Asm. Edward Ra

The Assembly passed A10710, sponsored by Assemblyman Dilan, which amends Insurance Law to allow the Commissioner of Health to recommend immunizations for insurance coverage based on guidance from multiple medical organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and American College of Physicians, as well as other nationally or internationally-recognized scientific organizations. The bill would provide state-level protections should federal immunization policy change adversely. Assemblyman Blankenbush opposed the measure, questioning its necessity and expressing concern that a single commissioner could override federal recommendations when medical organizations disagree. He also criticized the bill's rapid advancement through committee and floor debate, suggesting political motivations. Sponsor Dilan characterized the bill as a safeguard for New York's 19 million residents while maintaining flexibility to adopt sound federal policy. The Majority Conference supported the bill while the Minority Conference generally opposed it, though individual votes could be cast at the desk.

The Assembly took up A10711, sponsored by Assemblywoman Paulin, which amends Public Health Law to allow the Commissioner of Health to base immunization standards on recommendations from multiple medical organizations rather than relying solely on the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The bill was prompted by recent ACIP recommendations that eliminated six of 17 previously mandated vaccines, raising concerns among health commissioners nationwide. Paulin noted that other states with broader discretion for health commissioners were better protected from such changes. The legislation would allow the health commissioner to consider recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American College of Physicians, American Academy of Family Physicians, and other nationally or internationally-recognized scientific organizations. Assemblyman Jensen conducted extensive questioning about the bill's relationship to federal authority, the decision-making processes of the listed medical organizations, and whether the legislation adequately distinguishes between ACIP recommendations and CDC guidance. Paulin clarified the bill applies only to immunizations and vaccines, and that the health commissioner would maintain discretion in making recommendations.

The Assembly debated A01556-G, the Food Safety and Chemical Disclosure Act, sponsored by Assemblywoman Kelles, which would ban three chemicals (Red Dye No. 3, potassium bromate, and propylparaben) and require manufacturers to disclose safety analysis data to the state. Kelles argued the disclosure requirement addresses a gap in federal law, where disclosure is voluntary, and noted the banned chemicals are already prohibited in multiple states and the EU. Assemblywoman Walsh, speaking for the minority, raised concerns about the bill's estimated $21 million cost over three years, potential 12% increases in grocery prices, and the creation of a new state regulatory burden that could cause companies to stop shipping products to New York. The bill includes a three-year transition period for retailers and exempts small businesses under 100 employees. The debate was ongoing at the end of the transcript segment, with additional members seeking to question the sponsor.

The Assembly passed a bill allowing New York's health commissioner to base vaccine recommendations on guidance from medical academies rather than solely on federal ACIP/CDC recommendations. During debate, Assemblyman Jensen questioned the transparency and peer-review standards of the academies, asking whether they publish recommendations annually and what would happen if different organizations provided conflicting guidance. Sponsor Assemblywoman Paulin responded that the academies are elected by pediatricians and that the bill gives the commissioner discretion to consider multiple organizations. Assemblywoman Walsh, speaking for the minority, characterized the bill as an overreaction to the current federal administration and noted opposition from the autism and disabilities community. The bill passed with the majority supporting it, though the minority conference voted against it.

The Assembly rejected a Motion to Discharge that would have brought A02017 to the floor for a vote on updating New York's retirement income tax exemption. The bill would expand the exemption—frozen at $20,000 since 1981—to reflect modern retirement savings vehicles and account for inflation. Sponsors argued the outdated exemption contributes to New York's affordability crisis and is driving seniors to relocate to neighboring states with more favorable retirement tax policies. The motion failed after procedural objections that bills should advance through committee rather than via discharge petition. The vote tally was not announced in the transcript.

The Assembly passed a fifth budget extender (A11010) on Monday, extending state funding through April 22 and bringing total appropriations to $12.6 billion. Sponsored by Asm. Pretlow, the bill funds state operations, school aid payments, public health programs, unemployment insurance, and services for people with developmental disabilities. The vote came amid continued frustration from the minority, with Asm. Palmesano criticizing the lack of progress on major policy issues including tax proposals, auto insurance reform, and climate policies. Palmesano expressed concern that school districts and local governments lack the certainty needed to finalize budgets ahead of statutory deadlines. Pretlow acknowledged negotiations continue but provided no updates on specific policy language, noting that the Governor controls the timeline. The extender suggests another will be needed by Wednesday.

The Assembly took up debate on A02657-A, which would establish an Electric Landscaping Equipment Rebate Program under NYSERDA to help commercial landscapers, institutions, local governments, school districts, and nonprofits purchase electric lawn care equipment. Sponsor Asm. Otis noted that 69 communities in New York have adopted local laws restricting gas-powered equipment, and the rebate would help landscapers transition to electric equipment while remaining competitive. The program would cover equipment costs, battery charging, and related battery equipment, with NYSERDA responsible for program design.

