Definition of coal tar and its use in pavement products
The Assembly passed A01388-A, sponsored by Assemblywoman Rosenthal, prohibiting the sale of pavement products containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons above 1,000 parts per million, lowering the threshold from a 2021 bill that set it at 10,000 ppm. Rosenthal explained that coal tar sealants contain the highest concentration of PAHs, which the EPA has classified as probable human carcinogens, and that unlike voluntary food preparation, consumers cannot opt out of exposure to treated driveways, playgrounds, and airports. She noted that Illinois, Washington, Texas, Wisconsin, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania have enacted similar bans, and that asphalt-based alternatives are readily available. Assemblyman Simpson opposed the bill, arguing it removes consumer choice and questioning why one product should be banned when PAHs are found in many sources including cooking and barbecuing. Rosenthal explained her affirmative vote by distinguishing between voluntary individual exposure and involuntary public exposure to coal tar sealants. The Majority Conference voted in favor; the Minority Conference voted against.
Definition of coal tar and its use in pavement products
The Assembly passed A01388-A, sponsored by Assemblywoman Rosenthal, prohibiting the sale of pavement products containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons above 1,000 parts per million. The bill lowers the allowable PAH threshold and extends the effective date one year. Rosenthal argued that coal tar sealants contain the highest concentration of PAHs, which the EPA has classified as probable human carcinogens, and that asphalt-based alternatives are readily available. She distinguished between voluntary PAH exposure from cooking and unavoidable exposure from driveways and playgrounds affecting entire communities. Assemblyman Simpson opposed the measure, arguing it removes consumer choice and questioned why one product is targeted when PAHs exist in many everyday sources like grilling and cooking. He suggested reducing exposure without bans. The Majority Conference voted in favor; the Minority Conference voted against.
An act to amend the Public Officers Law, in relation to requiring entities that submit records to State agencies that are excepted from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Law to periodically reapply for the exception
The Assembly passed A01410-A, sponsored by Asm. Rosenthal, which would require entities seeking Freedom of Information Law exemptions for trade secrets and proprietary information to reapply every three years rather than receive indefinite protection. The bill requires renewal applications at least 60 days before expiration. Rosenthal argued the measure reinforces the presumption of public access and prevents exemptions from functioning as indefinite shields over records submitted to State agencies. Opponent Asm. Walsh raised concerns that missing the 60-day deadline would result in automatic disclosure of sensitive information, ignoring real-world administrative realities. Walsh also cited opposition from the Business Council, which warned the bill could lead to inadvertent release of trade secrets and critical infrastructure information while adding significant administrative burden to 100+ State agencies and authorities. The Majority Conference voted in favor; the Minority Conference voted against with some exceptions.
Chapter amendment to Chapter 710 of the Laws of 2025 establishing procedures for victims of coerced debt to dispute such debt with creditors and hold abusers liable
The Assembly debated a chapter amendment to establish procedures allowing victims of coerced debt—including domestic violence survivors, trafficking victims, and exploited seniors—to dispute debts and hold abusers financially liable. Sponsor Assemblywoman Rosenthal said the bill creates a necessary pathway for vulnerable populations who previously had no recourse. However, the debate revealed significant implementation concerns. Assemblyman Bologna, the Ranking Member on Banks, questioned how creditors can reliably determine coercion when prohibited from contacting the accused party and relying on hearsay evidence from professionals who need not have witnessed the coercion. He also identified a critical internal contradiction: one section states creditors need not receive a formal request before legal action, while another requires it. Rosenthal acknowledged the inconsistency would be addressed in a future bill. Assemblywoman Walsh raised concerns that the bill relies on hearsay evidence inadmissible in court and questioned whether creditors should bear uncompensated legal costs if they deny claims later found valid. The bill remained under debate at the end of this transcript segment.
Coerced debt; allows victims of coerced debt to challenge burdensome debt incurred through abuse
The Assembly passed legislation on March 10 allowing victims of coerced debt to challenge burdensome obligations incurred through domestic abuse. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Rosenthal, the bill drew debate over its enforceability when debt is sold to out-of-state collectors. Assemblymember Chang questioned whether debtors would have adequate protection if creditors transfer debt to third parties outside New York, while Assemblywoman Walsh expressed concern the bill needs refinement despite sympathizing with abuse survivors. Rosenthal argued creditors have sufficient resources to dispute claims and that the legislation provides necessary relief for abuse survivors rebuilding their lives from economic coercion. The Majority Conference voted in the affirmative; the Minority Conference generally opposed with exceptions allowed. The bill passed.
