Transcript Highlights:

• We're also joined by Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton and Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick.
• Moved by Senator Scarcella-Spanton. Seconded by Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick.
• Moved by Senator Scarcella-Spanton. Is there a second? Seconded by Senator Weik.
• We have Senator Weik and Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick without rec.
• Moved by Senator Scarcella-Spanton, seconded by Senator Weik. All those in favor? Aye.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Women’s Issues Committee held its first meeting of the 2026 legislative session on January 29, with a quorum present and Senator Baskin excused. Senator Webb opened the meeting, welcomed members, and invited remarks from ranking member Senator Weik, who said she looked forward to working on important issues during the session. The committee considered four bills. S.1683, relating to the Public University Emergency Contraception Education Act, was reported to finance; Senators Weik and Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick were without recommendation. S.3866B, which would require access to menstrual products and toilet facilities in certain state public buildings, was also reported to finance, with Senator Weik without recommendation. The committee then approved S.4692, which would require free menstrual products in restrooms at private colleges and universities, and S.6227, which would add menstrual disorders to the public school health education curriculum. Both of those bills were reported to first reading. The meeting concluded with thanks to members and staff.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, thank you, Senator Rawlinson, for being here.
• Our third bill is S. 1812, sponsored by Senator Fernandez.
• S. 3632, sponsored by Senator Fernandez.
• Our fifth bill is 495, sponsored by Senator Harkham.
• Our seventh bill is S. 5105 by Senator Pete Harckham.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Alcoholism and Substance Use Disorders held its first meeting of 2026, chaired by Senator Nathalia Fernandez, who opened with remarks about the committee’s recent work, declining overdose deaths in New York overall, continuing disparities in some communities, and the need to protect state funding amid possible federal cuts. She also emphasized alcohol-related harm, the importance of maintaining treatment and recovery supports, and the need to prepare for expanded gambling with downstate casino development. Senator Rob Rawlinson and Ranking Member Senator Oberacker participated, with Oberacker later praising the committee’s bipartisan approach and Fernandez’s leadership. The committee considered eight bills, all of which were advanced. The measures included S. 489 on referrals to appropriate substance use disorder service providers; a scholarship program bill for addiction professionals; S. 1812 on certifying innovative statewide substance use disorder treatment services; S. 3632 establishing a problem gambling advisory council; S. 4950 concerning payment of substances at addiction treatment centers operated by OASAS; S. 4953 creating an intensive addiction and medical services integrated services pilot program; S. 5105 directing OASAS to issue rules for providers in rural locations; and S. 5382 related to privacy protections for chemical dependency services. Several of the bills were sponsored by Senator Fernandez, while others were sponsored by Senator Peter Harckham and Senator Harkham. Discussion focused heavily on integrated care, co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, the value of dual licensing and collaboration among providers, and the practical barriers faced in rural areas, including long travel distances, weather, transportation shortages, and limited broadband for telehealth. Members also noted the importance of privacy in treatment settings and the need for accessible, centralized services so people are less likely to fall through the cracks. Each bill was moved and reported either to the calendar or to finance, with no negative votes recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are here with Senator Oberacker [member_7095], Senator Helming [member_7012], Senator Ryan [member
• Next bill: Senate 1239E by Senator Kavanaugh.
• Senator O'Rourke. Yes, thank you. And again, Senator, thank you for the bill.
• Senator Borrello.
