Asm. Phil Steck

Assemblywoman Walsh explained that the chapter amendment establishes additional requirements for warning labels on kratom products sold in New York State. The amendment significantly rewrites the original bill but maintains the requirement that warning labels state kratom may be addictive. Walsh expressed concern that the amendment no longer prohibits statements that the product is all natural, which she believes is important consumer information.

Argued that corporations and LLCs are creatures of government and government can set rules regarding beneficial ownership disclosure to prevent illegal activity; voted affirmatively.

Supports updating consumer protection and fair business practices, but notes the private right of action also needs modernization to empower average lawyers across the state to enforce consumer protection laws.

Cited practical experience where judges enrolled voters in minor parties without genuine affiliation and voted them by absentee ballot in primaries. One judge even did this for three parties. The bill prevents such partisan abuse and shenanigans.

Debate focused on the scope of employment-based debt restrictions, particularly clawback provisions. Sponsor Steck explained that the bill would prohibit employers from requiring repayment of training costs or bonuses if employees leave, but would allow recovery of costs for actual out-of-pocket training expenses. Members questioned whether the bill would affect existing tuition reimbursement programs, apprenticeships, and government employee training programs. Sponsor clarified that separately authorized programs would survive and that the bill carves out exceptions for legitimate training where employers pay third parties.

Ms. Walsh explained her vote by detailing the dangers of kratom, a plant-derived substance marketed as natural but with unknown long-term health impacts. She cited the death of Nickolas Scribner, age 27, from kratom-related aspiration in November 2024, and noted similar losses in her district. Walsh praised sponsor Steck for quick action and thanked advocates including Scribner's mother, Cari Scribner, for pushing the bill forward.

Assemblywoman Walsh explained that kratom, a Southeast Asian plant product marketed as natural, has caused deaths including that of a 27-year-old neighbor's son who aspirated on his own vomit—a known kratom side effect. She noted kratom is readily available at gas stations under various forms and has been called 'gas station heroin' due to its opioid-like dangers and unknown long-term health impacts.

Assemblywoman Walsh explained that kratom, marketed as an all-natural product, has caused deaths including that of a 27-year-old neighbor's son who aspirated on his own vomit—a known kratom side effect. She noted kratom is readily available at gas stations under various forms and has been called 'gas station heroin' due to its opioid-like dangers. Walsh praised sponsor Steck for quick action and thanked advocates including the mother of a victim.

Argued that recent federal rollbacks of segregation prohibitions demonstrate the need to codify protections in state law rather than rely on court precedent; noted that removing covenants at closing is far cheaper than subsequent litigation and that the bill does not prevent religious communities from observing their practices.

Countered outmigration arguments by noting that most domestic outmigration originated in New York City due to high rent costs, not Workers' Compensation.

Steck supported the bill based on personal experience upgrading his home for EV charging, noting the cost is minimal and that EV operating costs are about one-quarter that of comparable gas vehicles.

Noted that most outmigration originated in New York City due to high rent costs, not Workers' Comp, and voted affirmatively.

Recounted personal experiences with non-lawyer judges making questionable legal decisions, including enforcing a restrictive covenant incorrectly and attacking a defendant in the media.

Shared personal experience that running a 50-amp wire from basement to garage was not costly, and noted that EV operating costs are about one-quarter that of comparable gas vehicles.

Citing former Chief Justice Warren Burger, the Second Amendment was intended to ensure state militias, not guarantee unfettered individual gun rights. The state has a duty to regulate weapons.

Noted that the original National Retail Federation study claiming 50% of merchandise loss was due to organized retail crime was fraudulent and withdrawn, and that big-box retailers are reducing security staff due to internet competition.

Quoting former Chief Justice Warren Burger, the gun lobby's interpretation of the Second Amendment is fraud. The Second Amendment refers to a well-regulated militia, and it is the legislature's job to regulate weapons.

Noted that the original National Retail Federation study claiming 50 percent of merchandise loss was due to organized retail crime was fraudulent and withdrawn, and that big-box retailers are reducing security staff due to internet competition.

Argued that tax credits are essential to making EVs affordable and shared personal experience owning two electric vehicles. Stated that opposing affordability measures while claiming to support EV adoption is contradictory.

Voted affirmatively while noting disagreement with alcohol-to-go provisions, citing concerns about pricing disparities between restaurants and wine stores.

Voted affirmatively despite disagreement with alcohol-to-go provisions, noting 99 percent of the bill's provisions are good.

Restrictive covenants run with the land in perpetuity and remain offensive even when unenforceable. The bill prevents restrictions from persisting forever after organizations dissolve, addressing a documented contributor to racial homeownership disparities.

Argued the current system is broken and functions like a kangaroo court, with employers only needing to prove reasonableness rather than just cause. This bill introduces neutral fairness into proceedings.