An act to amend the General Business Law, in relation to the restriction of certain substances in menstrual products
Actions involving coerced debts under General Business Law
An act to amend the General Business Law, in relation to requiring advertisements to disclose the use of a synthetic performer
An act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law, in relation to synthetic performer disclosure in advertisements
The Assembly passed legislation requiring advertisers to disclose when advertisements feature synthetic performers created by artificial intelligence, aiming to protect consumers from deception. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, the bill mandates "conspicuous" disclosure that an ad uses synthetic humans, with civil penalties of $1,000 for first violations and $5,000 for subsequent violations. The measure exempts audio-only advertisements and expressive works like music videos and video games. However, the bill drew significant criticism during debate over vague definitions and enforcement challenges. Assemblyman Ra warned the law could disadvantage New York's $437 billion advertising industry by driving businesses to other states with less stringent regulations. Assemblyman Blumencranz questioned whether the Attorney General's office has adequate expertise to determine what constitutes a synthetic performer, noting the subjective nature of the standards and the lack of clear guidance for advertisers on compliance. The Minority Conference voted against the bill, while the Majority supported passage.
An act to amend the Education Law, in relation to requiring pharmacies that are permanently discontinuing to notify customers of such discontinuance
An act to amend the Public Buildings Law, in relation to providing access to menstrual products in toilet facilities in certain public buildings
An act to amend subpart A of Part BB of Chapter 56 of the Laws of 2021 relating to establishing a COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance program and amending the State Finance Law relating to establishing a COVID-19 Emergency Rental Municipal Corporation Allocation Fund, in relation to extending the effectiveness of certain provisions thereof
The Assembly passed A08702, extending protections for tenants under the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program by preventing landlords who refused ERAP payments from pursuing collection actions for covered rent. Sponsor Rosenthal framed the measure as emergency relief for unemployed tenants during the pandemic, noting the federal government funded ERAP nationwide. Assemblymember Morinello challenged the bill, arguing landlords had legitimate reasons to refuse ERAP—particularly the requirement to forgo rent increases for one year despite rising property taxes and utilities. Rosenthal countered that guaranteed annual rent payments should have been attractive. The Minority Conference voted against the measure while the Majority supported it. The bill takes effect immediately.
An act to amend the General Business Law, in relation to requiring advertisements to disclose the use of a synthetic performer
An act to amend the Public Health Law, the Education Law and the Insurance Law, in relation to expanding the definition of epinephrine devices to include nasal sprays
An act to amend the Administrative Code of the City of New York, the Emergency Tenant Protection Act of nineteen seventy-four and the Emergency Housing Rent Control Law, in relation to inspection of major capital improvements for which rent increases are requested and in relation to extending the provisions of the Rent Stabilization Law
Right of Action for Claims Arising Out of Coerced Debts
The Assembly passed A03038-B, sponsored by Asm. Rosenthal, establishing procedures for domestic violence survivors to dispute coerced debts and hold abusers liable. The bill addresses economic abuse, with Rosenthal citing data showing 99 percent of domestic violence survivors experience economic abuse and 52 percent have coerced debt. During debate, Asm. Mikulin raised concerns about creditor investigation burdens, potential false affidavits, and whether mortgages could qualify as coerced debt, potentially exposing lenders to massive losses. Rosenthal responded that creditors would investigate claims and pursue abusers rather than survivors, and that survivors are unlikely to fabricate abuse claims. Mr. Bologna questioned whether debts incurred before abuse began would qualify and whether non-severable contracts would be affected. The Minority Conference opposed the bill while the Majority supported it. Rosenthal explained her affirmative vote, emphasizing that coerced debt traps survivors and prevents them from rebuilding their lives.
An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to prohibiting certain restrictions as it relates to dog breed
The Assembly debated A893, sponsored by Asm. Rosenthal and 25 co-sponsors, which would prohibit insurers from canceling, refusing to renew, or increasing premiums on renters insurance policies based solely on dog breed. The bill extends 2021 homeowners insurance protections to renters. Rosenthal argued breed-based restrictions are myths contradicted by veterinary science, while Asm. Blankenbush countered with statistics showing pit bulls account for 64% of fatal dog bite incidents. Blankenbush argued the bill prevents insurers from using actuarial data to manage risk and forces non-dog-owning policyholders to subsidize higher claims. Rosenthal clarified insurers can still deny coverage for individual dogs deemed dangerous by courts, but not based on breed alone. The debate remained unresolved at transcript's end.
Relating to prohibiting insurance companies from denying or increasing premiums on renter's insurance based on dog breed
The Assembly passed legislation extending to renters the same protections homeowners currently have against insurance discrimination based on dog breed. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Rosenthal, the bill prohibits insurance companies from denying renter's insurance coverage or increasing premiums solely because of a dog's breed. The measure sparked heated debate, with opponents arguing that certain breeds like pit bulls are statistically more likely to cause severe injuries and that insurers should be able to price in this risk. Proponents countered that breed-based determinations are unreliable and that individual dog temperament, training, and behavior should determine coverage. Rosenthal cited examples of pit bulls that saved lives, including one that alerted owners to a gas leak. The bill passed with the Majority Conference voting affirmatively, though the Minority Conference generally opposed it.
