An act to amend the Mental Hygiene Law, the Public Health Law and the Social Services Law, in relation to setting comprehensive outpatient services
The Assembly passed A00329-B, legislation amending the Mental Hygiene Law, Public Health Law and Social Services Law to establish comprehensive outpatient services. Sponsor Jackson and Santabarbara's bill addresses the intersection of substance abuse disorder and mental health treatment. Assemblywoman Walsh spoke in support, noting that co-occurring substance abuse and mental health issues require coordinated care. The bill passed on consent.
An act to amend the Military Law, in relation to the issuance of a New York State Cold War Commemorative Medal
The Assembly passed A08087, sponsored by Assemblymember Stern and others, authorizing the issuance of a New York State Cold War Commemorative Medal. Assemblymember Slater spoke in support, noting that Cold War veterans answered their nation's call and deserve special recognition. He stated that Cold War era veterans in his district have specifically requested this commemorative medal and that state recognition would be meaningful to many veterans.
An act to amend the Veterans' Services Law, in relation to establishing a New York State Veterans' and Service Member Law Book
The Assembly passed A08089, establishing a New York State Veterans' and Service Member Law Book. Assemblymember Dais explained that the bill ensures veterans and their families have access to needed resources and makes it easier for veterans to obtain information. Assemblymember Walsh expressed support but raised concerns about the Department of Veterans Services' capacity to undertake this significant effort, citing past issues with distributing tax checkoff funds to veterans' organizations. The bill passed unanimously last year and is currently pending in the Senate.
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 Elder Law, in relation to establishing an Elder Financial Exploitation Public Awareness Campaign
The Assembly passed A08447-A, which requires the Office for the Aging to develop a public awareness campaign on financial exploitation of the elderly. Assemblymember Walsh expressed strong support, noting that financial exploitation of elderly constituents is a serious problem that generates significant constituent complaints. She stated the bill passed unanimously last year and expressed hope for similar support this year, though she noted there is currently no Senate companion bill.
An act to amend the Workers' Compensation Law, in relation to prohibiting insurance carriers and employers from withholding certain benefits from injured workers based on attachment to the labor market
An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to permitting licensed insurance agents, brokers, adjusters, consultants, and intermediaries to carryover up to five hours of continuing education credit per biennial licensing period
The Assembly passed A06652-B, sponsored by Assemblymembers Weprin, Dilan, Cruz, Blankenbush, Berger, Santabarbara, and Hawley, allowing licensed insurance professionals to carry over up to five hours of continuing education credit per biennial licensing period. The bill takes effect immediately and was advanced on consent.
An act to amend the Civil Service Law, in relation to providing a legacy credit to the children and siblings of persons who served in the military and were killed in the line of duty
Amend Civil Service Law regarding access to mental health care services for emergency dispatchers and correction officers
An act to amend the Mental Hygiene Law, in relation to establishing the Statewide Group Home Families Working Group
Dedicating a portion of the State highway system to CW2 John M. Grassia, III
Amend Highway Law to dedicate a portion of the State highway system to CW2 John M. Grassia, III
The Assembly passed legislation dedicating a bridge in Rotterdam to Chief Warrant Officer 2 John Michael Grassia, III, sponsored by Asm. Santabarbara. Grassia, 30, was a decorated Army National Guard UH-60M Blackhawk pilot who later served as a New York State Trooper. He died when his helicopter crashed near the southern border of Texas during a mission. Asm. Santabarbara described the bridge dedication as honoring a life of service and sacrifice, ensuring that Grassia's legacy and values are remembered by future generations.
An act to amend the Civil Service Law, in relation to access to certain mental health care services for emergency dispatchers and correction officers
The Assembly passed A03549, sponsored by Assemblymember Santabarbara, providing access to mental health care services for emergency dispatchers and correction officers. Assemblymember Walsh spoke in support, noting that 911 dispatchers face cumulative psychological impacts from handling multiple emergency calls but are often overlooked compared to field first responders. She cited the risk of PTSD and mental health issues from constant exposure to traumatic situations.
An act to amend the Mental Hygiene Law, in relation to requiring the developmental disabilities advisory council to submit an annual report on the activities of the council.
