S1148

The Senate passed S1148, sponsored by Sen. Gounardes, an act to amend the Public Authorities Law, on a roll call vote of 50-12. The bill, which was Calendar Number 358, took effect immediately upon passage. Twelve senators voted in opposition: Ashby, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Griffo, Lanza, Martins, Mattera, Oberacker, Rhoads, Stec, Walczyk and Weik. No floor debate was recorded on the measure prior to the vote.

The New York State Senate passed the Rider Representation Act (S1148) on a 53-6 vote, granting full voting privileges to rider representatives on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board. Sponsored by Sen. Gounardes, the measure ensures that transit-dependent New Yorkers have a meaningful voice in MTA governance. The bill also creates a new board seat dedicated to disability community representation to address ongoing accessibility challenges in the transit system. Gounardes argued the legislation represents both sound governance and a matter of justice, noting that rider representatives previously had seats but lacked voting power. Six senators voted against the measure: Ashby, Chan, Griffo, Lanza, Oberacker, and Stec.

The New York State Senate passed legislation to amend the Election Law on a roll call vote of 55-4. Sponsored by Sen. Krueger, the bill (S1148, Calendar No. 1146) advanced without recorded debate. Four senators voted in opposition: Sens. Gallivan, Helming, Oberacker and Skoufis. The measure takes effect immediately upon enactment.