An act to amend the Real Property Law, in relation to enacting the 'Low Impact Landscaping Rights Act'
The Assembly passed A10102, the 'Low Impact Landscaping Rights Act' sponsored by Assemblywoman Glick, limiting homeowners associations from prohibiting or unreasonably restricting low-impact landscaping installations on residential properties. The bill allows HOAs to deny permission only in common areas or where landscaping would encroach on neighboring properties, and requires HOAs to detail justifications for denials. Glick argued the bill protects homeowners' property rights in response to changing environmental conditions, particularly in flood-prone areas where sustainable landscaping can absorb water and prevent property damage. She cited Long Island water commissioners' statements supporting sustainable gardens for aquifer protection. The bill mirrors existing protections for solar systems and electric vehicle charging stations. Assemblyman Gandolfo opposed the measure as an encroachment on voluntary contracts, noting Governor Hochul vetoed similar legislation last year. He argued residents should lobby their HOA boards rather than have the state override private agreements. The bill passed despite Republican Conference opposition, with several members explaining their votes on constitutional and contractual grounds.
An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to requiring insurance coverage of outpatient problem gambling services
The Assembly passed A08518, sponsored by Asm. Steck, requiring insurance coverage of outpatient problem gambling services on par with alcoholism and substance use disorder treatment. The bill addresses what Steck called a "crisis" in New York, where sports betting has exploded into a $260.4 million monthly revenue generator as of December 2025, with particular impact on young men ages 18-25. The measure was narrowed from the Governor's version to limit cost concerns. Debate centered on whether existing mental health parity laws already mandate such coverage and whether the state should increase its $12 million treatment fund rather than shift costs to insurers. Asm. Fitzpatrick, who previously opposed similar measures, voted affirmatively, citing the real financial devastation gambling addiction causes families. Asm. Pirozzolo voted yes reluctantly, objecting that the state is forcing private companies to remedy problems the state itself created through legalization and promotion of gambling.
An act to amend the Criminal Procedure Law, in relation to requiring certain covered platforms to provide a process for law enforcement agencies to contact such platform and to comply with search warrants within 72 hours
An act to amend the Executive Law, in relation to requiring State law enforcement agencies to develop and implement a tattoo policy
The Assembly passed A08492-C, sponsored by Assemblymembers Weprin and Steck, requiring State law enforcement agencies to develop and implement a tattoo policy. Assemblyman Weprin spoke in support, arguing that generational norms around tattoos have evolved and that a standardized reasonable policy would help agencies maintain professional appearance while respecting officers' individuality. He emphasized that at a time when police departments nationwide struggle to recruit and retain qualified officers, visible tattoos should not be an automatic disqualifier if they are not offensive or inappropriate. The bill takes effect on the 60th day.
An act to amend the Real Property Law, in relation to requiring the modification of restrictive covenants prior to the sale of real property
The Assembly passed legislation (A09499) sponsored by Asm. Steck that modifies how restrictive covenants in real property deeds are handled. The chapter amendment aligns the definition of protected classes with those in the state Human Rights Law and makes modification documents available from county clerks. Steck argued that restrictive covenants based on protected classes run with the land indefinitely and should be removed through clear legal rules rather than case-by-case litigation. However, Asm. Walsh opposed the measure, noting it received 48 no votes in the previous session with bipartisan opposition. She contended the bill is too broad and may eliminate legitimate restrictive covenants for religious or community organizations that should be addressed through judicial review on a case-by-case basis. Steck countered that non-profits can still restrict donations through restricted donations rather than deeds that run with the land forever. The Majority Conference voted in favor while the Minority Conference generally opposed it, though individual members could vote contrary to their conference position.
