S4042A

The New York State Senate voted to reconsider passage of Senate Print 4042A, an act to amend the Civil Practice Law and Rules, sponsored by Sen. Harckham. The reconsideration motion by Sen. Gianaris passed on a roll call vote of 61 ayes. The bill was restored to the Third Reading Calendar. Sen. Gianaris subsequently offered amendments to the measure, though the substance of those amendments was not detailed in the floor record. The action suggests the bill may face further consideration or modification before final passage.

The New York State Senate passed the Traveling with Dignity Act on a 58-1 vote, with only Sen. Walczyk voting in opposition. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Harckham, amends the Civil Rights Law and Public Buildings Law to require public facilities to install adult sanitary changing stations for persons with disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, and injured veterans. During floor debate, Harckham explained that constituents with disabilities are currently unable to travel more than a two-hour radius—the typical interval between necessary facility use—and cannot access major New York State attractions including Broadway, state parks, and sporting venues. The sponsor noted the requirement is not covered under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act and must be addressed through state legislation. Harckham credited CP Unlimited of the Hudson Valley and its leadership, including Penny-Lynn Pagliaro, with bringing the issue to his attention and advocating for the measure. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.