Asm. Harry B. Bronson

The bill requires public and not-for-profit libraries to develop and implement workplace safety programs to protect employees. Ms. Walsh noted that libraries, as public spaces, experience disruptions and safety incidents, including custodial exchanges that sometimes become contentious. Ms. Kay emphasized that safety has become the top concern for libraries in her district and that the bill will help restore libraries as places of quiet reflection, learning, and joy.

No substantive debate occurred on this bill.

Explained the bill applies prevailing wage to offsite custom fabrication to comply with New York State Constitution requirements and prevent developers from manipulating the system through prefabrication. Clarified the new definition of custom fabrication provides better clarity than the prior 'significant portion' test.

Argued that prevailing wage does not significantly increase project costs due to on-time completion, skilled workers, and fewer change orders; emphasized that local workers spending prevailing wages benefits local economies through taxes and consumer spending.

Assemblyman Sempolinski explained his vote, noting he had voted against the original bill along with nine others and had professional debate with the Chairman. He stated that the chapter amendment addressed the concerns raised in that debate, and he was pleased the changes were made, prompting his affirmative vote.

The bill would require prevailing wage payments for off-site custom fabrication work on public projects. Mr. Tague opposed the bill, arguing it increases costs for local taxpayers. Ms. Giglio supported it, noting it creates a level playing field for manufacturers competing with out-of-state and foreign companies and ensures prevailing wage and project labor agreements are in place. Ms. Walsh, who voted for the bill last year, reversed her position after discussing recordkeeping burdens with a small business owner.

Debate centered on funding mechanisms and ratepayer equity. Sponsor Bronson argued the program directs NYSERDA to provide energy audits and grants for mechanical insulation in public buildings, covering 100% of audit and installation costs including prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements. Opponent Palmesano challenged whether ratepayers in upstate counties should subsidize projects in NYC and Westchester, arguing beneficiaries should pay directly rather than socializing costs across the state. Bronson countered that energy efficiency reduces future infrastructure needs, potentially saving ratepayers long-term. Ari Brown raised technical concerns about asbestos liability, new construction loopholes, and ductwork replacement costs, which Bronson deferred to NYSERDA's regulatory expertise.

Sponsor Bronson explained the bill amends Labor Law Section 715 to require PERB to promptly certify exclusive bargaining representation previously certified by federal or state agencies, with existing terms remaining in effect. The key change shifts from presumptive NLRB jurisdiction to requiring affirmative assertion of jurisdiction via Federal court order. Bronson contextualized the bill as a response to Federal Government failures to protect workers' organizing rights—citing NLRB quorum loss due to vacancies, 45% staff reduction, and gutted mediation programs. He framed it as enforcing New York State Constitutional Article 1, Section 17 rights when Federal protections fail. Asm. Sempolinski conducted detailed questioning to clarify the mechanics, walking through current law exemptions and the new certification procedures.

The federal government has disabled the NLRB through vacancies, staff cuts, and gutting of mediation programs. New York's Constitution guarantees workers the right to organize, and the state must protect that right when the federal government fails to do so.

Explained the bill expands SHIELD Law protections to include gender-affirming care and reproductive services, protecting providers and patients from out-of-state legal actions. Emphasized that reproductive freedom and gender-affirming care are under unprecedented attack from other states and the federal government, and that New York voters reaffirmed these rights through a Constitutional amendment in November.

Sponsor argued codification is necessary because recent federal court divergence threatens 70 years of precedent protecting workers. The bill ensures courts interpret labor laws to protect workers from misclassification, wage theft, and other abuses, and keeps employers on a level playing field.

Assemblywoman Walsh explained that libraries, despite their reputation as peaceful places, face workplace safety challenges. Libraries are free and open to the public, which can attract individuals who create problems with staff. Additionally, libraries are frequently used for custodial exchanges between parents, which can sometimes result in violent or unpleasant situations. Walsh supported the bill as necessary to protect library employees.

Assemblyman Sempolinski expressed concern about the bill's $125 million increase in expenditure for the school project, noting the sponsor's memo states the total cost to the State and local government is to be determined. He questioned whether bonding would be the preferred financing method and expressed discomfort voting for additional funds without clarity on who would ultimately bear the cost.

Assemblyman Sempolinski expressed concern about the bill's $125 million increase in expenditure for the school project, noting the sponsor's memo states the total cost to the State and local government is 'to be determined.' He questioned whether bonding would be the preferred financing method and expressed discomfort voting for legislation with such significant funds where ultimate financial responsibility is unclear.

Assemblyman Sempolinski expressed concern about the bill's $125 million increase in expenditure for the school project, noting the sponsor's memo states the total cost to the State and local government is 'to be determined.' He questioned whether bonding would be the preferred financing method and expressed discomfort voting for legislation with such significant funds where ultimate financial responsibility is unclear.

The bill modifies Paid Family Leave eligibility for construction workers employed by union signatory contractors, allowing them to aggregate 26 weeks of work across multiple employers over a 39-week period instead of requiring 26 consecutive weeks with a single employer. Supporters argued the change addresses the reality of construction industry employment patterns; one opponent raised concerns about allowing workers to immediately access benefits after taking unpaid leave with a new employer despite never working for that employer.

Sponsor explained that creative arts therapy serves nonverbal individuals—stroke victims, developmentally disabled children, trauma survivors—who cannot access talk-based mental health services. Argued this expands covered providers, not covered services, since psychotherapy is already mandated.