A237

Assembly Bill 237, sponsored by Assemblymember Sayegh and amending the Public Service Law, was laid aside during Senate floor consideration. Sen. Lanza requested the procedural action, which was granted by Acting President Bailey.

The New York State Senate passed Assembly Bill 237, amending the Public Service Law to allow individual citizens to report downed power lines directly to utilities, by a vote of 61-1. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Mayer, expands current law that requires utilities to respond to downed line reports from municipal emergency officials within 36 hours. Sen. Mayer argued the measure is common-sense legislation that serves constituents who encounter downed lines and aligns with utilities' own practices. Sen. Walczyk cast the sole opposing vote, expressing concern that allowing any individual to report could inundate utilities with calls during emergencies, potentially including reports of non-power lines and calls from non-residents or foreign entities seeking to disrupt service. Despite these concerns, the bill advanced with overwhelming support.