Asm. Anna Kelles

Bill allows trafficking survivors and sex workers to report crimes without fear of arrest, enabling justice and providing law enforcement with investigative information. Cited Long Island Serial Killer case as example of how fear of arrest prevented timely investigation.

Sponsor explained federal court decisions require states to waive sovereign immunity for state employee claims under the ADA, FLSA, ADEA, and FMLA. Noted four to five states have already done so and praised the removal of retroactivity language in recent revisions.

Argued that the State should be held to the same standards as private entities and local governments, and that precedent from other states that have waived sovereign immunity shows no significant fiscal impact. Emphasized that meritless cases can be dismissed early through judicial process.

Supported the bill and applauded steps to create parity for environmental conservation officers, State Parks, and SUNY Campus Police with other officers statewide.

Supported legal defense provision as protecting the seat rather than naming specific individual; applauded steps creating parity for environmental conservation officers, State Parks, and SUNY Campus Police.

Supported the bill and applauded steps taken to create parity for environmental conservation officers, State Parks, and SUNY Campus Police with other state officers.

Cited 30 years of data from ten states and D.C. showing zero reported cases of physician liability under medical aid in dying laws. Criticized fear-mongering and emphasized the importance of choice and dignity, speaking from her recent experience watching her father die in pain.

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.

Argued the bill removes state immunity to hold New York accountable to federal disability protections, noting New York signed an amicus brief in 2001 supporting this principle and citing three states with similar laws that experienced no cost increases or litigation.

Argued that current EV charging infrastructure cannot meet existing demand, citing personal experience with slow chargers and unavailable stations. Emphasized that major technological advances in EV batteries and charging will occur in 2-3 years, making 600+ mile range vehicles affordable, and that government must lead infrastructure development to meet CLCPA climate goals.

Thanked leadership for Tier 6 strengthening, $500 million water infrastructure investment, AIM funding increase, and Foundation Aid restoration. Noted frustration with characterization of Good Cause provisions and weak environmental protections.

Praised Tier 6 strengthening, $500 million water infrastructure investment, AIM funding increase, Foundation Aid restoration, and local journalism tax credit, though expressed frustration about lack of strong environmental protections.

Debate centered on whether CO2-based fracking should be banned as an extension of New York's 2020 hydraulic fracturing ban. Sponsor Kelles argued that supercritical CO2 is highly corrosive, dangerous, and experimental with insufficient scientific study, citing risks including pipeline rupture, seismic activity, and water contamination. Opponents Simpson, Goodell, and Angelino contended that CO2 fracking is emerging technology worthy of study, that the DEC should evaluate permits scientifically rather than the Legislature imposing a blanket ban, and that restricting natural gas production in New York while importing it from Pennsylvania is economically and environmentally counterproductive given 60 percent of households rely on natural gas for heating.

Detailed scientific evidence that supercritical CO2 at over 1,000 PSI becomes highly corrosive and can dissolve minerals in rock, citing Yale geologist research showing it takes 12-14 years to find suitable geological formations. Emphasized that the state has a duty to protect citizens and that the company offering only $10 per lease shows minimal economic benefit.