Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Gianaris. >> And now let's take up Resolution 2258 by Senator Hinchey and call on Senator Hinchey
• The resolution is adopted. Senator Serrano.
• Senator Sutton, for this resolution.
• >> THANK YOU, SENATOR. SENATOR CANZONERI-FITZPATRICK ON THE RESOLUTION.
• >> THANK YOU, SENATOR. SENATOR MARTINS ON THE RESOLUTION.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior day’s journal, and then processed a large number of motions to discharge bills from committees and substitute identical Senate or Assembly versions for third reading. The chamber also adopted the resolution calendar with exceptions and took up several resolutions and ceremonial recognitions, including a resolution mourning Hudson Talbott, a Dairy Month resolution highlighting New York’s dairy industry, and introductions honoring Niskayuna academic teams, Gabriella Scheer for receiving the Liberty Medal, the Hartstein family’s civic engagement, and Diana Cochran’s advocacy for safe firearm storage. The Senate then moved through the calendar and passed many bills on topics including insurance, public health, education, labor, social services, banking, local government, veterans, public service, consumer protection, criminal procedure, cannabis, parks, taxation, election law, and highway matters. Several members explained votes on notable measures: support for acupuncture insurance coverage, consumer protections for doorbell-camera data sharing, expanded protections in debt collection cases, trauma-informed procedures for sexual assault survivors, a Legionnaires’ disease awareness program, changes to mandatory minimum sentencing, and universal safe storage of firearms. A number of home rule and local authorization bills were also approved, including parkland alienation measures and local tax exemption authorizations. Most measures passed with broad bipartisan support, though some drew recorded opposition. Notable roll calls included the consumer debt uniformity bill, the mandatory minimum sentencing bill, the safe storage/firearms bill, and the public housing and public health measures, each with more divided votes. The chamber also accepted a lengthy Rules Committee report sending many additional bills directly to third reading, and then began the supplemental calendar, passing at least the first items before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee Substitute for Senate Joint Resolution 2F.
• Senator Avila: Thank you, Mr. President. Of this joint resolution. Senator Ravel: Thank you, Mr.
• Committee substitute for Senate Joint Resolution 2F.
• Committee substitute for Senate Joint Resolution 2F.
• Senator 39th, Senator Avela, moves the joint resolution be read a third time.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> THANK YOU, SENATOR. SENATOR STAVISKY ON THE RESOLUTION.
• >> THANK YOU, SENATOR. SENATOR BORRELLO ON THE RESOLUTION.
• >> THANK YOU, SENATOR. SENATOR GRIFFO ON THE RESOLUTION.
• Thank you, Senator Harckham. Senator Liu on the resolution.
• Thank you, Senator Hinchey. Senator Jackson on the resolution.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then processed a series of motions to discharge bills from committees and substitute identical Senate bills, which were so ordered. Several bills were also recalled from the Assembly, had reconsideration votes taken, and were restored to the third reading calendar after receiving 58 ayes. Amendments were received on a number of bills, and those measures retained their place on the calendar. The main business of the day was Privileged Resolution 2318, sponsored by Leader Stewart-Cousins, honoring Senator Michael Gianaris with the President Pro Tempore and Senate Majority Leader’s Legislative Legacy Award. The resolution and floor remarks reviewed his long career in the Assembly and Senate, his role as Deputy Majority Leader and floor leader, and his work on housing, criminal justice, voting rights, labor, environmental, consumer, transit, animal welfare, and other major legislation. Members from both parties spoke at length, praising his strategic skill, mentorship, humor, and influence, while also noting his support for younger members and his commitment to family. Several senators described personal experiences showing Gianaris’s mentorship and political guidance, and many referenced his Greek American identity, Queens roots, and interests such as Star Wars and the Mets. Senators also emphasized that he was leaving on his own terms to spend more time with his wife and daughters. The resolution was adopted with broad support, and Gianaris then spoke in response, reflecting on nearly 30 years in state government, the major laws passed during his tenure, and the relationships he built in the chamber.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 291 by Senator Rose, and that's the law.
• Moved by Senator Liu, second by Senator Mayer.
