Asm. Chris Burdick

Commended the sponsor for bringing important legislation that balances the need for fair standards for employers while ensuring discriminatory impact is considered unlawful, even without discriminatory intent.

Burdick commended the bill for addressing failing septic systems in rural Westchester areas, noting that enhanced septic technology is tried and tested in many parts of the country.

The bill has been narrowed to apply only to hydrologically-connected wetlands and exempts farm operations and invasive species control. Local governments have successfully managed wetlands for 50 years, and DEC lacks adequate field resources to oversee pesticide applications at the local level.

The bill has been narrowed through iterations to limit scope and increase exemptions, including exemptions for farm operations and invasive species control. Local governments have successfully managed wetlands for 50 years under existing law, and DEC has limited resources to oversee pesticide applications despite being the overarching authority.

Sponsor argued the bill provides municipalities optional authority to regulate pesticide applications in wetlands connected to public water supplies, addressing inadequate DEC oversight. The bill protects drinking water from pesticide contamination while providing maximum flexibility and significant exemptions for farm operations.

Sponsor argued the bill addresses a regulatory gap where fracking wastewater containing carcinogenic and radioactive materials is applied to roads, creating health hazards through runoff into soil, surface water, groundwater, and reservoirs. Noted that DEC's beneficial use determination process does not test for all contaminants like radium.

Commended the sponsor for a forward-looking approach that brings formerly incarcerated individuals back into society through employment while reducing recidivism and making society safer.

Commended the sponsor for a forward-looking approach that brings formerly incarcerated individuals back into society through employment while reducing recidivism and making society safer.

The bill was on the consent calendar. Asm. Palmesano explained his negative vote, raising concerns that the term 'public works website' is not defined in the legislation and questioning whether utilities performing excavation work would be required to pay prevailing wage for hauling, which could increase costs passed to ratepayers.

No substantive debate occurred on the floor. Asm. Walsh noted in her vote explanation that the Center for Disability Rights expressed concerns about lack of funding and that the bill focuses narrowly on intellectual and developmental disabilities rather than the broader disability community. Walsh also noted the absence of Minority Conference appointments to the task force.

Cited his personal experience with his wife's stepmother in the Netherlands and noted that stringent safeguards in similar state laws have successfully prevented coercion. Emphasized that government should not interfere with freely-made end-of-life decisions.

Asm. Goodell opposed the bill, arguing it improperly overrides existing homeowner association deeds, contracts, bylaws, and agreements that govern landscaping. He contended the Legislature should not override voluntary legal agreements and that homeowner associations should retain authority to enforce their own rules.

Commended the sponsor's courageous leadership, noting his prior work on the preferred source provision and the disproportionately high disability rates among incarcerated populations, calling it positive for both released individuals and the state economy.

As Chair of the Subcommittee on Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities, commended the sponsor's courageous leadership. The bill will benefit both formerly-incarcerated individuals and the state's economy as a whole.

Sponsor explained the bill narrowly applies only to wetlands hydrologically connected to drinking water sources, includes exemptions for commercial agriculture and invasive species control, and represents a significant narrowing from prior versions. Emphasized municipalities have successfully managed wetlands laws for over 60 years and local governments should have authority to protect drinking water sources from pesticide contamination.

The bill establishes a cryptocurrency and blockchain study task force to provide the Governor and Legislature with information on the effects of widespread cryptocurrency use and blockchain technology. Sponsor Vanel argued New York must maintain its position as the financial capital of the world by comprehensively understanding blockchain technology's implications for innovation, jobs, economic growth, and environmental issues, while supplementing the existing Bit license framework. Goodell questioned whether the Bit license, promulgated in 2015, has adequately protected New Yorkers while allowing participation in major exchanges.

Sponsor explained the bill narrowly applies only to wetlands hydrologically connected to drinking water sources, includes exemptions for commercial agriculture and invasive species control, and represents a significant narrowing from prior versions. Emphasized municipalities have successfully managed wetlands laws for over 60 years and local governments should have authority to protect drinking water sources from pesticide contamination.

The bill establishes a cryptocurrency and blockchain study task force to provide the Governor and Legislature with information on the effects of widespread cryptocurrency use and blockchain technology. Sponsor Vanel argued that New York, as the financial capital of the world, must maintain its competitive position against London, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Hong Kong by comprehensively understanding blockchain technology's implications for innovation, jobs, economic growth, and environmental impact. He noted that while the Bit license was promulgated in 2015 to protect consumers, the state needs updated legislative framework. Assemblyman Goodell questioned whether the Bit license framework has effectively allowed New Yorkers to participate in major cryptocurrency exchanges.

The bill codifies DOCCS practices and provides a statutory framework for heat action plans that will greatly assist in providing safety for all behind correctional facility walls, not just incarcerated individuals but staff as well, and will save lives.

The bill codifies DOCCS practices and provides a statutory framework for heat action plans that will greatly assist in providing safety for all behind correctional facility walls, not just incarcerated individuals but staff as well, and will save lives.

Gun proliferation has resulted in tragic deaths and injuries. The bill is commonsense legislation providing safety to citizens, and reasonable restrictions on the Second Amendment are constitutional.

The bill expands Civil Rights Law provisions to require all municipalities to include a gender X option on forms and data systems for demographic designation.

Sponsor explained the bill simply requires municipalities to provide an X option on forms requesting gender/sex data, applies only to municipal forms going forward, and does not dictate how municipalities handle the data. Emphasized the bill provides uniformity with existing State agency practice and respects individual self-identification.

Gun proliferation has resulted in tragic deaths and injuries. This is commonsense legislation; the Second Amendment is not unfettered and reasonable restrictions can and should be imposed.

The bill requires all municipalities to update forms and data systems to include a gender "X" option for those who do not identify as male or female. Sponsor Asm. Burdick explained the bill expands existing Civil Rights Law provisions to all municipalities. Asm. Durso sought clarification on implementation, asking whether existing employees would need to re-file paperwork and whether the requirement applies to New York State itself.

The bill provides uniformity across municipalities already offering gender X options, respects individuals' identities, and streamlines participation in society since identity documents are required for housing, benefits, and banking. It does not mandate how municipalities use the data, only that the option be provided.