Food Safety and Chemical Disclosure Act
The Assembly debated A01556-G, the Food Safety and Chemical Disclosure Act, sponsored by Assemblywoman Kelles, which would ban three chemicals (Red Dye No. 3, potassium bromate, and propylparaben) and require manufacturers to disclose safety analysis data to the state. Kelles argued the disclosure requirement addresses a gap in federal law, where disclosure is voluntary, and noted the banned chemicals are already prohibited in multiple states and the EU. Assemblywoman Walsh, speaking for the minority, raised concerns about the bill's estimated $21 million cost over three years, potential 12% increases in grocery prices, and the creation of a new state regulatory burden that could cause companies to stop shipping products to New York. The bill includes a three-year transition period for retailers and exempts small businesses under 100 employees. The debate was ongoing at the end of the transcript segment, with additional members seeking to question the sponsor.
Vaccine recommendations and medical advisory standards
The Assembly passed a bill allowing New York's health commissioner to base vaccine recommendations on guidance from medical academies rather than solely on federal ACIP/CDC recommendations. During debate, Assemblyman Jensen questioned the transparency and peer-review standards of the academies, asking whether they publish recommendations annually and what would happen if different organizations provided conflicting guidance. Sponsor Assemblywoman Paulin responded that the academies are elected by pediatricians and that the bill gives the commissioner discretion to consider multiple organizations. Assemblywoman Walsh, speaking for the minority, characterized the bill as an overreaction to the current federal administration and noted opposition from the autism and disabilities community. The bill passed with the majority supporting it, though the minority conference voted against it.
Retirement income exemption expansion
The Assembly rejected a Motion to Discharge that would have brought A02017 to the floor for a vote on updating New York's retirement income tax exemption. The bill would expand the exemption—frozen at $20,000 since 1981—to reflect modern retirement savings vehicles and account for inflation. Sponsors argued the outdated exemption contributes to New York's affordability crisis and is driving seniors to relocate to neighboring states with more favorable retirement tax policies. The motion failed after procedural objections that bills should advance through committee rather than via discharge petition. The vote tally was not announced in the transcript.
An act to amend the Insurance Law and the General Business Law, in relation to procedures for protections of legally protected health activities
The New York State Assembly passed a chapter amendment to the state's Shield Law protecting access to reproductive and gender-affirming care. The bill, S08807, makes technical modifications to strengthen protections against out-of-state legal actions seeking information about lawful health activities. Key changes include extending the notification timeline to the Attorney General from 72 hours to five business days, expanding professional liability insurance protections beyond medical malpractice, and reducing penalties for intentional violations from $15,000 to $10,000. The sponsor, working with the Governor's office, said the changes improve compliance and conformity throughout the law. The Minority Conference opposed the bill, noting the original legislation passed with bipartisan opposition and the amendments do not address those concerns. The bill passed on a party-line vote.
An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to health insurance coverage for acupuncture services
The New York State Assembly passed A00622-C, legislation requiring large group health insurers to cover acupuncture treatment upon prescription by a healthcare provider. Sponsor Asm. Kim noted that many insurers already voluntarily cover acupuncture because it saves them money, and that acupuncturists undergo three years of intense medical training. Supporters including Mrs. Peoples-Stokes, Mr. Chang, and Mr. Sayegh emphasized acupuncture's effectiveness for pain management and its long history in Eastern medicine, with Mr. Chang noting the Veterans Administration approves it. Opponents argued the bill represents another insurance mandate that collectively raises premiums and disproportionately affects small and medium-size businesses. Ms. Walsh questioned the inconsistency of mandating private insurers cover acupuncture while the State does not cover it in the Essential Plan. The original bill version required the State to provide coverage but was modified to apply only to private insurers. The Minority Conference opposed the measure while the Majority Conference supported it.
Environmental standards for ambient lead and lead contamination in soils
The Assembly passed A03682-A, sponsored by Assemblywoman Peoples-Stokes, requiring the Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Health to review and potentially lower environmental standards for lead contamination in dust, soil, and ambient air within 180 days. The bill removes a reporting requirement from a 2022 version that was vetoed by the Governor. Peoples-Stokes argued that CDC guidance establishes no safe level of lead for children and cited rising special education enrollment linked to lead exposure. Assemblywoman Walsh questioned whether the bill was preemptive regulation based on hypothetical federal deregulation rather than actual regulatory changes, but ultimately supported it as a reasonable periodic review of standards. The Majority Conference voted in favor; the Minority Conference voted against, though Walsh voted affirmatively.