• Second by Senator Liu, Senator Mayer.
• Moved by Senator Liu, Senator Mayer. All right. All right, Senator Mayer. Senator Mayer.
• By Senator Hernandez, second by Senator Harckham. In fact, Senator Gallo, second by Senator Griffo.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Rules met and reported a long list of bills, with most measures advancing on unanimous or near-unanimous voice votes after motions and seconding by various senators. The bills covered a wide range of topics, including Environmental Conservation, Education, Executive Law, Civil Service, Public Health, Public Service, Election Law, Social Services, Correction Law, Traffic Law, General Law, Administrative Code, Retirement and Social Security, and several chapter-amendment or authorization measures. In many cases, the chair noted the bill number, sponsor, and subject area, then asked for objections; none were recorded, and the bill was reported. A few measures were laid aside by the sponsor, including bills referenced as 5711, 5727, and 9539, though the transcript is repetitive and some bill numbers/topics are difficult to discern because of transcription errors. Several bills involved retirement-related changes, including retroactive Tier 4 membership and other retirement system provisions, while others amended existing laws or chapters. The committee also reported bills affecting city administrative code provisions, public authorities, elder law, and public officers law. No substantive debate or testimony appears in the transcript; the meeting was largely procedural, focused on motions, seconds, and reporting bills out of committee. The final action on the listed measures was committee approval and reporting, with no recorded roll-call votes or amendments described in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the Senate Committee Resolution, a proposed resolution that provides compensation for Senate employees
• > Committee Uh that's the Senate Committee Uh that's the Senate Committee Resolution,<00:01:01.520
• Seeing no questions, then Senator Rest moves to adopt committee resolution 19.
• Seeing no questions, then Senator Rest moves to adopt committee resolution 19.
• Seeing no questions, then Senator Rest moves to adopt committee resolution 19.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate will be in order.
• Senators and guests in the gallery, please rise for the opening prayer that will be given by Senator
• Senate Joint Resolution 2F by Senator Avila, a joint resolution proposing amendments to Sections 4, 6
• decided to leave the Senate: Senator Hooper, Polsky, and Jones.
• Senator Polsky. Senator Polsky, Tina. Senator Polsky, Tina, I too am going to miss you greatly.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, okay, Senator Archuleta.
• Senator. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Moved by Senator Umberg. Aye. Moved by Senator Umberg. Wahab? Aye. Choi? Aye. Archiletta? Aye.
• So moved by Senator Archuleta, the birthday boy.
• Motion is due pass to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Moved by Senator Umberg. Wahab, aye.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee met without a quorum at first and began hearing bills as a subcommittee. The chair outlined procedures, noted several consent items, and the committee heard presentations on AB 277, AB 1382, and ACR 173 before quorum was established. AB 277 would require background checks for unlicensed employees providing behavioral health treatment; the author and CalABA argued it would protect children and people with disabilities, and the bill later passed 6-0. AB 1382, the “Ethics Over Aesthetics Act,” would prohibit the sale of genetically modified animals for cosmetic purposes, with supporters citing animal welfare, shelter overcrowding, and the need to avoid novelty pet breeding; it also passed 6-0 after amendments removed opposition concerns about glowfish. ACR 173 would recommend formalizing a sister-state relationship between California and Jalisco, Mexico, emphasizing cultural, economic, and educational ties and calling for immigration protections. One senator objected to language referencing “recent mass deportations,” saying it was unnecessarily political and inaccurate in context, and said he would abstain rather than vote no. After quorum was reached, the committee approved the consent calendar, including AB 2085, AB 1733, ACR 129, ACR 164, and ACR 166, by a 6-0 vote. Once quorum was established, the committee voted 6-0 to pass AB 277 to the Senate Public Safety Committee and AB 1382 to the Senate Judiciary Committee. ACR 173 was adopted on a 4-0 vote, and the committee granted reconsideration so the author could potentially address the concern raised about the resolution’s language.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Grove. Senator Grove, I’m so sorry.
