An act to amend the Indian Law, in relation to the reinstatement of state recognition and acknowledgement of the Montaukett Indian Nation
The Assembly passed A10129, sponsored by Assemblymember Schiavoni, restoring New York State recognition of the Montaukett Indian Nation. This marks the eighth time the chamber has voted on the measure. Schiavoni explained that the Montauketts were stripped of state recognition in 1910 by a court decision that incorrectly ruled the tribe had disintegrated, despite 75 Montaukett Nation members being present in the courtroom. He argued that only Congress has authority to eliminate state recognition and that the legislative process is the proper avenue for reinstatement, consistent with how all other New York State tribes have been recognized. Over 1,000 Montauketts currently reside on Long Island.
An act to amend the County Law, the Labor Law, the Mental Hygiene Law, the Military Law, the Public Health Law and the Real Property Tax Law, in relation to changing references to the name of the Division of Veterans' Services to the Department of Veterans' Services
The Assembly passed A06538, sponsored by Assemblymembers Schiavoni and Griffin, which updates references across multiple state laws to reflect the renaming of the Division of Veterans' Services to the Department of Veterans' Services. The bill was advanced on consent and passed without debate.
An act to amend the Public Authorities Law, in relation to the Septic System Replacement Fund
The Assembly passed legislation expanding the Septic System Replacement Fund to facilitate reimbursement for septic and cesspool upgrades across New York State. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Kassay, the bill addresses widespread contamination from antiquated systems, particularly on Long Island where 70 percent of Suffolk County residents rely on conventional cesspools and septic systems that fail to filter nitrogen and other pollutants. Multiple members testified that the upgrades are critical for protecting groundwater and preventing harmful algal blooms in bays, harbors, and beaches. Assemblywoman Giglio noted replacement costs can reach $35,000 to $50,000 per property. Assemblyman Schiavoni emphasized that Long Island has no viable alternative drinking water source other than the aquifer beneath it, making the measure essential for coastal communities.
Francesco's Law — safe firearm storage requirements and data collection on unsafe storage incidents
The Assembly passed Francesco's Law (A08463), sponsored by Asm. Khaleel Anderson, which strengthens safe firearm storage requirements and mandates data collection on unsafe storage incidents. The bill clarifies existing law to ensure firearms not in immediate control are secured, directs the Office of Gun Violence Prevention to conduct public education campaigns, and requires DCJS to collect data on violations. The legislation was inspired by Francesco, a 17-year-old Long Island resident who died by suicide in 2021 using an unsecured family firearm after experiencing bullying. Supporters cited statistics showing suicides account for 36% of firearm deaths among children ages 10-19 and that 66% of unintentional fatal shootings involving children occur when firearms are handled by someone else. Asm. Lunsford noted that 80% of gun owners support safe storage laws. Opponents, including Asm. Lemondes, raised Second Amendment concerns and questioned whether the law could impede self-defense during home invasions. Asm. Gallahan advocated for education over legislation. Francesco's mother and godmother attended the session. The bill passed with strong support from the Majority Conference.
An act to amend the Agriculture and Markets Law, in relation to establishing a New York native plants designation
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 Public Health Law, in relation to requiring annual reports on tick-borne illnesses; and to require the Superintendent of Financial Services to review the status of health insurance coverage for the treatment of Lyme disease and other tick-borne related diseases
An act to amend the Public Health Law, in relation to requiring annual reports on tick-borne illnesses; and to require the Superintendent of Financial Services to review the status of health insurance coverage for the treatment of Lyme disease and other tick-borne related diseases
An act to amend the Public Health Law, in relation to requiring annual reports on tick-borne illnesses; and to require the Superintendent of Financial Services to review the status of health insurance coverage for the treatment of Lyme disease and other tick-borne related diseases
An act to amend Chapter 387 of the Laws of 2013 relating to including the trustees of the Freeholders and Commonalty of the Town of Southampton, trustees of the Freeholders and Commonalty of the Town of East Hampton and the trustees of Freeholders and Commonalty of the Town of Southold as municipal corporations for the purposes of section 72-h of the General Municipal Law
An act to amend Chapter 366 of the Laws of 2011 amending the Environmental Conservation Law relating to youth pheasant hunting days on Long Island
Department of Environmental Conservation authority to manage blackfish
An act to amend Chapter 264 of the Laws of 1961 relating to the incorporation of the Hampton Bays Volunteer Exempt Firemen's Benevolent Association and providing for its powers and duties, in relation to the management of certain affairs of such association
An act to amend Chapter 264 of the Laws of 1961 relating to the incorporation of the Hampton Bays Volunteer Exempt Firemen's Benevolent Association and providing for its powers and duties, in relation to the management of certain affairs of such association
An act to amend the County Law, the Labor Law, the Mental Hygiene Law, the Military Law, the Public Health Law, and the Real Property Tax Law, in relation to changing references to the name of the Division of Veterans' Services to the Department of Veterans' Services
An act to amend the Indian Law, in relation to the reinstatement of state recognition and acknowledgement of the Montaukett Indian Nation
The Assembly passed legislation to restore state recognition of the Montaukett Indian Nation, reversing a 1910 court decision that stripped the tribe of its status. Sponsor Asm. Schiavoni argued that only Congress had authority to dissolve tribal recognition, not the courts, and that the original decision was unjust—made despite 75 Montaukett members present in the courtroom. The bill honors the work of predecessor Assemblyman Fred Thiele and seeks to correct historical wrongs against the Montaukett people of Long Island and across New York State.
An act to amend a chapter of the Laws of 2024 authorizing the Town of Southampton, County of Suffolk, to enact by a local law a homestead exemption
The Assembly passed A02436, sponsored by Assemblyman Schiavoni, authorizing the Town of Southampton to enact a homestead exemption. Schiavoni explained the bill addresses property tax relief for Southampton residents whose assessments have increased dramatically due to the town's 100 percent reassessment policy. The measure was previously advanced by Schiavoni's predecessor, Fred Thiele.
An act to amend the Real Property Tax Law, in relation to a property tax exemption for ocean rescue squad members in certain municipalities
An act to amend the Real Property Tax Law, in relation to the establishing eligibility for a tax exemption on real property for enrolled members of ocean rescue squads in certain municipalities
The Assembly passed A02438, sponsored by Assemblyman Schiavoni, establishing property tax exemption eligibility for ocean rescue squad members in certain municipalities. Schiavoni explained the bill treats volunteer ocean rescue corps members as first responders, similar to ambulance and firefighter personnel. He noted that the Eastern end of Long Island has several hundred miles of beaches and waterways, and these volunteer organizations train year-round to protect the community.
Source: Official NY Assembly floor session transcripts (Granicus). AI-processed. Includes sessions from 2023 onward where transcripts are available.