An act to amend the Civil Service Law, in relation to access to certain mental health care services for emergency dispatchers and correction officers
The Assembly passed legislation to expand mental health care access for emergency dispatchers and correction officers. Assemblywoman Walsh, who carries an annual resolution recognizing Telecommunicator's Day, explained that 911 dispatchers face significant mental health risks from the cumulative impact of handling multiple emergency calls in succession. While first responders' mental health needs are widely recognized, dispatchers often experience similar PTSD and psychological trauma but receive less attention. The bill aims to address this gap in mental health services for these critical public safety workers.
An act to amend the Mental Hygiene Law, in relation to requiring the developmental disabilities advisory council to submit an annual report on the activities of the council.
An act to amend the Civil Service Law, in relation to access to certain mental health care services for emergency dispatchers and correction officers
The Assembly passed legislation providing mental health care access to emergency dispatchers and correction officers. Assemblywoman Walsh, who carries an annual resolution on Telecommunicator's Day, explained that 911 dispatchers face significant mental health risks from the cumulative impact of handling multiple emergency calls in rapid succession. While first responders' mental health needs are widely recognized, dispatchers' PTSD and mental health consequences are often overlooked, Walsh said.
An act to amend the Mental Hygiene Law, in relation to requiring the developmental disabilities advisory council to submit an annual report on the activities of the council.
Statewide Group Home Families Working Group
An act to amend the Public Service Law, in relation to proposed rate changes for gas and electric service
An act to amend the General Business Law, in relation to the disclosure of pricing changes for online grocery delivery and online pick-up services
The Assembly passed A01096-B, sponsored by Asm. Magnarelli and others, requiring online grocery delivery platforms and food retailers to disclose whether their prices are higher or lower than in-store prices. The bill mandates platforms post a pricing policy on their website or landing page indicating price differences, with a link to the retailer's website for consumer verification. The Department of State will promulgate regulations to implement the law. During debate, Assemblywoman Walsh questioned whether item-by-item price comparisons would be required, and Magnarelli clarified the bill requires only a general higher-or-lower disclosure, not individual product comparisons. Walsh noted the bill does not address other fees such as delivery charges or fuel surcharges, but acknowledged it serves consumer protection by alerting shoppers to price differences before purchase.
Blue-Ribbon Commission on the Future of New York State's Service Delivery System for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Protecting communication rights of individuals with disabilities
Revenue Budget Bill
The New York State Assembly passed the $254 billion revenue budget bill on May 8, with debate centered on competing fiscal priorities. Sponsored by Assemblymember Pretlow, the bill extends and expands film tax credits by $100 million, restructures the MTA payroll tax to reduce burdens on small businesses while increasing rates on large employers, and includes provisions restricting private equity purchases of residential properties. Supporters highlighted benefits to the film industry, affordable housing preservation, and disability employment incentives. Critics, including Assemblymember Sempolinski, argued the $111 million film credit expansion diverts resources from direct care workers serving vulnerable populations. The bill includes $2 billion in rebate checks to residents, expanded semiconductor R&D incentives, and an organ donation tax credit. A party vote was requested, with the Minority Conference voting generally in the negative while allowing individual members to vote affirmatively. The bill passed with multiple members explaining their votes in support.
Revenue Budget Bill
The New York State Assembly passed a comprehensive revenue budget bill on May 8 that includes $100 million in new film tax credits, MTA payroll tax restructuring, and $2 billion in rebate checks to residents. The bill, sponsored by Assemblymember Pretlow, drew criticism from some members over spending priorities. Assemblymember Sempolinski opposed the measure, arguing the film tax credit expansion diverts resources from direct care workers for vulnerable populations. Assemblymember Maher questioned the $2 billion rebate check allocation when direct support professionals lack adequate wages. The bill also includes restrictions on private equity home purchases, expansion of the Historic Preservation Tax Credit for affordable housing conversion, and increases to problem gaming funding. The Minority Conference voted generally in the negative, though members were free to vote affirmatively. The bill passed with support from the Majority Conference.
Source: Official NY Assembly floor session transcripts (Granicus). AI-processed. Includes sessions from 2023 onward where transcripts are available.