The Assembly passed A00340-A, requiring manufactured home park owners to provide written justification for rent and fee increases exceeding 3 percent. The bill aims to protect vulnerable residents—many seniors and families on fixed incomes—from sudden burdensome increases. However, the measure drew significant opposition from those concerned it will discourage necessary infrastructure investment. Asm. Jensen warned the bill creates perverse economic incentives, making property owners less likely to invest in roads, sewer systems, water infrastructure, and electrical upgrades if they cannot easily recover costs through rent increases. He argued this could lead to aging infrastructure and declining conditions that ultimately harm residents more than protect them. Jensen called for amendments establishing a clear capital improvement recovery mechanism and differentiating between routine maintenance and capital investment. The bill passed on a party-line vote with the Majority Conference supporting and the Republican Conference generally opposed.

Asm. Bailey moved to discharge A07607 from the Agriculture Committee, seeking to put the Farmland for a New Generation Program into statute to ensure consistent annual funding. Bailey cited a farming crisis: New York lost 500 farms and 100,000 acres of farmland in 2024-2025 alone, with 35 percent of the state's farmers over 65 and 25 percent nearing retirement age. She warned that without statutory authority ensuring year-to-year funding, two million additional acres of farmland face loss. Bailey argued the program is critical for succession planning and helping younger farmers enter the industry. The motion to discharge was made but no vote was recorded in this transcript segment. Asm. Tague raised a procedural objection, questioning whether questions could be asked during a Motion to Discharge proceeding.

The Assembly passed its fifth consecutive budget extender (A11010), extending state funding through April 22, 2026, as negotiations between the Legislature and Governor Hochul remain stalled on major policy issues. Sponsor Asm. Pretlow said the measure appropriates $12.6 billion total and includes school aid payments, administrative payroll, public health programs, unemployment insurance, and support for OPWDD and veterans services. Minority Leader Asm. Palmesano criticized the repeated extensions and lack of transparency, noting that school districts face statutory deadlines to finalize budgets and send military ballots by Friday without knowing their final aid allocations. He also raised concerns about local governments needing certainty for infrastructure projects and questioned whether the Governor's structural control over the budget process, established by the Silver v. Pataki court ruling, gives the executive disproportionate leverage. Palmesano noted no substantive language has been shared on the Governor's proposed tax increases, SEQRA changes, auto insurance reform, immigration proposals, Tier 6 pension changes, or climate policies. He argued that late budgets, high taxes, and regulatory mandates are driving out-migration from New York. Pretlow acknowledged the Legislature's diminished authority under Silver v. Pataki and said rebalancing that power would require a constitutional amendment. Palmesano voted for the extender to keep government open but said the Legislature must "get to work and do the right thing" for constituents.

The Assembly passed A00340-A, legislation clarifying rent increase notification requirements in manufactured home parks. The bill requires community owners to provide written justification when notifying residents of rent or fee increases exceeding 3 percent, with documentation available upon request. Sponsor Asm. Barrett presented it as a consumer protection measure for vulnerable residents. However, Asm. Jensen raised concerns that the bill could backfire by discouraging property owners from investing in necessary infrastructure improvements like road repaving, sewer system upgrades, and water system modernization. Jensen argued that by making it harder to recover capital improvement costs through rent increases, the bill creates economic disincentives for investment, potentially leading to aging infrastructure and declining conditions that ultimately harm residents. He called for clearer mechanisms to allow cost recovery and differentiation between routine maintenance and capital improvements. The Republican Conference voted generally in opposition while the Majority Conference supported passage. Specific vote totals were not announced.

Mrs. Bailey moved to discharge A07607, the Farmland for a New Generation Program, from the Agriculture Committee for immediate consideration. The bill would codify the program into statute to ensure consistent annual funding. Bailey cited a farming crisis, noting New York lost 500 farms and 100,000 acres of farmland in 2024-2025 alone, with 80 percent of losses from small farms. She emphasized that 35 percent of New York's farmers are over 65, with 25 percent nearing retirement, putting two million additional acres at risk without the program's continuation. Bailey argued that putting the program into statute would provide the long-term certainty needed for succession planning and to encourage younger farmers to enter the industry. The motion was in order, but the transcript ends before a vote was taken. Asm. Tague raised a procedural question about whether questions could be asked during a Motion to Discharge proceeding.

The Assembly passed a fourth budget extender (A11000) on Thursday, April 16th, authorizing $79.1 million in additional appropriations to fund State operations through April 20th. Sponsored by Asm. Pretlow, the bill includes funding for emergency payroll, unemployment insurance, public health programs, MTA support, OPWDD, and veterans programs. The total appropriations to date across three extenders reached $7.5 billion. Asm. Palmesano criticized the repeated extenders as a failure of process and leadership, noting the Assembly has passed four extenders since April 1st while nine budget bills remain unpassed. He also questioned the late introduction of new tax proposals without proper analysis and expressed concern that school districts lack budget certainty as they prepare their own budgets. Palmesano voted yes but called the extender "another Albany budget failure."

The Assembly passed A11000, a fourth budget extender since April 1st, providing $7.5 billion in appropriations to fund State operations through April 20th. Sponsored by Asm. Pretlow, the bill includes funding for emergency payroll, unemployment insurance, public health programs, MTA support, OPWDD, and veterans programs. Asm. Palmesano criticized the measure as symptomatic of institutional failure, noting the Legislature has now passed four extenders while nine additional budget bills remain unpassed. Palmesano also questioned the lack of analysis on newly proposed tax measures introduced after public budget hearings concluded, and expressed concern about the feasibility of climate and electric school bus mandates under discussion. The bill passed without recorded vote tallies being announced in the transcript.

