An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to prohibiting insurers from refusing to renew a policy on certain automobiles used for volunteer social service transportation
An act to amend the State Finance Law, in relation to the public posting of certain contracts otherwise subject to prior approval of the Comptroller
An act to amend the State Finance Law, in relation to the public posting of certain contracts otherwise subject to prior approval of the Comptroller
An act to amend the Public Authorities Law, in relation to the process for filling vacancies on the Long Island Railroad Commuter's Council
Jack Reid Law: Protect All Students Act
The Assembly passed the Jack Reid Law: Protect All Students Act, legislation requiring school employees to report bullying and harassment within one school day of witnessing or receiving a report of such conduct. The bill prohibits discrimination, harassment, and cyberbullying of students by other students on non-public or secondary-school property or at school functions. Asm. Walsh, who explained her vote in support, noted the bill was championed by Jack Reid's parents following a tragic situation involving bullying. Walsh indicated the measure appeared to have unanimous support and complemented her own stalled legislation, Jacob's Law, which would require parental notification when students are bullied.
An act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law, in relation to allowing for individuals to consent to contact from the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program and the National Marrow Donor Program to receive information about enrolling in such programs at the time of application for or renewal of a driver's license or non-driver identification card
The Assembly passed A05122-A, sponsored by Asm. Solages, which allows individuals applying for or renewing a driver's license or non-driver identification card to opt in to receive information from the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplant Program and the National Marrow Donor Program. These programs connect volunteer donors to patients needing bone marrow transplants. Asm. Ra, speaking in support, shared a personal story about his mother's survival of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma through a bone marrow transplant. He noted that every three minutes someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer like leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma, and approximately 70 percent of patients needing a transplant won't have a fully matched donor in their family. The bill takes effect January 1, 2028.
Statewide opioid settlement agreements
An act to amend the Education Law, in relation to requiring schools safety plans to include a cardiac emergency response plan
An act to amend the Education Law, in relation to permitting certain licensed athletic trainers to practice in New York State if they are licensed to practice in another state, territory or country
An act to amend the Public Service Law, in relation to utility intervenor reimbursement; and to amend the State Finance Law, in relation to establishing the Utility Intervenor Account
The Assembly debated A00836, sponsored by Asm. Solages, which would establish a Utility Intervenor Account allowing citizen groups and nonprofits to apply for state reimbursement for costs incurred participating in Public Service Commission rate proceedings. Solages argued that utilities receive reimbursement for their advocates while ratepayers and citizen groups cannot afford to participate, creating an imbalance in rate proceedings. The bill would allow the Department of Public Service to determine fund amounts and approve applications from diverse regional organizations. However, Asm. Palmesano noted the Governor vetoed identical versions of the bill in 2022 and 2023, citing duplication of existing consumer protection efforts and concerns that costs would be passed to ratepayers. Palmesano questioned whether existing agencies adequately represent ratepayers and whether the bill duplicates another utility consumer advocate bill debated the previous day. The debate was ongoing at the end of the transcript segment.
Utility Consumer Advocate Intervenor Fund - An act to establish a fund to reimburse reasonable expenses of citizen groups and non-profits participating in Public Service Commission rate proceedings
The Assembly passed legislation establishing a Public Service Commission-administered fund to reimburse reasonable expenses for citizen groups and non-profits intervening in utility rate proceedings. Sponsor Assemblywoman Solages argued the measure levels the playing field against utilities with unlimited legal budgets and amplifies ratepayer voices, citing examples from Idaho and California that saved ratepayers approximately $19 million. The bill applies only to residential gas, electric, and steam rate cases. Opponent Assemblyman Palmesano contended the bill is duplicative of existing consumer advocacy entities and grants the PSC unchecked discretion with no cost estimates or funding caps, ultimately burdening ratepayers already facing rates 40% above the national average. A party vote was requested, with the Majority Conference voting in favor and the Minority Conference voting against, though individual members could vote contrary to their conference position. The bill passed.
An act to amend the Public Service Law, in relation to utility intervenor reimbursement; and to amend the State Finance Law, in relation to establishing the Utility Intervenor Account
The Assembly debated A00836, sponsored by Asm. Solages, which would establish a Utility Intervenor Account allowing citizen groups and non-profits to apply for state reimbursement for costs of participating in Public Service Commission rate proceedings. Solages argued utilities receive blank-check reimbursement for their advocates while ratepayers lack similar funding, and the bill would amplify consumer voices in rate proceedings affecting utility rates. Asm. Palmesano countered that the bill is identical to versions vetoed by the Governor in 2022 and 2023, who cited duplication of existing consumer protection efforts and concerns about costs being passed to ratepayers. Palmesano noted multiple existing agencies already represent ratepayers, including the Office of Consumer Services, Statewide Special Counsel for Ratepayer Protection, and the Public Utility Law Project. The debate was ongoing at the end of the transcript segment.
