S6023

The New York State Senate passed legislation requiring the state to publish an annual small business compliance guide online, with a vote of 56-0. Senate Print 6023, sponsored by Sen. Baskin, amends the State Administrative Procedure Act to mandate that the guide be written in plain language and cover permits, licenses, taxes, insurance, workplace safety, workers' compensation, wages, hours and benefits. Baskin argued the guide would help small businesses understand new regulations without the resources large corporations deploy through lawyers and consultants. "We want to put our small businesses in a position to succeed," Baskin said. "And in order to do that, we need to provide them with the information so that it's easy to understand." Sen. Borrello, a small business owner, supported the measure as a practical step to prevent unintentional regulatory violations that result in fines and legal fees. He noted that while broader deregulation would be preferable, the compliance guide represents meaningful progress. The bill takes effect immediately.

The Senate passed S6023, sponsored by Sen. Griffo, an act to amend the Tax Law, on a roll call vote of 50-8. Eight senators voted in opposition: Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Hinchey, Lanza, Mannion, Martinez, Scarcella-Spanton, Skoufis, and Webb. The bill, which carried Calendar Number 929, includes a home-rule message and takes effect immediately upon passage. No floor debate was recorded on the measure.