S6597A

The Senate passed legislation amending the General Business Law on a 47-15 vote, with Sen. Borrello and 14 other senators voting in opposition. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Kavanagh and designated Calendar Number 1357, prompted debate over government regulation of business practices. Sen. Borrello, who owns a restaurant, characterized the measure as government overreach despite acknowledging that he personally would provide paper menus. He argued that businesses should retain the right to choose their menu format and that consumers can patronize competing establishments if dissatisfied. The measure takes effect 30 days after becoming law.