A4721
An act to amend the Civil Practice Law and Rules — 2023-05-31 · Calendar #1280
The Senate passed A4721, an act to amend the Civil Practice Law and Rules, by a vote of 43-15, removing New York's unique government operations rule that has prevented class-action lawsuits against state entities. Sen. Gonzalez spoke in support, arguing the change would increase access to the courts and allow class actions to hold state agencies accountable. She cited historical examples including successful suits challenging foster care failures, nursing home violations, and NYPD stop-and-frisk practices. Fifteen senators, primarily Republicans, voted against the measure. The bill takes effect immediately.
Passed Senate
Ayes: 43
· Nays: 15
Debate Summary
Sen. Gonzalez spoke in favor of the bill, which removes New York's unique government operations rule that prevents class-action lawsuits against state entities. She argued that class actions are a powerful tool for justice and cited historical examples of successful suits challenging foster care failures, nursing home violations, and NYPD stop-and-frisk practices. The bill passed with bipartisan opposition from 15 senators.
Transcript Mentions
These votes were extracted from the floor transcript by AI. NYS Senate roll calls are read in full, but AI extraction may not capture every senator — so this list is incomplete and skews toward named dissenting votes. Use the Official API Data table above for the complete roll call.
| Senator | Vote | Party |
|---|---|---|
| Borrello | nay | Republican |
| Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick | nay | Republican |
| Helming | nay | Republican |
| Mattera | nay | Republican |
| Murray | nay | Republican |
| O'Mara | nay | Republican |
| Oberacker | nay | Republican |
| Ortt | nay | Republican |
| Rhoads | nay | Republican |
| Rolison | nay | Republican |
| Skoufis | nay | Democrat |
| Stec | nay | Republican |
| Tedisco | nay | Republican |
| Walczyk | nay | Republican |
| Weber | nay | Republican |