An act to amend the Labor Law, in relation to prohibiting the use of employment promissory notes and other similar provisions (Trapped at Work Act)
Regulating the sale of kratom products
The Assembly passed A09443, sponsored by Assemblymember Steck, regulating the sale of kratom products through enhanced warning label requirements. Assemblywoman Walsh explained the chapter amendment requires warning labels to state that kratom may be addictive, addressing consumer safety concerns. However, Walsh expressed reservations that the amendment no longer prohibits sellers from claiming the product is all natural, which she believes consumers rely upon when purchasing kratom. Despite this concern, Walsh supported the measure as a positive step toward product regulation.
An act to amend the Mental Hygiene Law and the Public Health Law, in relation to the availability of opioid reversal agents
LLC Transparency Act - Definition Codification (Technical Amendment)
The Assembly passed A8662-A, a technical amendment to the LLC Transparency Act that codifies Federal beneficial ownership definitions into state law. Sponsor Asm. Gallagher characterized the bill as a necessary fix to fill a gap created when Federal law changed, maintaining no new policy or exemptions were introduced. However, opponents including Asm. Blumencranz and Asm. Ra argued the bill represents substantive policy-making, not a technical fix, as it explicitly places into state law definitions previously referenced by Federal citation. Critics raised concerns about duplicative compliance burdens on small businesses, data security risks, and the bill's exemption of large financial institutions while targeting smaller LLCs. The Business Council strongly opposed the legislation, calling it regulatory overreach that will accelerate business exodus from New York. A procedural dispute arose over whether questions about Federal enforcement changes were germane; the Acting Speaker ruled they were not, and that ruling was upheld on appeal. The bill passed on a party-line vote, with the Republican Conference voting in opposition.
An act to amend the General Business Law in relation to unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices
The Assembly passed legislation expanding the Attorney General's authority to prosecute unfair, deceptive, or abusive business practices, removing the current "consumer-oriented" limitation that courts have imposed over 45 years. Sponsor Asm. Lasher argued the bill clarifies existing AG authority and relies on well-settled Federal Trade Commission definitions to protect consumers and small businesses. Opponents, led by Asm. Walsh and Asm. Ra, contended the measure grants excessive discretion to the AG and extends enforcement beyond consumer transactions into business-to-business disputes using vague standards. Asm. Molitor raised constitutional concerns, arguing the bill violates the state constitution by referencing Federal case law without statutory definition. The Majority Conference voted in favor while the Minority Conference opposed the measure. A party vote was requested. The bill passed on June 17, 2025.
Statewide opioid settlement agreements
An act to amend the Mental Hygiene Law and the Public Health Law, in relation to the availability of opioid reversal agents
An act to amend Chapter 405 of the Laws of 2005 amending the Tax Law relating to authorizing the County of Albany to impose a county recording tax on obligations secured by a mortgage on real property, in relation to extending the effectiveness thereof.
Judicial Candidate Cross-Endorsement Authorization - requires judicial candidates to obtain party authorization (Wilson-Pakula) to run in another party's primary
The Assembly passed legislation requiring judicial candidates to obtain party authorization before running in another party's primary, a requirement similar to those applied to other candidates under the Wilson-Pakula law. Sponsor Assemblyman Jacobson argued the bill ensures voters understand that candidates on a party line share that party's values, noting most voters decide based on party affiliation when unfamiliar with candidates. Supporters including Assemblywoman Lunsford contended judges already run on party lines, making them inherently political, and the bill simply clarifies voter expectations without further politicizing the judiciary. Opponents including Assemblyman Durso and Sempolinski argued the bill gives party committees gatekeeping power over judicial candidates and undermines the principle that judges should represent all parties and remain apolitical. Assemblyman Steck cited practical examples of judges abusing the current system by enrolling voters in minor parties without genuine affiliation. The bill passed on a slow roll call vote.