An act to amend the General Business Law, in relation to the use of algorithmic pricing by a landlord for the purpose of determining the amount of rent to charge a residential tenant
Algorithmic collusion and price fixing in residential rental housing
The Assembly passed legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal that extends New York's antitrust law to algorithmic price fixing in residential rental housing. The bill, A04172/S05174, clarifies that using algorithms to coordinate pricing among landlords violates the state's Donnelly Act, which has been law since 1899. Rosenthal argued the measure gives the Attorney General tools to prosecute conduct already illegal when done by humans, citing examples from Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and other jurisdictions where companies like RealPage have orchestrated collusion. The bill requires three specific functions—collecting pricing data from multiple landlords, analyzing it algorithmically, and recommending prices—to constitute illegal collusion, and includes a 'knowingly or reckless disregard' standard. Opponents, including Assemblyman Peter Fitzpatrick and Assemblyman DiPietro, argued there is no evidence of algorithmic collusion in New York State and characterized the bill as government overreach that will discourage landlord investment and worsen housing shortages. The Republican Conference voted against the bill; the Majority Conference voted in favor.
An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to prohibiting certain restrictions as it relates to dog breed
The Assembly debated A893, sponsored by Asm. Rosenthal and co-sponsored by 25 members, which would prohibit insurers from canceling, refusing to issue or renew, or restricting renter's insurance based solely on dog breed. The bill extends protections previously granted to homeowners in 2021 to renters. Rosenthal argued breed-based restrictions contradict veterinary science and that the American Veterinary Medical Association confirms breed does not determine dangerousness. Asm. Blankenbush opposed the measure, citing statistics showing pit bulls account for 64% of fatal dog bite incidents and arguing the bill prevents insurers from managing actuarial risk, forcing non-dog-owning policyholders to subsidize claims through higher premiums. The debate remained unresolved at the end of the transcript segment.
Relating to prohibiting insurance companies from denying or increasing premiums on renter's insurance based on dog breed
The Assembly passed legislation extending to renters the same insurance protections homeowners currently enjoy, prohibiting insurance companies from denying coverage or raising premiums based on dog breed. Sponsor Assemblywoman Rosenthal argued that individual dog temperament, training, and behavior—not breed—should determine insurability, citing American Veterinary Medical Association research and anecdotes of pit bulls performing heroic acts. Opponents including Assemblymen Blankenbush, A. Brown, and Gandolfo countered that pit bulls and similar breeds are statistically involved in the majority of severe dog bites and that insurance companies should be able to price in the damage potential of larger breeds to prevent costs from rising for other policyholders. The bill passed with a party-line vote, with the Majority Conference voting affirmatively and the Minority Conference generally voting negatively, though some members voted at their desks.
An act to amend the General Business Law, in relation to the use of algorithmic pricing by a landlord for the purpose of determining the amount of rent to charge a residential tenant
An act relating to algorithmic collusion and price fixing in residential rental markets
The Assembly passed legislation sponsored by Asm. Rosenthal that extends New York's antitrust protections to algorithmic price fixing in residential rental markets. The bill clarifies that using algorithms to coordinate pricing among landlords violates the Donnelly Act, which has governed price fixing since 1899. Rosenthal cited examples from Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and other jurisdictions where software like RealPage was used to inflate rents across thousands of units. The measure requires three specific functions—data collection from multiple landlords, algorithmic analysis, and price recommendations—to constitute illegal collusion, and includes a 'knowingly or reckless disregard' standard. Opponents, led by Asm. Fitzpatrick, argued the bill represents premature government intervention without documented cases of algorithmic price fixing in New York State, and contended that the state's strict rent regulations already prevent such practices. Fitzpatrick also questioned why the bill targets only housing when AI-driven pricing occurs across industries. The bill passed with support from Asm. Gallagher, who noted rents in her district have risen 40 percent, and Mrs. Peoples-Stokes, who acknowledged the bill addresses real concerns even as technology continues to evolve.
An act to amend Chapter 514 of the Laws of 1983 amending the Private Housing Finance Law and the Real Property Tax Law relating to the powers of the New York State Housing Finance Agency and the New York City Housing Development Corporation to finance certain multi-family housing, in relation to the effectiveness thereof; and related amendments to Chapters 396 of 1984, 915 of 1982, and other provisions of the Public Authorities Law
Source: Official NY Assembly floor session transcripts (Granicus). AI-processed. Includes sessions from 2023 onward where transcripts are available.