An act to amend the Insurance Law and the General Business Law, in relation to procedures for protections of legally protected health activities (Shield Law chapter amendment)
The New York State Assembly passed S08807, a chapter amendment to the state's Shield Law protecting access to reproductive and gender-affirming care. The bill, sponsored by Senator Krueger and explained by Asm. Bronson, extends professional liability insurance coverage (previously limited to medical malpractice) for legally-protected health activities and clarifies procedures for healthcare providers receiving out-of-state information requests. Key changes include extending the notification timeline to the Attorney General from 72 hours to five business days, expanding coverage to all professional liability policies, and reducing penalties from $15,000 to $10,000 per violation. The changes resulted from discussions with the Executive Branch. The Majority Conference voted in favor while the Minority Conference opposed the measure. The underlying Shield Law passed in 2025 with a vote of 94-50, with bipartisan opposition.
An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to health insurance coverage for acupuncture services
The New York State Assembly passed A00622-C, legislation requiring large group health insurers to cover acupuncture treatment upon prescription by a healthcare provider. Sponsored by Asm. Kim, the bill takes effect on the 90th day and allows insurers to set co-payments and cost-sharing mechanisms. Kim noted that some insurers already provide acupuncture coverage because it reduces costs, and that acupuncturists require three years of medical training. Supporters, including Mrs. Peoples-Stokes, Mr. Chang, and Mr. Sayegh, emphasized acupuncture's effectiveness for pain management and its use in Eastern medicine traditions. The Veterans Administration approves acupuncture as treatment. Opponents, including Asm. Gandolfo and Ms. Walsh, argued the bill represents another insurance mandate that collectively raises health insurance premiums and disproportionately affects small and medium-size businesses. Gandolfo questioned why the State does not mandate coverage in the Essential Plan if acupuncture is truly essential. The Majority Conference voted in favor while the Minority Conference opposed the measure.
Environmental standards for ambient lead and lead contamination in soils
The Assembly passed A03682-A, sponsored by Assemblywoman Peoples-Stokes, directing state environmental and health agencies to review and potentially lower lead contamination standards within 180 days. The bill requires examination of dust lead hazards, soil lead hazards, and ambient air quality standards. Peoples-Stokes argued that New York's soil lead standards of 400 parts per million exceed federal standards of 200 ppm, and that scientific evidence shows no safe level of lead exposure for children. Assemblywoman Walsh questioned the necessity of the measure, noting the Governor vetoed similar legislation in 2022 and expressing concern the bill addresses potential rather than actual federal threats. The Majority Conference voted in favor; the Minority Conference voted against, though Walsh indicated she would support the measure.
Amend Public Officers Law expanding geographical boundaries for residency requirements of correction officers in Rockland and Orange Counties
Amend Public Health Law regarding sexual offense evidence collection kit procedures
The Assembly passed A10542, which extends the length of time that sexual offense evidence collection kits must be kept in locked, separate, and secure storage. Assemblywoman Walsh supported the measure, noting that recent initiatives including those by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office have significantly reduced the backlog of untested kits statewide, and that this bill will further improve the handling of such evidence.
An act to amend the Labor Law, in relation to payment of wages
The Assembly passed A02222-A, sponsored by Assemblywoman Simon, clarifying the definition of wages under Labor Law to ensure all non-discretionary compensation is included and requiring employers to provide written notice of purely discretionary compensation. The bill addresses a judicial loophole created by court misinterpretation of earlier Labor Law amendments, particularly regarding severance and bonus payments for executives. Simon cited the recent Appellate Division decision in Patel v. Maybank Kim Eng Securities USA, Inc., which reversed lower court rulings that had incorrectly excluded certain compensation from wage protections. The National Employment Lawyers Association and AFL-CIO supported the measure, while the NFIB opposed it, arguing the bill imposes burdensome notice requirements on small businesses and gives plaintiffs' attorneys excessive leverage through presumptions that shift the burden of proof to employers. The bill requires employers to clearly communicate in advance if any compensation is purely discretionary, a requirement Simon characterized as straightforward and evidentiary in nature.