Utility Consumer Advocate Intervenor Fund
The Assembly passed legislation creating a fund to reimburse citizen groups and nonprofits for costs of intervening in Public Service Commission rate proceedings. Sponsor Assemblywoman Solages argued the measure would amplify ratepayer voices against utility rate increases and level the playing field against utilities' unlimited legal budgets. The bill applies only to residential gas, electric, and steam rate cases. Opponents, led by Assemblyman Palmesano, contended the measure lacks cost estimates and funding caps, giving the PSC unchecked discretion, and will ultimately burden ratepayers already facing some of the nation's highest utility rates. Palmesano also criticized the bill for not addressing underlying policy drivers of rate increases, including green energy mandates. The Minority Conference voted against the bill, though individual members could vote affirmatively. The Majority Conference voted in favor.
An act to amend the Public Service Law, in relation to utility intervenor reimbursement; and to amend the State Finance Law, in relation to establishing the Utility Intervenor Account
An act to amend the Public Service Law, in relation to utility intervenor reimbursement; and to amend the State Finance Law, in relation to establishing the Utility Intervenor Account
An act to amend the Public Authorities Law, in relation to the process for filing vacancies on the Long Island Railroad Commuter's Council
An act to amend the Education Law, in relation to allowing pharmacy technicians to practice in any pharmacy under the supervision of a pharmacist
An act to amend the Civil Practice Law and Rules, in relation to certification of class actions in cases involving government operations
The Assembly passed legislation allowing class action lawsuits against governmental entities despite gubernatorial veto of identical language last year. Sponsor Asm. Solages argued the bill clarifies that courts cannot deny class certification solely because a lawsuit involves government operations, ensuring low-income and marginalized communities have access to courts. Opponent Asm. Walsh contended that class actions against governmental entities are already allowable under current law with established exceptions, that the bill reverses 50 years of settled Court of Appeals precedent, and that it would increase litigation costs borne by taxpayers. The Minority Conference voted against the bill; the Majority Conference voted in favor with some exceptions. Asm. Angelino predicted the Governor would veto the bill again, citing concerns about potential class actions by state corrections officers.
An act to amend the General Business Law, in relation to removing dealers of ammunition from certain provisions regarding the use of certain merchant category-codes by payment card networks
The Assembly passed a chapter amendment to legislation requiring payment card networks to create merchant category codes for firearm and ammunition retailers. Sponsor Asm. Solages characterized the amendment as a technical clarification removing redundant language about ammunition dealers, since firearms dealers already cover ammunition under law. However, Republican opponents including Asm. Angelino and Asm. Smullen argued the bill effectively creates a registry of firearm purchasers in violation of the Second Amendment and the 1986 Firearms Privacy Act. Angelino cited statements from Visa and Mastercard indicating they have paused implementation of such codes due to legal uncertainty. The bill passed on a party-line vote with the Majority Conference voting in favor and the Minority Conference voting against, though individual members were permitted to vote contrary to their conference position.
An act to amend the State Finance Law, in relation to the public posting of certain contracts otherwise subject to prior approval of the Comptroller
The Assembly passed A06707, sponsored by Assemblymember Solages, requiring public posting of certain state contracts otherwise subject to Comptroller approval. The bill aims to increase transparency and scrutiny on no-bid contracts awarded during states of emergency. Assemblymember Gandolfo spoke in support, citing a COVID-era example where New York paid $637 million for COVID tests at nearly double the market rate compared to California, with the vendor's CEO being a major campaign contributor to the Governor. The measure takes effect in 30 days.
An act to amend the Social Services Law, in relation to automated identification of OTDA program participants for participation in utility corporation affordability programs for water service affordability
An act to amend the Public Health Law, in relation to access to doulas; and to repeal a chapter of the Laws of 2024 amending the Public Health Law relating to permitting doulas to be present in the operating room while a cesarean section is being performed
Doula access during emergency situations
The Assembly passed A1019, sponsored by Asm. Solages, amending the Public Health Law to provide doula access during emergency situations. The bill takes effect immediately.
Maternal depression screenings guidance; consultation with Office of Addiction Services and Supports
The Assembly passed A1025, sponsored by Asm. Solages, amending the Public Health Law to require the Commissioner of Health to consult with the Office of Addiction Services and Supports to publish guidance on maternal depression screenings. The bill also amends a 2024 law on the same subject and takes effect immediately.
Amend General Business Law relating to removing dealers of ammunition from certain provisions regarding the use of certain merchant category codes by payment card networks
Source: Official NY Assembly floor session transcripts (Granicus). AI-processed. Includes sessions from 2023 onward where transcripts are available.