S7860B

The Senate passed legislation amending the Judiciary Law on a 38-21 vote, with sponsor Sen. Hoylman-Sigal explaining the measure would exclude pro bono legal services provided under federal government agreements from counting toward law firms' pro bono obligations. Hoylman-Sigal argued that pro bono work should serve underserved New Yorkers, not be part of what he called corrupt deals between the federal government and major law firms, citing pressure placed on firms by the Trump administration. Twenty-one senators voted against the bill: Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Martins, Mattera, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, Rolison, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, Weber and Weik. The bill takes effect 180 days after becoming law.