness of such provisions
Amend Social Services Law to provide parity to durable medical equipment providers by requiring Medicaid managed care organizations to reimburse at no less than 100 percent of the medical assistance durable medical equipment and complex rehabilitation technology fee schedule
Amend Public Officers Law to permit records required to be disclosed under the Freedom of Information Law to have exempt parts redacted before disclosure
An act to amend the Executive Law, in relation to enacting the New York State Resident Experience Act of 2025
Preferred Source status for entities serving formerly incarcerated persons
The Assembly passed A02496, sponsored by Asm. McDonald, expanding the Preferred Source Program to include nonprofit entities providing vocational and rehabilitation training to formerly incarcerated persons. The program grants participating nonprofits a 15 percent bidding variance on state contracts. McDonald argued the expansion addresses disproportionately high disability rates among formerly incarcerated individuals—40 percent of men and 50 percent of women released from prison—and facilitates their reintegration into society through housing and employment. Republicans opposed the measure, with Asm. Gandolfo arguing it pits people with disabilities and veterans against formerly incarcerated individuals for the same contracts and gives preference to people with criminal records over law-abiding New Yorkers. McDonald countered that the program aims to grow opportunities rather than create competition, noting 30 to 40 organizations, including the Business Council of New York State, support the expansion. The bill passed on a party-line vote.
Preferred Source Program expansion
The Assembly passed legislation expanding the Preferred Source Program to include formerly incarcerated individuals alongside existing beneficiaries—individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and veterans. Sponsored by Assemblyman McDonald, the bill aims to provide employment pathways and reduce recidivism for those who have completed their sentences. Supporters argued the expansion addresses workforce shortages and provides second chances, particularly following the federal elimination of the Glenmont Jobs program in the Capitol Region. Assemblyman Dais noted that many veterans with mental health issues from PTSD become incarcerated, and that providing opportunities for reentry would benefit both groups. However, Assemblywoman Walsh expressed concern that the program was originally designed specifically for individuals with disabilities and veterans, and questioned whether the state's existing investments in reentry programs, criminal record sealing, and employer protections were already sufficient for formerly incarcerated individuals. Despite the opposition, the bill advanced with support from the Majority Conference.
An act to amend the Criminal Procedure Law, in relation to the removal of actions to certain courts in an adjoining county.
The Assembly passed A07563, which amends the Criminal Procedure Law to allow removal of actions to certain courts in adjoining counties. Assemblywoman Walsh praised the measure, noting it permits cases to be transferred to counties with specialized courts such as Mental Health Courts when both district attorneys agree. She emphasized the bill provides defendants with specialized attention through reparative justice without imposing mandates on prosecutors, and noted that Upstate courts have increasingly developed specialized dockets for issues like domestic violence and mental health. The bill takes effect immediately.
Source: Official NY Assembly floor session transcripts (Granicus). AI-processed. Includes sessions from 2023 onward where transcripts are available.