S438

The New York State Senate voted 57-0 to reconsider passage of S438, an act to amend the Insurance Law, sponsored by Senator Myrie. The reconsideration motion, offered by Sen. Gianaris, was adopted unanimously, restoring the bill to the Third Reading Calendar. Following the successful reconsideration, Sen. Gianaris offered amendments to the legislation. The specific provisions of the amendments were not detailed in the floor discussion. The bill's return to the Third Reading Calendar allows for further consideration and modification before final passage.

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Myrie to amend the Insurance Law and increase transparency in pharmaceutical supply chain ownership, with a vote of 54-2 on Calendar Number 296, Senate Print 438. The bill targets pharmacy benefit managers and related entities that may be owned by the same companies as drug manufacturers, insurers, and claims processors—a consolidation that Sen. Myrie argued drives up drug prices and forces New Yorkers to choose between food and lifesaving medications. Sen. Borrello, who opposed the measure last year, reversed his position, citing the documented harm PBM practices have inflicted on small pharmacies and rural pharmacy access in his district. "We have seen pharmacies close. We have pharmacy deserts, particularly in the rural areas that I represent," Borrello said. Only Sens. Oberacker and Walczyk voted against the bill. The legislation takes effect 150 days after becoming law.

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Myrie to amend the Insurance Law on a roll call vote of 56-4. The bill, Calendar Number 232 (Senate Print 438), takes effect 150 days after becoming law. Four senators voted in opposition: Borrello, Oberacker, Stec, and Walczyk. No floor debate was recorded on the measure.

The New York State Senate passed legislation to amend the Election Law on a 58-0 vote. Sponsored by Sen. Skoufis, the bill (S438, Calendar No. 458) was advanced without debate. The measure takes effect immediately upon enactment. No opposition was recorded during the floor vote.