Employment-based debt restrictions
The Assembly passed legislation sponsored by Asm. Steck restricting employment-based debt agreements that require workers to repay training costs or bonuses if they leave their jobs. The bill targets so-called "clawback provisions" that the sponsor argued encourage litigation and harm workers. Steck cited the example of nurses required to repay signing bonuses if they leave within a set period, arguing that incentive-based compensation is a better alternative. The bill carves out exceptions for legitimate training where employers pay third parties directly, such as specialized certification programs. Members questioned whether the measure would affect existing tuition reimbursement programs and government employee training initiatives. Sponsor Steck assured the chamber that separately authorized programs, including state tuition assistance and police training repayment requirements under General Municipal Law, would survive the legislation. The bill passed without recorded vote tallies in this segment.
An act to amend the General Business Law, relating to regulating the sale of kratom products
The Assembly passed A05852-A, sponsored by Assemblymember Steck, regulating the sale of kratom products. Assemblymember Walsh spoke in support, citing the death of 27-year-old Nickolas Scribner from kratom-related aspiration in November 2024 and noting similar losses in her district. Walsh explained that kratom, marketed as natural, carries unknown long-term health risks and has earned the nickname 'gas station heroin' for mimicking opioid dangers while being readily available at retail locations.
An act to amend the General Business Law, relating to regulating the sale of kratom products
The Assembly passed legislation sponsored by Assemblymember Steck to regulate the sale of kratom products. Assemblywoman Walsh explained that kratom, a Southeast Asian plant product marketed as natural, poses serious health risks including death. She cited the November 2024 death of 27-year-old Nickolas Scribner from her district, who died from aspirating on his own vomit—a known kratom side effect. Walsh noted that kratom is readily available at gas stations in various forms and has earned the nickname 'gas station heroin' due to its opioid-like dangers. She thanked Steck for quick action and advocates including Scribner's mother, Cari Scribner, for pushing the bill forward.
An act to amend the General Business Law, relating to regulating the sale of kratom products
The Assembly passed legislation regulating the sale of kratom products, a plant-derived substance marketed as all-natural but linked to serious health risks and deaths. Assemblywoman Walsh, a co-sponsor, explained that kratom has caused multiple deaths in her district and others, including a 27-year-old who aspirated on his own vomit—a known kratom side effect. Despite its dangers, kratom is readily available at gas stations in various forms and has earned the nickname 'gas station heroin' for mimicking opioid effects. Walsh praised sponsor Assemblymember Steck for swift action and thanked advocates, including the mother of a kratom-related death victim.
Recovery Ready Workplace Act - Mental Hygiene Law amendment
An act to amend the Real Property Law, in relation to requiring the modification of restrictive covenants prior to the sale of real property
The Assembly passed legislation requiring the removal of discriminatory restrictive covenants from property deeds before sale. The bill prohibits covenants based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, marital status, disability, and national origin. Sponsor Asm. Steck argued the measure is necessary to codify protections in state law given recent federal rollbacks of segregation prohibitions, and that removing covenants at closing is far cheaper than subsequent litigation. Asm. Jacobson supported the bill, citing the overturning of Roe v. Wade as evidence that court precedents cannot be relied upon. Asm. Walsh opposed the measure, arguing that race-based restrictions have been illegal for 77 years and are already removed in practice by attorneys and title companies; she contended the bill's broad scope could affect legitimate interests of religious and Native American communities. The Republican Conference opposed the bill; the Democratic majority supported it.
Amend General Business Law to require comparison of prices charged by energy services companies
An act to amend the General Business Law, in relation to the recall of Class B firefighting foam and prohibiting the sale of distribution of firefighting personal protective equipment that contains intentionally-added PFAS
Criminal Procedure Law amendment establishing the New York Electronic Communications Privacy Act (NYECPA)
An act to amend the Mental Hygiene Law and the Public Health Law, in relation to the availability of opioid reversal agents
An act to amend the Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law, in relation to requiring a petition in a summary proceeding to recover possession of real property in the City of Schenectady to allege proof of compliance with local laws requiring rental residential property registration and licensure
Source: Official NY Assembly floor session transcripts (Granicus). AI-processed. Includes sessions from 2023 onward where transcripts are available.