S1186

The New York State Senate passed S1186, an act to amend the Highway Law, by a vote of 59-1 on February 24th, after rejecting a floor amendment on congestion pricing. Sen. Martins appealed a ruling by Acting President Mayer that an amendment regarding congestion pricing was nongermane to the bill. Martins argued the amendment was germane because both the bill and amendment address construction, congestion, and safety on New York City streets. Martins contended that congestion pricing has harmed suburban and outer borough communities, lacks protections for first responders and essential workers, and imposes significant costs on building trades workers entering the congestion zone. He further argued the MTA should prioritize enforcement of existing fare evasion, which he said costs the system nearly $1 billion annually—nearly equivalent to the projected revenue from congestion pricing. The appeal was defeated on a show of hands vote of 22-0, with the chair's ruling sustained. The bill was then restored to the noncontroversial calendar and passed with only Sen. Walczyk voting in opposition. The measure takes effect 90 days after becoming law.