The Assembly passed a budget extender bill (A10935) on April 13 that extends state spending authority through April 16 as negotiations on the full fiscal year budget continue. Sponsored by Asm. Pretlow, the measure provides $3.4 billion in funding for institutional payroll, public health programs, unemployment insurance, public assistance, veterans programs, and general state charges. This marks the third extender since the April 1 budget deadline, with total spending of $7.4 billion across all three extensions. Asm. Palmesano questioned the lack of progress on major policy issues including auto insurance reforms, climate proposals, and tax increases, criticizing the closed-door negotiation process and calling for greater transparency and public accountability. Despite his concerns about the budget process, Palmesano voted yes, stating the extender is necessary to maintain government operations and pay state employees. The bill passed without recorded vote tallies in the transcript.

The Assembly passed a $3.4 billion budget extender (A10935) on Monday that extends state funding through April 16 as negotiations on the full state budget continue. Sponsored by Asm. Pretlow, the measure covers institutional payroll, public health programs, unemployment insurance, public assistance, and veterans programs. This is the third extender since the April 1 budget deadline, bringing total extender spending to $7.4 billion. During debate, Asm. Palmesano pressed Pretlow on unresolved policy issues including auto insurance reforms, climate proposals, and tax increases, criticizing the lack of transparency in closed-door negotiations. Pretlow acknowledged policy discussions remain stalled and expressed hope the next extender would be final, though he was not optimistic. Palmesano voted yes despite his criticism, calling the extender necessary to keep government open but cautioning that supporting it should not be mistaken for supporting the budget process itself. The bill passed without recorded vote tallies in the transcript.

The Assembly passed a budget extender bill (A10850) on Monday extending state funding through April 14 as negotiations on the full fiscal year budget continue to stall. Sponsored by Asm. Pretlow, the measure appropriates funds for administrative payroll, Medicaid, mass transit, unemployment insurance and other vital programs. The extender represents $2.9 billion in new appropriations, bringing total extender spending to $3.96 billion. Asm. Palmesano questioned the lack of progress, noting policy disputes over auto insurance reform, SEQRA changes and climate law modifications are blocking fiscal negotiations. He criticized the continued reliance on temporary measures, saying families and local governments need certainty to plan. The bill passed without recorded vote tallies in the transcript. The Assembly is scheduled to reconvene April 13 with hopes of passing a complete budget by April 14.

The Assembly passed a second budget extender bill (A10850) on Monday, extending state funding through April 14 as negotiations on the full fiscal year budget continue to stall. Sponsored by Asm. Pretlow, the measure appropriates $2.9 billion in additional funding for administrative payroll, Medicaid, mass transit, unemployment insurance and other vital programs, bringing total extender appropriations to $3.96 billion. The bill passed without recorded vote tallies in the transcript. Asm. Palmesano questioned the lack of progress toward a complete budget agreement, noting that policy disputes over auto insurance reform, SEQRA changes and climate law modifications are blocking fiscal negotiations. He criticized the repeated reliance on extenders and expressed concern that the delay impacts school districts, local governments and families struggling with affordability. Despite his reservations, Palmesano voted in favor, calling for urgency in reaching a final budget agreement by the April 14 deadline.

The Assembly took up A10137, sponsored by Asm. Wright, which would authorize mobile barbershop licenses in New York State for the first time since 1947. The bill removes statutory language referring to itinerant barbershops as "evil" and allows barbers to operate from mobile vehicles under the same licensing and operational standards as traditional brick-and-mortar shops. During floor debate, Asm. Walsh raised detailed questions about implementation, including whether the bill adequately addresses insurance requirements, vehicle specifications, Department of State rulemaking authority, and inspection protocols for mobile units. Wright indicated that mobile barbershops would comply with existing health and sanitation codes and that the Department of State would determine proper layout standards through its existing regulatory authority. The bill would take effect immediately upon passage. Approximately 30 other states currently allow some form of mobile barbershop operation.

The Assembly debated A09462, a chapter amendment postponing the effective date of legislation removing the 100-foot rule for new residential gas service hookups from December 2025 to December 2026. Sponsor Assemblywoman Simon argued the delay allows time for implementation while claiming the underlying law will save ratepayers $600 million annually by shifting hookup costs from existing customers to new applicants. Opponents including Assemblyman Lemondes cited detailed opposition letters from National Fuel and the New York State Laborers' PAC warning of increased ratepayer costs, job losses, and grid reliability threats. Assemblyman Palmesano argued the bill makes energy less affordable and eliminates options for customers wanting to convert from oil heating to natural gas, citing a poll showing 71% of New Yorkers oppose a natural gas ban. Acting Speaker Hunter limited debate to the effective date change, ruling questions about the underlying bill's merits out of order, drawing an objection from Assemblywoman Walsh on free speech grounds.