R Sen. Anthony H. Palumbo

Palumbo expressed concern that the statewide language removes local control over window requirements, particularly for smaller buildings where egress and other safety concerns may require openable windows. He supported expanding housing but opposed the loss of local authority.

Raised constitutional takings clause concerns, citing examples of $50 million penthouses that would lose equity value. Argued the bill retroactively applies rent regulation to buildings never previously subject to it and questioned why the state should force loss of equity without means-testing. Suggested regulating ground-lease increases like manufactured mobile homes instead.

Character and fitness screening is critical because lawyers manage millions of dollars in client escrow accounts and have fiduciary responsibilities; sealed convictions for serious crimes like theft, fraud, and embezzlement should not be automatically hidden from bar admission reviewers, and the bill removes necessary rehabilitation scrutiny that existed before Clean Slate.

Criticized discovery law changes as merely codifying existing law with minimal substantive changes, arguing the prejudice standard will result in cases being dismissed on technical grounds. Called the mask penalty provision ineffective as it requires underlying felony/Class A misdemeanor and merges with sentences.

Lamented the rejection of drugged driving law provisions, noting that New York is one of only four states requiring drugs to be on a statutory list to prosecute impaired driving, and that synthetic drugs not on the list are causing deaths.

Raised significant concerns about Part RR, arguing it violates basic fairness by preventing defendants from accessing discovery when sued by the Attorney General. Cited examples like hospital bills and small business enforcement actions where defendants would be disadvantaged.

The bill is counterintuitive and will harm small borrowers by eliminating a useful tool in private lending agreements. Lenders will refuse to lend money without the ability to use confessions of judgment, making it harder for entrepreneurs to access capital for starting businesses.