S614

The New York State Senate passed the Transitional Reentry Health Act (S614) on a 42-17 vote, legislation that would provide presumptive Medicaid eligibility for formerly incarcerated individuals returning to their communities. Sponsor Sen. Rivera argued the measure addresses a critical public health need, citing data showing that people released from incarceration are 13 times more likely to die and 130 times more likely to die of overdose in the first two weeks after release. The bill would ensure continuity of care for returning individuals who often face high rates of illness and substance abuse disorder, Rivera said, helping them stabilize as they seek employment and reintegrate into society. Rivera noted the measure requires federal approval but directs the state to pursue it. Seventeen senators voted against the bill, including Borrello, Chan, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Mattera, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, Weber, and Weik. The bill takes effect 180 days after becoming law.

The Senate passed S614, sponsored by Sen. Myrie, an act to amend the Election Law, on a 47-14 roll call vote. The bill, which takes effect immediately, received support from a bipartisan majority. Fourteen senators voted in opposition: Borrello, Gallivan, Helming, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Rhoads, Rolison, Stec, Tedisco, Weber, Weik, and Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick. The measure proceeded to a vote without recorded floor debate in this session segment.