S2278A

The New York State Senate passed legislation requiring hospital governing bodies to include at least one registered professional nurse from the community as a sitting and voting member. The bill, S2278A, passed on a 46-15 roll call vote. Sponsor Sen. Webb argued that nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system and bring essential expertise in policy-shaping, patient outcomes, and strategic thinking that strengthens hospitals and benefits patients. She characterized the measure as commonsense policy ensuring frontline healthcare workers have a voice in critical hospital decisions. Fifteen senators voted in opposition, including Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Gallivan, Griffo, Martins, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Rhoads, Stec, Walczyk, and Weber. The bill takes effect 180 days after becoming law.

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Cleare to protect domestic violence and elder abuse survivors from debt coercion. The bill, S2278A, establishes a formalized process allowing survivors to suspend collection activities on debts incurred under coercion while documentation is reviewed. If coercion is substantiated, survivors may be relieved of the debt obligation. The measure includes appeal rights and a private right of action for survivors who receive negative coercion findings. Sen. Cleare noted that nearly every abuse case carries an economic component, with survivors often burdened by thousands of dollars in debt imposed by abusers. The bill passed 52-8, with eight senators voting in opposition: Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Gallivan, Lanza, Mattera, Oberacker, O'Mara, and Ortt. The legislation takes effect 90 days after becoming law.