• Our next bill: Senate 4162 by Senate... We'll move to finance.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Agriculture Committee met for its first 2026 meeting and took up a full agenda of bills focused on food safety, agricultural programs, consumer transparency, and farm-related policy. Early measures included S.592 on a youth and agriculture entrepreneurship summer employment program, which was reported to finance without opposition, and S.1239E, the Food Safety and Technical Disclosure Act, which would require disclosure of certain food ingredients to the state and public and also ban three substances outright. Senator Kavanaugh described the bill as closing a loophole in federal food safety law; Senator Borrello opposed it as a state-by-state approach that could raise costs and disrupt the supply chain, while Senator O’Rourke supported it as a science-based measure with available substitutes. The bill was reported back to the board with one no vote and one without recommendation. The committee also advanced S.1783A on liquefied petroleum/propane fee disclosures, with supporters saying it would prevent consumers from being charged for improper or hidden fees and opponents arguing it should not single out state-related charges; the bill moved to the board. S.4041, creating a sanitary retail food store grant program, was reported to finance. S.4162, relating to the Fresh Connect program and local produce purchases, prompted discussion about whether state resources should instead be concentrated on the Double Up Food Bucks program; sponsors said both programs are needed and that Double Up has capacity limits, and the bill was moved to finance. Later, the committee advanced S.6286A, establishing an agricultural tax viability pilot program tied to agrivoltaics; supporters said it would address a need raised in recent hearings and work with farm groups, while Senator Borrello voted no. The final bill, S.7618 on food safety and quality date label requirements, drew debate over whether New York should act without a federal standard and whether the bill could create confusion or unintended costs, especially for dairy and other perishables. Supporters said the bill would reduce food waste and simplify the many existing date labels without forcing new labeling on those who do not already use it; members also discussed refrigeration references in the bill, and the sponsor said the language could be adjusted. The committee then adjourned and announced that future meetings will be held on the third floor in the new location.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Senator<00:21:11.679> Fata, >> Senator Fata, >> Senator Fata, >> that's
• >> it's Senator Abler. >> it's Senator Abler.
• Senator Muhammad, Mr.
• Senator Muhammad, Mr.
• So, um Senator<00:24:06.000> Muhammad, Senator Muhammad, Senator Muhammad, >> Mr.<00:24:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I just have a quick resolution. The New Hampshire Senate presents a resolution.
• > Hampshire<00:09:39.920> Senate resolution.
• The New Hampshire Senate resolution.
• The New Hampshire Senate presents<00:09:40.640> a<00:09:40.880> resolution.
• . >> Senator Gray, yes. >> Senator Inis, yes. >> Senator Ward, yes. >> Senator Rashardy, no. >> Senator

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate concurrent resolution numbers 7 to 17 and Senate resolution numbers 4 to 15 for referral to committee
• <00:01:55.119> 7 >> Senate concurrent resolution numbers 7 >> Senate concurrent
• resolution numbers 7 to<00:01:55.759> 17<00:01:56.079> and<00:01:56.320> Senate
• to to 17 and Senate resolution numbers 4 to to 17 and Senate resolution numbers 4 to 15<00:01:58.479
• Just want to point out that one of those resolutions that we just pushed through urges the Senate to

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, just a note that all of our live stream Senate standing committee meetings are available on the Senate
• To my right, Senator Hashimoto from Maui.
• The Senate standing committee meetings are available on the Senate YouTube channel, in case you want
• To my right, Senator Hashimoto from Maui.
• >> Senator<00:16:22.320> Kedani, >> Senator Kedani, >> Senator Kedani, >&

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Will the Senate please come to order?
• <00:13:47.519> resolution<00:13:48.399> relating Senate resolution relating Senate resolution
• The question is, shall the Senate adopt the joint resolution on its part?
• >> Senator from Rutland. >> Senator from Rutland.
• >> Senator from Windham. >> Senator from Windham.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:35.440> floor caucus or discussed on the Senate floor caucus or discussed on the Senate
• Amendment 007-7 passed the Senate floor with the approval of Senator Mann, who originally offered the
• who with the approval of Senator Mann, who with the approval of Senator Mann, who originally<00:
• Thank you, Senator Seberger.
