S371

The New York State Senate passed S371, a Public Health Law amendment sponsored by Sen. Skoufis, on a roll call vote of 53-3. The bill, which carries Calendar Number 302, will take effect 18 months after becoming law. Senators Borrello, O'Mara, and Walczyk voted in opposition. The measure proceeded to a vote without recorded floor debate in this session segment.

The New York State Senate passed Senate Print 371, sponsored by Sen. Skoufis, an act to amend the Public Health Law. The measure received 56 votes in favor and 5 votes in opposition. Senators Borrello, Gallivan, O'Mara, Ortt and Walczyk voted against the bill. The legislation will take effect 18 months after becoming law.

The New York State Senate passed legislation to amend the Election Law on a 48-14 vote. Senate Print 371, sponsored by Sen. Gianaris, advanced without floor debate. The measure will take effect 180 days after becoming law. Fourteen senators voted against the bill: Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Gallivan, Helming, Martins, Mattera, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Rhoads, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, Weber and Weik.

The New York State Senate passed legislation Wednesday to prohibit corporations with foreign national ownership from making political contributions, closing what sponsors say is a loophole allowing foreign nationals to circumvent federal campaign finance restrictions. Senate Print 371, sponsored by Sen. John Gianaris, passed 50-13 on a roll call vote. The bill targets indirect ownership structures, preventing corporations with any level of foreign national ownership from donating to campaigns. Gianaris argued the measure is necessary to combat foreign election interference, particularly from Russia, and emphasized that foreign nationals can still contribute individually under their own names. However, Sen. Andrew Martins and 12 other Republicans opposed the measure, raising concerns about unintended consequences for family-owned businesses and permanent residents who may lose their status. Martins cited his family's Portuguese immigrant background, arguing the bill's broad application could prevent legitimate business owners from participating in the political process. "Bills matter and language matters," Martins said, warning that the legislation could "stifle people's ability to participate in the process." Gianaris countered that the bill does not restrict anyone's participation—foreign nationals simply must contribute directly rather than through corporate entities. The bill now moves to the Assembly.