Sen. Jamaal Bailey

The bill authorizes out-of-state athletic trainers to continue working in New York, supporting professional sports teams. Bailey noted the measure was supported by all local professional sports teams and is necessary to allow trainers to work for away games and major events like the World Cup.

As an attorney of color, emphasized that judicial representation matters and that young lawyers and people of color deserve the opportunity to appear before judges who look like them. Noted the Bronx has the most diverse bench in the state and the rest of the state deserves that opportunity.

Primary care is the essential entry point to the medical system and should be incentivized as a medical profession. People should have their own primary care doctor rather than relying on emergency rooms and urgent care as first points of contact.

Sponsor argued the bill is straightforward and would allow 17-year-olds turning 18 before the general election to vote in primaries. Cited that 21 states already allow this, including Mississippi, West Virginia, Nebraska, and Indiana, and noted that youth voting in NYC community boards has increased engagement.

Bailey explained that Co-op City residents, including seniors and schoolchildren, have been ticketed while waiting to pick up or drop off passengers due to lack of on-street parking. He stated this has been the number-one constituent complaint in Co-op City and expressed gratitude to leadership for advancing the bill.

Bailey argued that New York, as an epicenter of the pandemic, should memorialize COVID-19 and its victims throughout the state. He spoke personally about the loss of his mother-in-law to COVID-19 and the importance of creating physical structures so that families and grandchildren can remember those affected.

Bailey explained the bill addresses insurance coverage for stuttering treatment, citing his conversation with former NBA player Michael Kidd-Gilchrist about the need for proper coverage. He argued that the 1 percent of the population with stuttering deserves assistance to communicate confidently and advance professionally.

Bailey argued the bill corrects a flaw in the Excelsior Scholarship where modest income increases—such as a few hundred dollars from summer teaching—disqualify students. He emphasized the bill allows for small income increases so families won't fear taking extra work and won't suffer financial consequences for doing so.

Explained that the Blue Envelope Program allows neurodivergent individuals to signal their status during traffic stops, reducing tension and protecting safety for both drivers and officers. Emphasized that disability should not prevent individuals from driving independently and that the program promotes equal opportunity.

He supported the bill, noting that growing up in the Bronx in the 1980s, stigmatizing language like "addict," "junkie," and "crackhead" dehumanized people struggling with substance use. He praised the shift in conversation and emphasized that people with addictions deserve to be treated with humanity and respect.

Sponsor argued the bill recognizes gun violence as a public health crisis and provides critical mental health consultation services to victims and those affected by gun violence, helping address root causes of the problem.

He emphasized that diversity takes many forms, including color blindness, and that opening law enforcement ranks is important. He highlighted that the bill originated from a session assistant's idea, demonstrating that interns and fellows make meaningful contributions to legislation.

As an attorney in the Northeast Bronx, described the staggering loss of homeownership from deed theft schemes targeting seniors, resulting in loss of generational wealth. Acknowledged the bill may burden notaries but argued it is a necessary step in the right direction and one tool among many needed to combat rampant deed theft.

Voter registration is a fundamental right and responsibility for 18-year-olds. Making registration automatic upon high school graduation removes barriers to civic participation and sends an important message about the value of democracy.

The legislation provides important assurance to judiciary members that their families will receive the same protections as other municipal employees in the event of untimely death, as requested by bar associations and Supreme Court Justice associations.

Praised Sen. Gounardes as a determined parent and effective lawmaker, noting his own young children will benefit from protections against addictive feeds and data collection practices.

Argued that hip-hop and music generally are forms of artistic expression and storytelling that should not be criminalized. Contended that lyrics should not be interpreted as literal admissions, comparing hip-hop to country music, and praised the bill as critically important.

Argued that no one would travel without notifying loved ones, and emphasized the bill's safety exceptions for exceptional circumstances.

Compared the venue restriction to existing court specialization (medical malpractice parts, small claims courts) and argued it modernizes the system for specialized redistricting litigation without depriving rights. Noted that courts already have specialized parts and jurisdictions.