• >> Senator<00:50:04.400> Coleman, >> Senator Coleman, >> Senator Coleman, >

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Seclusion Working Group met for its final meeting on January 28 and first approved the prior meeting minutes after correcting two roll-call vote errors involving Miss Woodward. The chair then gave an extended recap of the history of seclusion policy, including the pre-2023 emergency-only framework, the 2023 ban on seclusion for children birth through grade 3, the 2025 introduction of SF 1830 to restore prior law, and the compromise amendment that allowed limited seclusion in grades 1 through 3 with added safeguards. The chair also reviewed the working group’s timeline, noting it had met from August 2025 through January 2026 and was required to submit findings by January 30, 2026. The main substantive discussion focused on the chair’s proposed timeline for eliminating seclusion and an alternative proposal from Mace. Several members criticized a Minnesota Department of Education letter that opposed parts of the working group’s recommendations, arguing it mischaracterized district practices, questioned informed consent and mental health professional provisions, and did not reflect the realities faced by schools. Members supporting the current use of seclusion said districts already use MTSS, PBIS, Ukeru, and other interventions, but still need seclusion in limited emergency situations. They also said the department’s comments felt inflammatory or unsupportive. On the timeline issue, Mace proposed allowing limited seclusion for students in grades 1 through 12 receiving certain special education services until July 1, 2036, with data collection on outcomes and related interventions. Some members supported a “runway” toward elimination, saying it would allow time to build alternatives and avoid an abrupt ban, while others said they could not support including grades 1 through 3 in any extended timeline and preferred elimination sooner. Members also questioned whether MDE currently collects enough data on law enforcement interventions and related outcomes. The meeting ended with continued discussion of the timeline proposal, but no final vote or report approval was recorded in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bailey, Senator Persaud, and two members of the minority, Senator Gallivan and Senator Murray.
• Thank you, Senator. Thank you, Senator.
• Thank you, Senator. Senator Pilebo? Yep. Certainly, Senator.
• Next is Senate Print 660 by Senator Generis.
• Next, the Senate Print 866 by Senator Bailey. An act to amend the penal law. Senator Bailey.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Codes Committee held its first meeting of the year with a 10-bill agenda, opening with brief remarks from the chair and Ranking Member Palumbo emphasizing the committee’s bipartisan tone and noting that several bills related to National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The chair also announced quorum, identified members present, and introduced the clerk and counsel. The committee discussed and reported a series of bills, many involving criminal procedure, penal law, and civil rights. Several measures focused on human trafficking and sexual exploitation, including bills addressing statutes of limitation for sex trafficking cases and a new bill to close a loophole involving 16- and 17-year-olds in commercial sex offenses. Other bills dealt with appellate review, plea-related criminal procedure issues, consent and autonomy, and executive-law changes. Some sponsors and members explained their support or concerns, particularly on appellate finality and judicial economy, but the overall tone remained respectful and collaborative. Most bills were reported out of committee, several to the Finance Committee. Recorded negatives or without-recommendation votes appeared on a few measures, including opposition from Senators Palumbo, Murray, and Gallivan on one criminal procedure bill and mixed votes on others. The final bill, Senator Mayer’s measure on commercial sex involving minors, was praised as closing a dangerous loophole and was reported unanimously, concluding the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Scarcella-Spanton, Senator Cooney, Senator Gonzalez, Senator Parker, and also our ranking member
• , Senator White, and Senator Mattera is at another hearing.
• And the next bill is Senate Bill S-2264 by Senator Cooney. Thank you.
• And the next bill is Senate Bill S-6750 by Senator Webb.
• On the agenda is Senate Bill S-6999A by myself, Jackson, Senator Jackson.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Civil Service and Pensions Committee met on January 28, 2026, with a quorum present and 13 bills on the agenda. Chair Robert Jackson opened the first committee meeting of the 2026 session and noted members present in person and by voting sheet. The committee then took up a series of civil service, retirement, and public employee labor bills, with brief motions and votes on each measure. Several bills concerned retirement and benefits, including changes to membership eligibility in the New York State and Local Retirement System (S-1011), transfer of sick time (S-3354), identical skilled nursing care health benefits for public retirees (S-4724), teleworking extension (S-5211), beneficiary changes for retirees (S-625A and S-6750), and an exit service requirement for designated employees (S-6999A). Other bills addressed public employee hearing procedures, collective negotiation disputes, preventing outsourcing during a hiring freeze, and related civil service law changes, including measures sponsored by Chair Jackson and other senators. Most bills were approved unanimously or with one abstention and were reported either to the Finance Committee or to the floor, depending on the bill. The committee also reported S-1011, S-3354, S-4724, S-4773, S-4894, S-4901, S-5211, S-6750, and S-6999A to Finance, while S-1540, S-2264, S-625A, and some others were reported to the floor. The meeting concluded after all agenda items were acted on, with no further discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Senator<00:55:24.000> Fata. >> Senator Fata. >> Senator Fata.