• Secretary, please read: Senate Concurrent Resolution 179 by Senator Niello, relative to Celiac Disease
• Senator Becker. Senator Cabaldon. Senator Cabaldon. We are at committee announcements.
• We will now return to motions and resolutions. Senator Becker. Adjournment. Thank you.
• Thank you, Senator.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with a quorum, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several floor recognitions, including a birthday acknowledgment for Senator Archuleta and introductions of former Senator George Runner and a Portuguese delegation tied to ACR 185 recognizing Portuguese Heritage Month. The body then approved the Senate journals and moved to confirmations of five Board of Parole Hearings appointees: William Muniz, Michael Ruff, Rosalind Sargent Burns, Mary Thornton, and Jack Weiss. Each confirmation drew extended debate centered on parole decisions, public safety, transparency, and the Board’s handling of elderly parole and sexually violent predator cases. Supporters argued the commissioners were applying existing law, using evidence-based risk assessments, and were not the decision-makers in the controversial cases cited. Opponents criticized the board for releasing dangerous offenders, questioned the commissioners’ judgment, and objected to the board’s closed-door in-bank votes. Roll calls followed each item, and all five appointees were confirmed, with vote totals including 25-9, 24-9, 24-9, 25-9, and 29-9. The Senate then took up Senate Concurrent Resolution 179 by Senator Niello, recognizing May as Celiac Disease Awareness Month. The resolution described celiac disease as a serious autoimmune disorder, highlighted symptoms and challenges with gluten exposure, and emphasized the need for awareness, labeling, and education. SCR 179 passed unanimously, 31-0. The session concluded with committee announcements and several adjournments in memory, including tributes to Marty Arnold, Jim McAulian, and Pat Gagoscos, followed by remarks from the President pro tempore about ongoing bipartisan legislation to improve transparency and public safety in parole decisions before adjournment until June 4, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Cabaldon? Aye. Ashby? Aye. Becker? Senator Cabaldon, aye. Ashby, aye. Becker?
• Okay, we have a motion by Senator Jones and a second by Senator Hoover.
• Senator, you can start.
• Senator Jones. Thank you.
• Senator Jones. Any other questions or comments? Senator Ransom. I'll be very brief.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit Committee met to consider new audit requests and received a status update from the State Auditor, who reported 10 JALAC audits in progress, several statutory audits underway, and that all audits approved in 2025 are moving forward. The committee first approved a consent calendar covering audits on University of California library resources, law enforcement information sharing, EDD unemployment insurance claims, and Housing and Community Development housing development monitoring. One requested audit on local law enforcement and human trafficking had been withdrawn before the hearing. The committee then debated and approved an audit request from Assembly Member DeMaio on the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) and its road project management and use of transportation funds. DeMaio argued the audit was needed to examine whether restricted funds, voter-approved revenues, and project commitments were properly used, while SANDAG officials said the agency already undergoes extensive oversight and that its funding sources and project uses are governed by multiple existing audits and reporting requirements. Several members questioned whether the audit would duplicate existing reviews, but the motion passed after roll call. Next, the committee approved Senator Valadares’s audit request on Board of State and Community Corrections Proposition 47 grant administration. Supporters said the audit would assess whether grant recipients and BSCC oversight are producing reliable outcome and recidivism data and whether the funds are achieving public safety goals; BSCC responded that it already has internal controls, that the State Controller conducts biennial audits, and that its reported outcomes show reductions in homelessness, unemployment, and recidivism among participants. The committee also approved Senator Cortese’s audit of CalHR’s dental benefits procurement and contract oversight, prompted by concerns about stagnant annual maximums, provider network losses, and out-of-pocket costs for employees and retirees. CalHR said its current dental network remains strong, that it recently completed an RFP adding MetLife as a second carrier beginning in 2027, and that it maintains performance guarantees in its contracts. All three regular-calendar audit requests were approved, and the committee then completed add-on votes approving the earlier consent calendar items before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Human Services Committee will come to order. Good afternoon.
• Yes, well, we had one from Senator Laird. Please call the roll. Becker? Aye. Becker, aye.
