Asm. Yudelka Tapia

No substantive debate occurred on this bill.

Tapia argued judges deserve pension protection because they enter public service later in life and the current system forces early retirement to protect families. She cited the case of Judge O'Brien, whose widow was denied pension benefits after he died six days before retirement. She noted the Assembly corrected this injustice for teachers, police, and firefighters in 2000 but left judges out.

Shared personal story of her son receiving a transplant in 2021 and called the bill a game-changer because everyone does taxes, making donation registration easier for all communities.

Shared personal story of her son receiving a transplant in 2021; called the bill a game-changer because everyone does taxes, making donation registration easier for communities.

Shared personal story of her son receiving a transplant in 2021; called the bill a game-changer because everyone does taxes, making donation registration easier for communities.

Sponsor Tapia explained that xylazine is increasingly appearing in the drug supply (over 25% of fentanyl samples in NYC) and causes serious harm including sedation, unconsciousness, skin wounds, and death. Naloxone cannot reverse xylazine effects. Assemblyman Tague expressed support but raised concerns from veterinarians and farmers about documentation requirements, record-keeping procedures, and compliance standards for those who legitimately use xylazine for veterinary purposes. Sponsor clarified that veterinarian documentation would be required and that the maximum purchase amount is 50 grams.

Sponsor Tapia explained that xylazine is increasingly appearing in the drug supply (over 25% of fentanyl samples in NYC) and causes serious harm including sedation, unconsciousness, skin wounds, and death. Naloxone cannot reverse xylazine effects. Assemblyman Tague, while supporting the bill, raised concerns from veterinarians and farmers about documentation requirements, record-keeping procedures, and compliance standards for those who legitimately use xylazine for veterinary purposes. Sponsor clarified that veterinarian professionals must provide documentation and that users must prove veterinary use, with a 50-gram maximum purchase limit for licensed professionals.

Assemblywoman Walsh expressed support for the bill, which creates a Class B misdemeanor for first offense and Class A misdemeanor for subsequent offenses of operating uncrewed aircraft over school grounds or critical infrastructure. She noted concerns about whether school-authorized drone use would be permitted (it will be, with prior written consent) and about potential ambiguity in language regarding what constitutes hovering or remaining above, which could lead to subjective application. Assemblyman Morinello supported the bill, emphasizing its importance in protecting children from potential threats posed by drones over schoolyards.

Ms. Walsh joked that the bill was ageist, noting that older hikers often outpace younger ones, and suggested a trail guide for people with arthritis might be more useful. She noted the Governor had previously vetoed the bill due to perceived administrative burden in developing the map. Mr. Kim responded that the bill was intended to help older adults seeking guidance and to improve State Parks Department coordination and communication of safe facilities and environments for older adults.

Stated the bill seeks to protect student health, economic success and prospects by prohibiting school construction within 500 feet of highways. Characterized it as a pivotal step toward dismantling environmental injustice that has plagued communities, and noted amendments have been made since the Governor's 2022 veto.

Described the SIGH Act as a pivotal step toward dismantling environmental issues plaguing communities for too long. Acknowledged the Governor's prior veto but expressed confidence that amendments would address concerns and secure passage.

Debate focused on whether the bill's broad prohibition on fees for EBT (electronic benefits transfer) cards was necessary given that the current contractor (Conduent) already provides fee-free access through 70,000 MoneyPass ATMs and 550,000 Allpoint ATMs nationwide. Opponents questioned why the bill expands protections to all banks when the original problem—KeyBank's limited ATM network and high fees during the pandemic—has been resolved. Supporters argued vulnerable communities, particularly in New York City, lack geographic access to these ATM networks and need the broader protection. The debate also raised concerns about implementation costs for banks to modify ATM systems and fairness to non-benefit recipients who would still incur fees.

The bill prohibits all fees on EBT transactions to ensure vulnerable New Yorkers receiving public assistance and unemployment benefits are not charged for accessing their own money.

Emphasized the safety crisis from defective batteries causing fires and deaths in communities, particularly affecting 65,000 delivery workers in NYC who cannot afford certified batteries. Argued NYSERDA has expertise to develop appropriate program details and eligibility criteria within one year.

As an immigrant from the Dominican Republic whose ancestors were enslaved by colonizers, commended sponsors and colleagues for addressing slavery's continuing impact on Black America.