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S2329

An act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law — 2026-03-09 · Calendar #359

The Senate passed legislation amending the Vehicle and Traffic Law on a 43-16 roll call vote. Sponsored by Sen. Rivera, the bill grants the New York State Commissioner of the DMV decision-making authority with public input, though the measure drew criticism for limiting its scope to New York City. Sen. Murray, voting against the measure, expressed concern that the underlying problem the bill addresses exists statewide and said he would have supported an expanded version covering additional areas. The bill takes effect 120 days after becoming law.
Passed Senate Ayes: 43 · Nays: 16

Debate Summary

Sen. Murray expressed concern that the bill, which grants the New York State Commissioner of the DMV decision-making authority with public input, applies only to New York City. He argued the problem addressed by the legislation exists in other parts of the state and indicated he might support an expanded version covering additional areas.

Recorded Votes

Individual vote records shown here are captured from roll call mentions in floor transcripts. Because most bills pass with unanimous or near-unanimous ayes, only dissenting (nay) votes are typically read into the record — so the table below skews toward no votes. The full tally (ayes/nays above) reflects the official count.

Senator Vote Party
Ashby nay Republican
Borrello nay Republican
Chan nay Republican
Gallivan nay Republican
Griffo nay Republican
Lanza nay Republican
Martins nay Republican
Murray nay Republican
O'Mara nay Republican
Oberacker nay Republican
Ortt nay Republican
Rhoads nay Republican
Stec nay Republican
Tedisco nay Republican
Weber nay Republican
Weik nay Republican

An act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law — 2025-06-11 · Calendar #1231

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Rivera that would give New York City community boards authority to review and weigh in on auto body shop operations in their neighborhoods, similar to the process used for liquor licenses. The bill passed 44-15 on a roll call vote. Sen. Rivera explained that the measure addresses concerns raised by Community Board 6 in the Bronx regarding auto repair shops operating along Jerome Avenue that were creating unsafe and unsanitary sidewalk conditions. Rivera emphasized the bill has support from responsible shop owners and is not intended to harm small businesses. The legislation would allow community boards across New York City to determine whether auto body shops should operate in their areas and ensure they comply with all applicable rules. Fifteen senators voted against the measure, including Ashby, Borrello, Chan, Gallivan, Griffo, Lanza, Martins, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Rhoads, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, and Weber. The bill takes effect 120 days after becoming law.
Passed Senate Ayes: 44 · Nays: 15

Debate Summary

Sen. Rivera explained that the bill addresses concerns raised by Community Board 6 in the Bronx regarding auto repair shops operating along Jerome Avenue that were creating unsafe and unsanitary conditions on sidewalks. The legislation would allow New York City community boards to weigh in on whether auto body shops should operate in their neighborhoods through a process similar to liquor license review. Rivera emphasized the bill has support from responsible shop owners and does not target small businesses.

Recorded Votes

Individual vote records shown here are captured from roll call mentions in floor transcripts. Because most bills pass with unanimous or near-unanimous ayes, only dissenting (nay) votes are typically read into the record — so the table below skews toward no votes. The full tally (ayes/nays above) reflects the official count.

Senator Vote Party
Rivera aye Democrat
Ashby nay Republican
Borrello nay Republican
Chan nay Republican
Gallivan nay Republican
Griffo nay Republican
Lanza nay Republican
Martins nay Republican
O'Mara nay Republican
Oberacker nay Republican
Ortt nay Republican
Rhoads nay Republican
Stec nay Republican
Tedisco nay Republican
Walczyk nay Republican
Weber nay Republican