An act authorizing New Hour for Women and Children Long Island, Inc. to receive retroactive real property tax-exemption status
An act authorizing New Hour for Women and Children Long Island, Inc. to receive retroactive real property tax-exemption status
An act to amend the Agriculture and Markets Law, in relation to the suspension of collection of the Product Security Fund
An act to amend the Labor Law, in relation to providing protections for telecommunications tower technicians
Authorizing Church of the Living God Pillar and Ground to file an application for exemption from real property taxes
Authorizing Church of the Living God Pillar and Ground to file an application for exemption from real property taxes
Authorizing Church of the Living God Pillar and Ground to file an application for exemption from real property taxes
Workers' Compensation Law amendment — mental injury claims for extraordinary work-related stress
The Assembly passed legislation expanding Workers' Compensation eligibility for mental injury claims to all workers, removing restrictions that previously limited such claims to police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and emergency dispatchers. The bill, sponsored by Assemblywoman Reyes and others, allows workers in any profession to file claims for mental injuries stemming from extraordinary work-related stress, provided claims are evaluated by the Workers' Compensation Board and supported by physician diagnosis. Supporters cited examples of nurses during COVID, correction officers, and supermarket workers affected by traumatic events. Opponents, including Assemblywoman Walsh and Assemblyman Goodell, warned the bill lacks clear standards for defining 'extraordinary stress,' could invite fraud and unlimited claims, and would increase costs for businesses already burdened by New York's Workers' Compensation rates, which are 69 percent higher than the national average. The measure passed despite Republican opposition and concerns about unknown fiscal impact.
Expand Workers' Compensation claims for mental injury from extraordinary work-related stress to all employees
The Assembly passed legislation expanding Workers' Compensation eligibility for mental injury claims based on extraordinary work-related stress to all employees, removing current restrictions limiting such claims to police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and emergency dispatchers. Sponsor Assemblywoman Reyes argued the expansion is necessary to cover workers like nurses, correction officers, and supermarket employees who experience extraordinary stress but are currently excluded. The bill allows claims to be evaluated by the Workers' Compensation Board and a physician rather than requiring a specific work-related emergency. Opponents, including Assemblywoman Walsh and Assemblyman Goodell, raised concerns about undefined standards for "extraordinary stress," potential fraud, unknown costs to businesses, and the impact on New York's already-strained Workers' Compensation system and business climate. Goodell cited New York's 69% higher Workers' Comp rates compared to the national average and the state's loss of 200,000 residents last year. The bill passed without a recorded tally being announced in this segment.
An act to amend the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law, in relation to prohibiting the mandated use of credit cards as a means of payment to use certain facilities at a State park, recreational facility or historic site
An act to amend the Executive Law and the Criminal Procedure Law, in relation to directing the superintendent of State Police to develop and institute child-sensitive arrest policies and procedures for instances where police are arresting an individual who is a parent, guardian or other person legally charged with the care or custody of a child.
The Assembly passed A03502 on April 3, directing the State Police Superintendent to develop child-sensitive arrest policies and procedures in consultation with the Office of Children and Family Services and the Criminal Justice Services Division. Sponsor Asm. Vanel cited national studies showing 67 percent of arrested parents were handcuffed in front of children and that children witnessing arrests had elevated post-traumatic stress symptoms. The bill does not mandate specific police actions but requires the Superintendent to develop protocols addressing pre-arrest, arrest, and post-arrest procedures. Opponents, including law enforcement members, argued the bill creates an unfunded mandate on local police, lacks consultation with District Attorneys and the PBA, and addresses a problem that does not exist since police already exercise sensitivity toward children. Supporters countered the bill provides clarity and protects officers through well-defined procedures. A party vote was requested, with the Republican Conference generally voting in the negative and the Majority Conference in favor.
An act to amend the Civil Practice Law and Rules, in relation to time limitations for filing claims for certain injuries.
An act to amend the Civil Service Law and Rules, in relation to time limitations for filing claims for certain injuries
The Assembly passed legislation requiring the Civil Service Commission to collect and publish annual reports on the race and ethnicity of civil service exam takers. Sponsor Assemblyman Ramos said the bill addresses a critical data gap—the most recent report on civil service diversity was from 2005, 18 years ago. The measure will allow the state to assess whether legislative efforts to make exams more accessible to minority communities have been effective and identify where diversity improvements are needed. Ramos noted the bill has been pending in various forms for 18 years but is now ripe for passage.
Motor Vehicles Law - Driver license reciprocity agreements
Reparations Commission Act
The New York State Assembly passed legislation establishing a commission to study the effects of slavery and recommend reparations for descendants of enslaved people in New York. Sponsor Asm. Solages, in closing remarks, invoked a recent mass shooting targeting Black New Yorkers and called the bill a step toward dismantling systemic barriers. The debate spanned hours with passionate testimony from members, many of whom are descendants of enslaved people or members of communities affected by slavery's legacy. Supporters emphasized the bill's importance given efforts in other states to erase slavery from curricula and highlighted slavery's continuing impact through mass incarceration, police brutality, and redlining. Republican opponents objected primarily that the bill excludes minority party appointments to the commission, with Asm. Angelino and Asm. Gallahan arguing the whole community should be represented. Some members raised concerns about defining eligibility, with Asm. Lucas initially voting no but switching to yes after the sponsor acknowledged on record that lineage-based slavery would be a focus of the study. The bill passed with applause from the chamber.
An act to amend the Executive Law, in relation to the use of automatic license plate reader systems
The Assembly passed A04157, sponsored by Assemblywoman Paulin, which creates statewide standards for law enforcement use of automatic license plate reader (ALPR) technology, requiring officer training and public posting of policies on local precinct websites. The bill was prompted by an incident in which police officers allegedly misused ALPR technology to track an individual. Paulin argued that while the Municipal Police Training Council developed a model policy in March 2021, uniform statewide standards, mandatory training, and public transparency are necessary to prevent abuse of the technology, which can track individuals' movements. Opponents, including Assemblymen Morinello, Angelino, Giglio, McGowan, and Reilly, argued the bill was unnecessary because police departments already have the model policy, existing training protocols, and internal discipline mechanisms to address misconduct. They contended the legislation was a response to a single incident that should be handled through internal police procedures rather than new law. Supporters, including Assemblymen Ramos and Taylor, emphasized that uniform standards and accountability protections are essential safeguards against potential abuse. The Majority Conference voted in favor, while the Republican Conference was generally opposed.
Source: Official NY Assembly floor session transcripts (Granicus). AI-processed. Includes sessions from 2023 onward where transcripts are available.