• >> Senator, >> Senator, >> Senator, >> thank<00:56:40.160> you.
• Senator, thank you. choice. Senator, thank you.
• > Senator<01:32:14.960> Muhammad<01:32:15.600> and Senator Grunhagen, then Senator
• Go ahead, Senator. joining us. Go ahead, Senator.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are joined today by Senator Baskin and our ranking members, Senator Weik.
• The first bill is Senate Bill 190 by Senator Martinez: an act to amend the Volunteer Firefighters Benefit
• Next bill, we have Bill 2598 by Senator Mayer.
• Next bill, we have Bill 2598 by Senator Mayer.
• Thank you, Senator Baskin. Any opposition? No, Chair. Thank you. We have a nay by Senator Rolison.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Local Government Committee held its first meeting of 2026 and considered nine bills focused on municipal governance, local finance, emergency services, land use, and tax exemptions. Measures included changes to volunteer firefighter and ambulance worker death benefits (S190), local bond installment rules (S273), environmentally conscious planning training for municipal boards (S600), expanded Open Meetings Law training requirements (S2598), an expanded farm building tax exemption (S3665), lease information requirements for certain housing accommodations (S3742A), retroactive building tax exemption status for the Silver Lake Foundation (S4075A), preservation of regionally significant projects (S4980), and youth programs sponsored by fire departments (S609). Most bills were moved and reported out with little discussion. S4980 drew a nay vote from Senator Rolison but was still reported out. S4075A prompted Senator Weik to raise a broader concern about recurring retroactive real property tax exemption requests, saying exemptions should be handled at closing when possible; the chair asked him to send over the bill he mentioned that would address that issue. The committee also noted that some bills were reported to other committees, including Finance and Housing, where applicable.

Transcript Highlights:

• Before I cede the floor to him, I want to welcome Senator Robert Jackson, Senator Shelley Mayer, Senator
• Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, our ranking member, Senator Steve Rhoads, and Senator Rolison.
• We're going to start with Senate Bill 372A by Senator Janaris, relating to the Labor Law in relation
• Thank you, Senators. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? EWRs. Senator Lerbron. EWRs. Some EWRs.
• Next is Senate Bill 4479 by Senator Ramos, an act to amend the Workers' Compensation Law, Labor Law,

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Labor met for its second meeting of the 2026 session, with Chair Senator Ramos welcoming members and inviting Mario Celento, president of the New York State AFL-CIO, to speak. Celento thanked the committee for its past labor-related work and outlined the AFL-CIO’s priorities for the session, including fixing Tier 6 public pensions, responsible regulation of artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles, child care, staffing ratios in health care, housing-related labor standards, prevailing wage and project labor agreements, and protecting workers from federal actions affecting unions, organizing, OSHA, and collective bargaining. The committee then took up six bills. It reported Senate Bill 372A, relating to labor law and establishing certain notices, by a vote with one nay and an abstention. Senate Bill 681, concerning fingerprinting or mandatory iris and retina scanning of applicants, was reported with one nay. Senate Bill 1514, relating to support orders for a police classification, was reported unanimously. Senate Bill 4424A, the anti-labor of women rights bill, was reported with abstentions. Senate Bill 4479, requiring the Workers’ Compensation Board and Department of Labor to publish a list of DRMDs as open data, was reported unanimously. Senate Bill 7776A, relating to an act for a thinkless servant form act, was also reported with abstentions. All six bills were moved to the calendar, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Motions and resolutions. Senator Gianaris. Good afternoon, Mr. President.
• The resolution calendar is adopted. Senator Gianaris. Who's recognized?
• Calendar Number 21, Senate Print 8778, by Senator Brisport.
