S1293

The Senate passed S1293, a bill directing the Department of Public Service to prepare a written report on the affordability of utility services, by a vote of 47-14 on Calendar Number 541. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Parker, faced a procedural challenge when Sen. Walczyk proposed an amendment requiring a COVID-19 pandemic after-action review by the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. Walczyk argued the amendment was germane because both the bill and his proposal dealt with conducting studies related to COVID-19 impacts in New York. He contended citizens deserved accountability for pandemic decisions including nursing home directives and school closures. Acting President Bailey ruled the amendment nongermane under Rule 6, Section 4B. When Walczyk appealed the ruling, a show of hands vote of 20 ayes failed to overrule the chair, sustaining the presiding officer's decision. The bill then proceeded to a roll call vote, with 14 senators voting in opposition: Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Rhoads, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, and Weber.