An act to amend the Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law, in relation to advertising restrictions for mobile sports wagering licensees
The Assembly passed A00382-A, sponsored by Assemblyman Vanel, extending existing casino advertising restrictions to mobile sports wagering licensees. The bill requires truthful and transparent advertising, opt-out mechanisms for consumers, and mandates that the New York State gambling helpline (1-877-8-HOPENY) be clearly displayed throughout video advertisements. Vanel defended the New York-specific helpline requirement as necessary to track problem gambling data and connect New Yorkers to local providers. Debate revealed concerns from members Walsh and Jensen about the practical burden on companies running national or international advertisements, particularly for major sporting events. Assemblywoman Woerner supported the requirement, noting the state helpline connects callers to nearby providers in crisis situations. Assemblyman Morinello criticized the underlying sports betting law as fundamentally flawed, while Assemblyman Fitzpatrick raised concerns about advertising targeting young people and the lack of private right of action for families harmed by problem gambling. The bill passed without a recorded vote tally.
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.
The Assembly passed A10080-A on March 25, with the Majority Conference voting in favor and the Minority Conference voting against, though some minority members voted yes. The bill's final passage came after brief debate regarding MTA communication with the public about bed bug problems on a particular transit line. Members expressed concern that the MTA needed to be more transparent and proactive if the infestation worsened. The specific vote tally was not announced in the transcript.
An act establishing the Proposition Betting Task Force; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof
The Assembly passed A10538, sponsored by Assemblymember Bores, establishing a temporary Proposition Betting Task Force to examine the prevalence and impact of proposition betting, particularly bets on injuries that could incentivize market manipulation. The four-member task force, with members appointed by the Governor (two), Speaker (one), and Senate Majority Leader (one), must be appointed by July 1st and report by year-end. However, the bill drew criticism from Minority Conference members Gallahan and Walsh, who objected to the exclusion of Minority representation on the task force. Gallahan stated he votes against any bill lacking bipartisan committee representation as a matter of principle, while Walsh argued that excluding the Minority—which represents nearly 40 percent of state residents—violates the principle that task forces should include both sides of the aisle. Despite the objections, the bill passed with support from Bores and Glick, who emphasized the need to address proposition betting's erosion of sports integrity and its impact on problem gambling.
An act to amend the Public Officers Law, in relation to requiring entities that submit records to State agencies that are excepted from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Law to periodically reapply for the exception
The Assembly passed A01410-A, sponsored by Asm. Rosenthal, which would require entities seeking Freedom of Information Law exemptions for trade secrets and proprietary information to reapply every three years rather than receive indefinite protection. The bill requires renewal applications at least 60 days before expiration. Rosenthal argued the measure reinforces the presumption of public access and prevents exemptions from functioning as indefinite shields over records submitted to State agencies. Opponent Asm. Walsh raised concerns that missing the 60-day deadline would result in automatic disclosure of sensitive information, ignoring real-world administrative realities. Walsh also cited opposition from the Business Council, which warned the bill could lead to inadvertent release of trade secrets and critical infrastructure information while adding significant administrative burden to 100+ State agencies and authorities. The Majority Conference voted in favor; the Minority Conference voted against with some exceptions.
An act to amend the Mental Hygiene Law, the Public Health Law and the Social Services Law, in relation to setting comprehensive outpatient services
The Assembly passed A00329-B, legislation amending the Mental Hygiene Law, Public Health Law and Social Services Law to establish comprehensive outpatient services. Sponsor Jackson and Santabarbara's bill addresses the intersection of substance abuse disorder and mental health treatment. Assemblywoman Walsh spoke in support, noting that co-occurring substance abuse and mental health issues require coordinated care. The bill passed on consent.
An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to restricting insurers from demanding intrusive, personal, financial, and tax information from insureds as a standard practice in processing ordinary theft claims
The Assembly passed A01450, sponsored by Assemblymember Dinowitz, restricting insurance companies from demanding intrusive personal, financial, and tax information from policyholders filing theft claims unless special articulable circumstances directly related to the claim exist. The bill, which has been pending since the 1990s, establishes that such demands constitute unfair claim settlement practices under Insurance Law. Dinowitz argued the measure would prevent insurers from requesting irrelevant information like voter registration cards and tax returns, streamlining claims processing and ensuring people receive payment they deserve. Assemblywoman Walsh expressed concern the bill lacks supporting data on the problem's scope and could hamper fraud detection efforts, noting existing Department of Financial Services regulations already govern claim practices. She warned disputes over whether circumstances warrant information requests could lead to costly litigation. The Majority Conference supported the bill while the Minority Conference opposed it, though members were permitted to vote their conscience.