• Senate. Print. 8786 by Senator Skoufis. Announce the results.
• Calendar Number 94, Senate Print 8828, by Senator Gounardes.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, adopted the resolution calendar, and heard an introduction welcoming the parents of Detective Wenjun Lu, with remarks honoring their family’s sacrifice and service. The chamber then proceeded through a lengthy reading of the calendar and passed a series of bills, most by wide margins, covering topics including social services, labor, insurance, mental hygiene, county law, education, financial services, criminal procedure, executive law, general business law, tax law, and powers and trusts law. Several measures were passed unanimously or with only one or a few dissenting votes, while others drew larger partisan splits. The main floor debate centered on Calendar 44, Assembly Bill 9516, a Correction Law bill expanding the membership of the State Commission of Correction from three to five and adding qualifications for certain appointees, including a former inmate and a health care, legal, or policy professional. Senator Murray argued the bill should require victims’ rights experience and said the criminal justice system should not ignore crime victims; Senator Salazar responded that the commission’s oversight role is focused on correctional facilities and that the bill does not exclude anyone with victims’ experience. Senators Rivera and Martins also explained their votes, with Rivera supporting the bill as part of a more rehabilitative approach and Martins opposing it, citing high recidivism and public safety concerns. After debate, the bill was restored to the non-controversial calendar and passed. The Senate then completed the remaining calendar items and adjourned until Thursday, January 29 at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Second bill is Senate Bill 488A by Senator Fernandez.
• Third bill, Senate Bill 5597 by Senator May.
• Third bill, Senate Bill 5597 by Senator May.
• Fourth bill, Senate Bill 5600 by Senator May.
• The fifth bill, Senate Bill 6985 by Senator May. Senate Bill 6985 by Senator May.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Consumer Protection held its first meeting of the year on January 28, chaired by Senator Rachel May, with Ranking Member Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and several other senators present. Chair May said the committee would focus this session on consumer protection issues such as surveillance pricing and the use of technology to target consumers unfairly. The ranking member briefly agreed on the importance of protecting vulnerable consumers and wished the committee a successful session. The committee then considered six bills, all of which had previously passed the Senate. The measures covered school security guards (S.194B), notice to the Attorney General about arrangements that delay generic drug introductions (S.488A), warranties and protections for purchasers of new and used motor vehicles (S.5597), a cap on credit service charges in retail installment contracts (S.5600), requirements for rental helmets to address concerns about damaged helmets (S.6985), and making renewed appearance enhancement and barber licenses and certificates available online in downloadable PDF form (S.7483). There was little discussion on most bills, though Senator May noted that the helmet bill was intended to address situations where rented helmets may have been damaged or consumers may not know their condition. Each bill was moved, seconded, and approved by the committee without opposition, with one bill reported to the Finance Committee and the others reported to first reading on the calendar. The meeting then adjourned after concluding legislative business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator<00:15:03.839> Bart, Senator Bart, Senator Bart, >> thank<00:15:04.560> you.
• Senate Bill 606? Senate Bill 606?
• people who may one day sit as Senator people who may one day sit as Senator Senator<01:05:11.359
• Senator Prrentice. questions? Senator Prrentice.
• Senator Prentiss.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Senate Bill 491.
• c> second<00:07:28.479> by<00:07:28.720> Senator by Senator Carson, second by Senator
• Senator. I think uh if you remember and Senator.
• Oh, Senator<00:20:02.000> Carson. Senator Carson. Senator Carson.
• Senator<00:30:12.720> Rosen. Senator Rosen. Senator Rosen.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, I am Senator Tim Lang from Senate District 2. I have before you Senate Bill 527.
• Senator Senate Bill 527 and recognize Senator Lang<00:03:01.360> to<00:03:01.519> introduce
• Senator Tim Lang from Senate District 2. Senator Tim Lang from Senate District 2.
• Senate Bill 568 and recognize Senator Senate Bill 568 and recognize Senator Ganon<00:33:01.440><
• >> Senator Shaw. >> Senator Shaw.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all