A136

Assembly Bill 136, sponsored by Assemblymember Paulin and assigned Calendar Number 1674, was laid aside during Senate floor consideration. The measure, which would amend the Public Health Law, did not proceed to a vote. Sen. Lanza requested the procedural action to set the bill aside.

The New York State Senate passed landmark medical aid in dying legislation Tuesday, allowing terminally ill patients with a six-month prognosis to self-administer life-ending medication under physician supervision. The bill, Assembly Bill 136, passed 35-27 after two hours of contentious debate that exposed deep divisions over end-of-life autonomy, patient protections, and safeguards for vulnerable populations. Sponsor Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal argued the measure provides compassionate options for suffering patients and follows successful models in 11 other states with no documented cases of abuse over 27 years. Opponents, led by Sen. Daphne Borrello, raised concerns about insufficient mental health evaluations, lack of mandatory in-person physician visits, inadequate oversight of lethal medications, and potential for coercion of elderly and disabled patients. The bill requires two physician evaluations, written and oral requests, witness attestations, and reporting to the state health department. Supporters emphasized the measure is about personal autonomy and dignity at end of life, while critics argued the Legislature failed to establish adequate safeguards before authorizing what they called state-sanctioned suicide. The bill now goes to Gov. Kathy Hochul for her signature.