An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to restricting insurers from demanding intrusive, personal, financial, and tax information from insureds as a standard practice in processing ordinary theft claims
The Assembly passed A01450, sponsored by Assemblymember Dinowitz, restricting insurance companies from demanding intrusive personal, financial, and tax information from policyholders filing theft claims unless special articulable circumstances directly related to the claim exist. The bill, which has been pending since the 1990s, establishes that such demands constitute unfair claim settlement practices under Insurance Law. During debate, Dinowitz argued the measure would force insurers to act appropriately and streamline claim resolution, while Assemblywoman Walsh expressed concern the bill lacks supporting data on the problem's scope and could hamper fraud detection efforts. Walsh noted the Department of Financial Services already has regulations governing claim practices and cited bipartisan opposition in prior legislative sessions. The Majority Conference supported the bill while the Minority Conference opposed it, though members were permitted to vote their conscience.
New York State Teleworking Expansion Act
The Assembly passed the New York State Teleworking Expansion Act, requiring each state agency to establish policies allowing employees to work remotely to the maximum extent possible without diminished performance. Sponsor Assemblywoman Rozic cited federal precedent and the City of New York's successful 2023 pilot program with DC 37 workers, which improved retention and employee satisfaction. She noted the bill addresses workforce shortages, with one in five New Yorkers expected to be 60-plus by 2030. Opponents including Assemblywoman Walsh expressed concerns that the "maximum extent possible" language favors remote work over agency culture preferences, and questioned how performance would be measured and whether equipment costs would be covered. Assemblywoman Giglio raised concerns about potential favoritism in selecting eligible employees and cited student feedback preferring in-person work. The bill passed with expected mixed support.
An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to homeowner natural disaster preparedness, home safety and loss prevention courses
The Assembly passed A00182-A, sponsored by Assemblywoman Cruz, requiring the Department of Financial Services to issue a request for proposal to implement a homeowner natural disaster preparedness and loss prevention program authorized nearly a decade ago in the 2016 Budget. The bill addresses a decade-long implementation gap; despite a 2017 circular letter encouraging insurers to submit disaster preparedness courses for approval, no proposals have been submitted. The legislation would provide state funding and financial incentive through an RFP to encourage insurers to develop courses, allowing homeowners to earn insurance premium discounts upon completion. Assemblywoman Walsh, who voted in favor, noted the program's value in encouraging disaster preparedness amid increasing extreme weather events. The New York Insurance Association opposed the bill, questioning its meaningfulness and characterizing it as a mandate on DFS. The bill passed on a party-line vote with some Republican support.
Requiring websites and mobile applications for Electronic Benefit Transfer systems to be offered in the twelve most common non-English languages
The Assembly passed A02332-B, sponsored by Asm. Berger, requiring Electronic Benefit Transfer system websites and mobile applications to be offered in the twelve most common non-English languages. The bill addresses fraud affecting non-English-speaking beneficiaries, with Berger citing 1,900 fraud cases in a neighboring district involving Mandarin and Korean speakers. The measure applies only to the state-contracted ebtEDGE platform operated by Fidelity National Information Services and does not impose new obligations on counties. Assemblywoman Walsh, who opposed the bill last year, changed her position after clarification that it targets only state-level systems. Walsh noted the bill helps prevent waste, fraud and abuse by enabling beneficiaries to report theft and manage their cards in their preferred languages. The bill takes effect on the 30th day.
Prohibiting retainage on payments owed to material suppliers for delivered and accepted materials on public and private construction projects
The Assembly passed A02212, sponsored by Asm. Braunstein, prohibiting retainage on payments owed to material suppliers for delivered and accepted materials on public and private construction projects. The bill eliminates the current 5 to 10 percent retainage for graded or warranted materials, requiring full and prompt payment upon delivery and acceptance. Sponsor Braunstein explained that warranty coverage protects buyers if defects are discovered during installation, similar to consumer purchases. Retainage would remain for non-warranted materials. Assemblywoman Walsh supported the measure, noting that material suppliers like lumber dealers often provide goods first on job sites but have no control over project delays and should not be penalized by waiting for retainage payments. The bill takes effect on the 30th day.
Requiring mandatory arbitration clauses in certain consumer contracts to be printed in large font type
The Assembly passed A02539, sponsored by Asm. Dinowitz, requiring mandatory arbitration clauses in consumer contracts to be printed in 16-point font. Assemblywoman Walsh opposed the measure, arguing it is redundant because New York State has prohibited mandatory arbitration clauses in consumer contracts since 1984. Walsh stated the bill could confuse businesses and consumers by running contrary to the existing prohibition and noted the New York State Insurance Association's opposition. Despite the minority party's opposition, the bill passed. The bill takes effect on the 180th day.
Source: Official NY Assembly floor session transcripts (Granicus). AI-processed. Includes sessions from 2023 onward where transcripts are available.