D Sen. Jeremy Cooney

Voted in favor as a first step toward accountability for the murder of Robert Brooks and others killed in state custody. Called for the bill as part of broader reforms including the Earned Time Act to incentivize rehabilitation and reduce violence.

Praised the bill as a commonsense, low-cost measure ensuring properly trained firefighters perform high-risk interior operations. Stated fire departments in his district and across the state support the legislation for boosting public safety and improving statewide transparency.

Sponsor argued that increased penalties are necessary to enforce move-over laws and protect highway workers, police, and tow-truck drivers. Cited recent fatal incidents including the deaths of Robert Bornt, Stephen Ebling, and Vincent Giammarva, and noted that a 2021 survey showed 40 percent of drivers ignore move-over laws.

Cooney explained the bill was introduced to honor Casey Eldred, a constituent's son killed by an intoxicated snowmobiler in 2022. He argued that establishing aggravated snowmobiling while intoxicated as a crime and raising penalties aligns snowmobile laws with vehicle intoxication laws and sends a clear message that such conduct is unacceptable.

Explained that the bill gives healthcare providers meaningful choice in payment methods and guarantees the right to change payment preferences in writing, preventing health plans from obscuring such rights in dense contracts. Thanked the Majority Leader for bringing the bill to the floor.

Cooney explained the bill addresses equity in dental care access, noting that one-third of Americans avoid dentists due to barriers, particularly in low-income communities. He highlighted that the demonstration program in Monroe County using the Smart Teeth app could be expanded statewide to improve access for those on Medicaid and other underserved populations.

Sponsor argued the bill provides an additional disposal option for surplus property and serves a public purpose by preventing waste and landfill disposal. Noted the state already makes grants to not-for-profits and cited recent case law supporting public purpose as a basis for such transfers.

Sponsor argued the bill addresses problematic insurance practices that require use of all embryos before covering subsequent cycles, creating unnecessary delays for couples trying to conceive and risking potential birth complications.

The legislation is historic and transforms family planning into an equity issue, ensuring New Yorkers of all income levels have the right to start families. The Senate Majority's action allows this conversation to occur regardless of economic status.

The sponsor explained the bill was prompted by a constituent charged over $5,000 for a tow and addresses the lack of towing caps outside NYC. He noted the bill creates a statewide standard modeled after NYC's 2019 legislation, similar to recent actions in Colorado, Connecticut, and Georgia, and that it does not prohibit local safety standards.

All children in New York State should be exposed to arts curriculum as part of their education. Early arts education creates the engaged citizens and future artists that society needs, particularly as federal funding for arts organizations faces cuts.

Transportation sponsor detailed the $6.97 billion transportation allocation, explained CHIPS formula based on lane miles and registered vehicles, noted the $50 million CHIPS increase with commitment for additional $50 million next year, and emphasized that all funds prioritize CHIPS over other highway programs.

Argued that New York is the only state requiring school districts to award food contracts solely on lowest price, and that the bill allows prioritization of nutrition and food freshness to improve student health and academic outcomes including test performance, graduation rates, behavior and attendance.

Cooney argued homeownership is essential for family stability, community strength, and combating poverty. He stated the bill makes homeownership more attainable by providing tax deductions for first-time homebuyer savings accounts, putting money back in prospective buyers' pockets.