Asm. Mary Beth Walsh

Noted that all appointments are made by the Majority with no direct Minority appointments, though the bill requires consultation with Minority Leaders. Expressed hope that consultation will be meaningful and result in representative committee membership.

Raised concerns about lack of AI definition in bill text itself, reliance on Department of Labor website definition, and the administrative burden on small businesses. Questioned how employers could accurately quantify AI's impact on specific job losses versus other business factors, particularly for emerging startups and small employers just above the 50-employee threshold.

Objected to the bill's provision limiting supplemental report distribution to Governor and majority party leaders, excluding minority party leadership. Argued all members representing constituents should have access to information affecting their districts and that legislative language should reflect this rather than relying on informal promises.

Questioned why private institutions should absorb State-mandated expenses without State funding, distinguishing between mandating public institutions (SUNYs/CUNYs) versus private ones. Challenged the evidence that lack of menstrual products creates a barrier to attendance or academic success at private colleges and asked whether targeted assistance would be more effective than universal provision.

Questioned estimated statewide compliance costs; asked what percentage of water pollution is attributable to unencapsulated dock foam; sought data demonstrating the ban would produce measurable water quality improvements; expressed concern that cottage and camp owners may prefer freedom to construct docks with materials of their choice.

Objected that the supplemental report would only be provided to the Governor and Majority leaders, not the Minority, arguing all members represent constituents with Workers' Comp concerns and should have statutory access to the information rather than relying on informal promises.

Questioned why private institutions should absorb state-mandated costs without state funding, distinguished between regulating state-funded entities and mandating private institutions, and challenged Rosenthal to provide evidence that menstrual product access barriers exist at private colleges comparable to public institutions. She suggested targeted assistance would be more effective than universal provision.

Questioned the percentage of waterway pollution from dock foam and whether the ban would produce measurable water quality improvements; raised concerns about compliance costs for homeowners, marinas, camps and municipalities; noted dock construction is largely unregulated and questioned whether property owners should have freedom to construct docks with materials of their choice.

The Republican Conference will be in the negative on this piece of legislation.

Opposed the clear and convincing evidence standard for denying visitation, arguing it ties judges' hands and prevents them from weighing complex family dynamics. She stated that family situations are often messy and judges should retain discretion to determine whether visits are in the ward's best interests using a preponderance standard. She indicated she would vote against the bill and requested a chapter amendment if it reaches the Governor.

DOCCS already has policies allowing alternative screening methods; the issue appears to be compliance rather than policy. Legislation could increase disputes and pressure on understaffed correctional staff. Prefers administrative enforcement of existing policy over new legislation.

The bill widely opens access to sensitive mental health records without requiring legitimate research purposes or giving families standing to prevent disclosure; families should have the right to preserve their loved ones' dignity and privacy even after 50 years.

Acknowledged the bill codifies existing benefits from a 2023 settlement but expressed concern about the overall cost of the $80 billion annual Medicaid program and voted against the bill on that basis.

Questioned why the bill is necessary when gas stoves will be banned by 2029 under CLCPA, called it 'another layer of government,' and noted that responsible installers already vent stoves properly. Expressed concern about the burden on small appliance stores.

Announced the Republican Conference would not support the legislation, though members could vote differently at their desks.

Competitive bidding for bond sales produces better prices and avoids collusion concerns. Buffalo received $50 million in the recent budget and appears financially improved, so the exemption may no longer be necessary.

Opposed to mandating pamphlet distribution; argued contraceptive counseling should be left to healthcare providers and patients, and that online resources are adequate for patient education.

Expressed concern that the bill is well-intentioned but fraught with problems, including privacy concerns, invasiveness of data collection, and potential unintended consequences with child protective services involvement. She questioned whether a study is necessary given the obvious negative impacts of caregiving on education.

Voted no overall but acknowledged support for 2.7 percent COLA increase for developmentally disabled community, though wished it could have been 4 percent and had greater spending flexibility. Expressed concern about overall Medicaid spending sustainability.

Expressed concern about the 8.8% increase in Judiciary spending over the prior year and objected to additional funding for the Independent Redistricting Commission, though supported legislative spending increases of 4.5%.

Voted no overall but acknowledged support for 2.7 percent COLA increase for developmentally disabled community, though wished it could have been 4 percent. Expressed concern about overall Medicaid spending sustainability.