Argued that diversity in educators is critically important so students can see people who look like them and come from their communities, citing his own experience not having a Black male teacher until junior year of high school.

Legislators should be proactive and forward-looking rather than retrospective. The Constitution is a living document that must evolve with changing times; strict originalism would deny rights to many who historically could not vote or own property.

Invoked Dr. King's 'Wait' speech, arguing that justice delayed is justice denied, and noted constituents in his district are asking for employment opportunities. Emphasized that people can change and deserve meaningful opportunities.

He connected slavery's vestiges to modern disparities including segregation, redlining, and poverty, and called the bill a necessary step forward for New York State.

Bailey stated that digital billboards in Co-op City are nuisances and distractions to drivers and seniors, and the bill would prevent their erection in that area.

Testified that his daughters are traumatized by drills and only remember the drill on drill days, not their instruction. Supported reducing repetitive drills that cause adverse childhood experiences.

Supported opening up police officer categories rather than limiting them. Praised Vaitkus and Sen. May for allowing him to develop the legislation, noting that seeing a bill pass as a young person builds faith in government.

Bailey praised athletic trainers for saving lives during medical emergencies and managing severe injuries in schools and colleges. He cited the Damar Hamlin collapse as an example of their critical importance and thanked Assembly Member Solages and Sen. May for their work on the bill.

Bailey described the bill as common-sense, bipartisan legislation that simplifies healthcare enrollment for veterans. He thanked colleagues and Sen. Ashby for supporting the measure.

Bailey argued that schools are the ideal venue to teach youth about violence prevention and conflict resolution. He emphasized that the curriculum would provide tools to defuse problems and mediate concerns before violence occurs, with particular attention to reducing gun violence during high-risk after-school hours.

He noted that the North Bronx and Lower Westchester are among the highest areas for human trafficking incidents and praised the bill for giving victims clarity and hope that justice can be pursued.

Bailey supported the bill as an extension of the Crown Act, emphasizing that cosmetologists must be properly trained to execute culturally specific hairstyles. He stressed the importance of distinguishing between different wave patterns and the significance of hair care to individuals' appearance and confidence.

Argued that artistic expression is protected by the First Amendment and that hip-hop lyrics are disproportionately criminalized compared to other musical genres. He emphasized that the bill raises the threshold for introducing lyrics rather than barring them entirely, and noted the ambiguity in determining whose state of mind is being prosecuted when ghostwriters are involved.

Sponsor of the bill. Highlighted the success of SNUG programs throughout the state, citing a 300 percent reduction in gun violence in certain areas. Praised specific organizations including SNUG Mount Vernon, B.R.A.G. (Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence), and SUV (Stand Up To Violence), emphasizing their community engagement and violence prevention work beyond just stopping violence.

Defended bail reform changes as necessary clarifications that give judges discretion on qualifying offenses. Argued that bail's purpose is ensuring return to court, not public safety, and expressed concerns about subjective dangerousness standards. Emphasized that public safety requires multifaceted approaches beyond bail reform alone.

Highlighted $10 million in youth sports grants funding and emphasized sports as a vehicle for creating success and bringing communities together.

Argued that veterans who have served should not lose unused education benefits and should be able to transfer them to family members, comparing the concept to how financial institutions allow account transfers to spouses or children.

Contrasted the historical Tuskegee Experiment with the Tuskegee Airmen, who proved Black Americans were not inferior or undeserving. Emphasized the importance of young people in New York learning about the airmen's legacy and understanding that the possible is within them.

Bailey explained the bill was prompted by a January fire in his district and would require smoke alarms in common areas of multifamily dwellings to promote awareness and ensure timely evacuation. He praised the measure as part of the majority's response to deadly fires under the leadership of Andrea Stewart-Cousins.

Sponsor emphasized creating opportunities for urban residents to grow food through vertical farming, utilizing existing space, and strengthening New York's agricultural standing. Highlighted the importance of understanding where food comes from.