Direct Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets to conduct study on vertical farming
Authorize Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets to conduct study on vertical farming
An act to amend the Public Authorities Law, in relation to the process for filling vacancies on the Long Island Railroad Commuter's Council
Cases terminated due to mental disease or defect and reporting obligations
Freedom to Read Act - amending Education Law to empower school libraries to develop diverse, developmentally appropriate collections
The New York State Assembly passed the 'Freedom to Read Act' (A07777/S01099) on June 17, 2025, after extensive debate over the bill's delegation of authority to the State Education Commissioner. Sponsored by Assemblyman Simone, the bill directs the Commissioner to establish policies ensuring school libraries develop diverse, developmentally appropriate collections. Supporters argued the measure addresses real censorship concerns, citing examples of inappropriate book challenges such as removal of science texts. Critics, including Assemblymen Gandolfo, Bologna, Durso, and Fitzpatrick, expressed concerns that the bill shifts decision-making power from local school districts to the state level, potentially undermining parental involvement and local control. The bill does not explicitly define "developmentally appropriate" and leaves appeal procedures unclear. Republicans generally opposed the measure, though the Democratic majority voted in favor. Assemblymen Bologna and Durso voted against the bill, citing concerns about centralized state authority over local school boards.
An act to amend the Criminal Procedure Law, in relation to cases terminated due to mental disease or defect
An act to amend the Education Law, in relation to enacting the "Freedom to Read Act".
Repeal of mayoral 'bumping' powers in city charter amendments
Charter revision commission ballot proposals
The Assembly passed a bill sponsored by Asm. Simone allowing multiple charter revision proposals to appear on the same ballot and permitting entities beyond the mayor—including the New York City Council—to submit ballot questions. The bill directly addresses the mayor's 'bumping' power, which allows the mayor to prevent other proposals from appearing on ballots. Simone argued prior mayors have abused this power to suppress City Council proposals, citing a recent example of a proposal to confirm commissioners. Supporters including Asm. Weprin and Asm. Glick contended the bill restores balance of power and checks against executive overreach. Opponents including Asm. Tannousis, Asm. Yeger, and Mr. Lasher argued the bumping power is necessary to prevent chaos from an irresponsible City Council and warned the bill will lead to ballot confusion and litigation similar to California's referendum system. The Republican Conference voted against the bill. Asm. Yeger explained his vote in opposition, urging colleagues to help preserve New York City from chaos.
An act to repeal paragraphs (e), (f) and (g) of subdivision 5 of Section 36 of the Municipal Home Rule Law, relating to limitations on the submitting of a question to the qualified electors of a city when there is a question submitted by a charter commission
Charter revision commission ballot proposals
The Assembly passed a bill sponsored by Asm. Simone allowing multiple charter revision proposals to appear on the same ballot and permitting entities beyond the mayor—including the New York City Council—to submit ballot questions. The bill eliminates the mayor's 'bumping' power, which allows the mayor to prevent other proposals from reaching voters. Simone argued prior mayors have abused this power to block legitimate City Council proposals, citing a recent example of the mayor bumping a proposal to confirm commissioners. Opponents including Asm. Tannousis, Asm. Yeger, and Asm. Lasher contended the bumping provision serves as a necessary check on a potentially irresponsible City Council, prevents ballot confusion, and that eliminating it will lead to litigation and more referenda similar to California's experience. Supporters including Asm. Weprin, Asm. Carroll, and Asm. Glick argued the bill restores democratic balance and prevents executive overreach. The Republican Conference opposed the bill while the Democratic Majority supported it.
An act to amend the Private Housing Finance Law, in relation to the amount of taxes paid by a cooperative
An act to amend the Election Law, in relation to requiring State and county boards of elections to post sample ballots
The Assembly passed A06741-A, sponsored by Asm. Simone, requiring state and county boards of elections to post complete sample ballots online and mail them 12 days before early voting begins. The bill updates election law to account for early voting, which was not contemplated in existing statute. Currently, counties have discretion whether to mail or post sample ballots. The measure would create a statewide database accessible through the State Board of Elections website and require an embedded security tool to prevent tampering. Sponsor Simone argued the bill gives voters more time to research candidates and prepare informed votes. Asm. Sempolinski raised concerns about the 90-day effective date, which could require implementation for the 2025 general election, and questioned the undefined security tool requirement and potential unfunded mandate on counties. The Republican Conference voted against the bill; the Majority Conference voted in favor.
An act to amend the Private Housing Finance Law, in relation to the amount of taxes paid by a cooperative
An act to amend the Election Law, in relation to requiring State and county boards of elections to post sample ballots
The Assembly passed A06741-A, sponsored by Asm. Simone, requiring state and county boards of elections to post complete sample ballots online and mail them 12 days before early voting begins. The bill updates election law to account for early voting, which the current statute does not contemplate. Under current law, counties have discretion whether to mail or post sample ballots. The new bill mandates posting of full ballots for every election district in every county on a statewide database or the State Board of Elections website, with an embedded security tool to prevent tampering. The bill takes effect 90 days after enactment, potentially allowing implementation for the 2025 general election. Asm. Sempolinski questioned whether counties could comply with the timeline and raised concerns about undefined security requirements and potential unfunded mandates, though he acknowledged the bill's positive goal. The Republican Conference voted against the bill, while the Democratic majority supported it.
An act to amend the Agriculture and Markets Law, in relation to voluntary contributions in support of municipal animal pounds or shelters
An act to amend the Agriculture and Markets Law, in relation to voluntary contributions in support of municipal animal pounds or shelters
An act to amend the Agriculture and Markets Law, in relation to voluntary contributions in support of municipal animal pounds or shelters
Repeal section 17-40 of the Election Law relating to furnishing money and entertainment to induce attendance at polls
Amend Civil Service Law to enact the 'New York State Teleworking Expansion Act'
Amend Election Law in relation to split shifts for election inspectors or poll clerks
An act to amend the Election Law, in relation to ballot drop-off locations
The Assembly passed legislation authorizing county Boards of Elections to establish secure ballot drop-boxes for absentee and early mail ballots, expanding voting access options in New York. Sponsor Assemblyman Simone cited successful implementation in 33 states and D.C., with fraud rates below 0.003 percent, and noted that mail delivery problems invalidated 84,000 absentee ballots in the 2021 Democratic primary. The bill clarifies a 2024 law by explicitly authorizing drop-boxes for both absentee and early mail ballots and requires the State Board of Elections to develop security and operational guidelines. Republicans opposed the measure, with Assemblyman Tague arguing it creates fraud opportunities and lacks uniform security standards, particularly problematic for rural counties with limited resources. Assemblywoman Bichotte Hermelyn, as chair of New York County, supported the bill as a nonpartisan measure protecting voters' right to vote. The bill passed on a party-line vote, with the Democratic majority supporting it.
An act to amend the Election Law, in relation to ballot drop-off locations
An act to amend the Election Law, in relation to authorizing boards of elections to establish absentee ballot drop-off locations
An act to amend the Hudson River Park Act, in relation to the rights, powers, duties and jurisdiction of the Hudson River Park Trust and the boundaries and uses of the Hudson River Park
Source: Official NY Assembly floor session transcripts (Granicus). AI-processed. Includes sessions from 2023 onward where transcripts are available.