Asm. William Colton

Sponsor argued the bill requires MTA to use existing notification systems (website, email, text) to inform riders of bed bug infestations within 24 hours, providing transparency without imposing significant costs. Emphasized that notification gives riders information to take precautions and builds public confidence in government agencies.

Sponsor argued the bill protects constituents from government errors and the burden of paying non-refundable fees to vacate default judgments when tickets lack required information. Emphasized fairness and trust in government.

Assemblywoman Walsh expressed support for including opioid antagonists like Narcan in first aid kits, while noting that EpiPens are not currently required in the kits and suggesting that as potential future legislation.

Assemblymember Palmesano expressed support for the child labor protections in the bill while noting broader concerns about child labor in global supply chains.

Assemblywoman Walsh praised the bill as a chapter amendment that narrowly defined eligible individuals for mental injury workers' compensation claims, noting it reflected debate from the original legislation and represented a more reasonable approach.

Assemblywoman Giglio acknowledged the bill was improved from the prior year but expressed concerns about minors being trained to deescalate irate customers, noting the training policy does not yet exist and worrying that minors could be forced to engage with dangerous situations. She called for the Department of Labor to ensure the policy protects minors by instructing them to retreat to safety rather than engage with threatening customers.

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.

The bill expands Workers' Compensation eligibility for mental injury claims from a limited list of professions (police, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, emergency dispatchers) to all workers. Supporters argued it addresses gaps in current law by allowing workers in other high-stress professions like nurses, correction officers, and supermarket workers to have claims heard by the Workers' Compensation Board. Opponents raised concerns about undefined standards for 'extraordinary stress,' potential fraud, unknown costs to businesses, and the bill's impact on New York's already-high Workers' Compensation rates and business climate.

The bill expands Workers' Compensation eligibility for mental injury claims based on extraordinary work-related stress from a limited list of professions (police, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, emergency dispatchers) to all workers. Supporters argued the expansion is necessary to cover workers like nurses, correction officers, and supermarket employees who experience extraordinary stress but are currently excluded. Opponents raised concerns about undefined standards for "extraordinary stress," potential fraud, unknown costs to businesses, and the impact on an already-strained Workers' Compensation system and business climate.

Explained that many constituents face defaults on parking tickets due to not receiving them or being unable to respond in time, and that requiring them to first pay the ticket before challenging it on grounds of missing information creates injustice, particularly for seniors and sick individuals.

Sponsor argued the bill provides transparency at minimal cost using the MTA's existing communication systems, allowing riders to take precautions and building confidence in the transit system.

Sponsor Ms. Solages argued the bill would allow non-profit organizations and groups representing residential and small business utility customers to seek reimbursement for reasonable fees and costs associated with participating in Public Service Commission rate cases and policy proceedings, creating parity with utilities already receiving such reimbursement. Opponents Mr. Palmesano and Mr. Goodell raised concerns about uncapped costs to ratepayers, duplication of existing consumer protection agencies, lack of statutory limits on eligible intervenors, and the Governor's prior vetoes citing rate increase risks. Solages countered that other states like California have saved billions through intervenor participation and that the PSC would establish appropriate parameters.

Highlighted that the bill amends Education Law Section 3604 to list Lunar New Year as a statewide holiday, allowing families to celebrate without choosing between the holiday and their children's schooling. Noted the historic contributions of Asian-Americans including the transcontinental railroad and military service.

Asm. Goodell opposed the bill, arguing it would impose a new burden on courts to independently review parking tickets for legibility and defects without staff assistance. He contended the responsibility should remain with vehicle owners to request dismissal if a ticket is defective, noting the NYC Mayor's office warned the mandate could become difficult to enforce. The Majority Conference supported the bill while allowing exceptions.

Argued that notification provides transparency and allows riders to take precautions against bringing bed bugs home, which can cost thousands of dollars to remediate. Noted that the MTA already has notification systems in place for service disruptions.