Asm. Donna Lupardo

Sponsor noted the Assembly's multi-year effort to support EMS through the "RescueMS" initiative. Emphasized that this bill provides an important tool for local governments to stabilize EMS agencies struggling with staffing, equipment, and training needs.

Sponsor explained the bill provides struggling cultivators and processors an opportunity to build customer base and market share while retail locations continue to expand, particularly in remote areas. Emphasized the program is highly regulated with municipal approvals required and all products must remain in original packaging.

Assemblywoman Walsh explained that the chapter amendment clarifies that only legally-cultivated cannabis is entitled to receive an agricultural assessment. She noted that while some colleagues may have voted against the underlying legislation due to disagreement with legalized cannabis generally, this clarification is an important distinction.

The bill authorizes direct-to-consumer shipment of distilled liquor, cider, and mead to private residences both in-state and out-of-state, providing parity with existing wine direct-to-consumer shipment authorized since 2005. Debate centered on safeguards against large producers gaming the system, age verification procedures for deliveries, potential impacts on the three-tiered distribution system, and concerns from public health advocates about youth access to high-proof spirits. Sponsor emphasized the bill supports micro-distilleries, cideries, and meaderies (capped at 75,000 gallons annually) and New York farmers, noting the system was successfully tested during COVID with minimal enforcement issues.

Assemblymember Slater questioned whether the bill would impact New York's three-tier alcohol distribution system and whether it posed a threat to existing liquor store retailers. Lupardo clarified that the bill applies only to small distilleries (approximately 175 producers) that are too small to access traditional distribution channels, and that 95 percent of their products are not currently on liquor store shelves. She noted that 20 distilleries have closed in the past year due to lack of direct-to-consumer sales options, and that the bill would allow small producers to ship to consumers in reciprocal states. Tague emphasized the bill's connection to agricultural diversification, noting that farmers are using alternative crops like potatoes to produce spirits, and that the bill would help keep these small businesses viable.

Explained the program is necessary to help farmers who lost income due to slow cannabis rollout. Noted it provides licensed retailers the opportunity to sell at farmers markets and public markets in partnership with cultivators and processors, with 14-day permits and strict reporting requirements.

The bill authorizes direct-to-consumer shipment of distilled liquor, cider, and mead to private residences both in-state and out-of-state, providing parity with existing wine direct-to-consumer shipment authorized since 2005. Debate focused on production caps (75,000 gallons), age verification procedures for delivery, potential for large out-of-state producers to circumvent restrictions, and concerns from MADD and alcohol counselors about youth access to high-proof spirits. Sponsor emphasized the bill supports micro-distilleries, cideries, and meaderies while protecting the three-tiered distribution system and supporting New York farmers.

Lupardo explained the bill creates temporary 14-day permits for licensed retailers to sell cannabis at farmers markets and public markets in partnership with cultivators and processors, designed to help farmers who lost income due to the slow cannabis rollout. She emphasized this is not a defense of the overall OCM program but a necessary measure to protect farmers.

The bill authorizes direct-to-consumer shipment of distilled liquor, cider, and mead to private residences both in-state and out-of-state, providing parity with existing wine direct-to-consumer shipment authorized since 2005. Debate focused on safeguards against large producers gaming the system, age verification procedures for deliveries, potential impacts on the three-tiered distribution system, and concerns from public health advocates about youth access to high-proof spirits. Sponsor emphasized the bill supports micro-distilleries, cideries, and meaderies with production capped at 75,000 gallons annually, and that the State Liquor Authority will closely monitor compliance and enforce regulations.

Assemblymember Slater questioned whether the bill would impact New York's three-tier alcohol distribution system and whether it posed risks to existing liquor store retailers. Lupardo clarified that the bill applies only to small distilleries too small to participate in the three-tier system, and that 95 percent of craft spirits products are not currently on liquor store shelves, so there would be minimal impact on existing retailers. Slater also asked about comparative state policies and tax collection mechanisms, which Lupardo addressed by noting few states have reciprocal direct shipment laws and that tax collection would follow standard Department of Taxation and Finance procedures. Tague emphasized the bill's similarity to successful farm-to-table programs and its importance for farmer diversification and rural tourism.

Lupardo explained the bill creates temporary 14-day permits for licensed retailers to sell cannabis at farmers markets and public markets in partnership with cultivators and processors. She emphasized the program is designed to help farmers who lost income due to slow cannabis rollout and is a priority for the Farm Bureau.

Assemblyman Goodell opposed the bill, arguing that it allows cannabis distributors to pay taxes annually rather than quarterly, creating an unfair advantage compared to other lawful businesses that pay monthly or even upon purchase. He contended cannabis businesses should be treated the same as all other private businesses.

Assemblyman Tague commended the sponsor and praised the bipartisan Nourish New York Program. He requested that whole milk and 2 percent milk be brought to New York schools, noting the program has successfully helped dairy farmers and calling for expanded support across the state.

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.

Explained the bill recognizes cannabis as a legal agricultural crop in New York, allowing cannabis-growing land to qualify for agricultural assessment to reduce farmer costs and extend Right to Farm Law protections to cannabis farmers.

Emphasized that simulation-based education allows students to gain realistic training experience using state-of-the-art mannequins, addressing the projected shortage of 40,000 nurses in New York by 2030.