• That concludes this very rapid hearing on the Senate Human Services Committee. We are adjourned.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee met in Room 2200 of the O Street Building, established a quorum, and took up a consent calendar containing three bills, including SR 104. After a motion by Senator Laird, the committee voted unanimously to adopt the consent calendar. The roll call votes were recorded as members voting aye, and the final vote was 5-0. No substantive testimony or debate on the individual bills is included in the transcript. The meeting was brief, with the chair noting the quick pace, briefly recessing to await an absent member, and then closing the vote. After the final vote, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Rouson. Here. Senator Berman. Senator Brodeur. Senator Burgess. Senator DiCeglie.
• Senator Garcia. Senator Grall. Senator Harrell.
• Senator Grall, Senator Harrell, Senator Martin, Senator Massullo, Senator McClain, Senator Pizzo, Senator
• Senators, that is the joint resolution.
• The proposed Senate Resolution, SJR-2F, is an attack on local communities and working families.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's all coming up. >> Senate Spotlight is produced by the Minnesota Senate and Senate Media Services
• <00:09:24.480> I Senate has funded a nuclear study. I Senate has funded a nuclear study.
• Senator Zach Duckworth successfully Senator Zach Duckworth successfully passed<00:15:06.520>
• >> The Senate is now adjourned. >> The Senate is now adjourned.
• , >> As I leave the Senate, >> As I leave the Senate, I<00:24:45.520> would<00

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The program focused first on Minnesota’s energy and affordability agenda, with Senator Nick Frentz discussing the state’s clean-energy leadership, rising electricity demand, and the Senate’s 100% clean energy framework. He said Minnesota’s clean energy growth supports jobs, lowers costs for ratepayers, and includes recent wins such as sustainable aviation fuel tax treatment in the supplemental budget. Frentz also said the Senate passed an energy omnibus bill that continues clean-energy permitting reforms, promotes conservation and demand response, and includes a nuclear study rather than lifting the nuclear moratorium. Frentz spent much of the interview defending data centers as both a challenge and an opportunity. He said large hyperscale projects can create major construction jobs and substantial local property-tax revenue, while a 2025 law requires data-center companies to contribute to low-income energy assistance and report water use. He pointed to the Google data center planned for Pine Island as an example, saying it is air-cooled, will pay $5 million a year, and will fund 1,600 MW of clean energy at its own expense, which he argued could save Xcel ratepayers money over time. He also said climate change is already driving higher costs through homeowners insurance and storm damage. The second segment highlighted Senator Zach Duckworth’s housing and banking bills. Duckworth said Senate File 4168 would make it easier to finance investment properties by giving buyers more flexibility to roll closing costs and lender fees into payments, while keeping strong protections in place for primary residences. He emphasized that the bill is not about predatory lending and is intended to expand options for informed investors. He also described Senate File 4652 as an anti-fraud, no-cost measure that lets bank customers name a trusted contact so banks can alert someone if suspicious activity is detected. Duckworth said both bills passed unanimously in both chambers, and he credited quick action and good working relationships across the aisle for their success. The program closed with a broader reflection on the end of session and the Senate’s political climate. It noted that 15 senators are retiring and two are leaving for higher office, and that final floor votes often split along party lines, including one bill passing 34-33. Several retiring senators used farewell speeches to urge civility, compromise, and putting people first, while the segment emphasized that despite partisan conflict, quiet bipartisan cooperation still produced much of the session’s enacted legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator, thank you for being here. >> Thanks for having me. >> Absolutely.
• things, um you have another bill, Senate things, um you have another bill, Senate File<00:04:29.440
• No co-authors at all here in the Senate.
• And they passed And they passed unanimously in the Senate and in the House. That is wild.
• And so, being in the minority in the Senate, and to your point, having both of those bills heard, and

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The discussion focused on two Minnesota Senate bills authored by the senator: Senate File 4168 and Senate File 4652. SF 4168 would give buyers of investment properties more flexibility in financing, including the ability to roll certain closing costs and lender fees into the loan, with the senator emphasizing that the measure is limited to investment properties and is not intended for primary residences. He stressed that the bill is meant to provide options, not force borrowers into any particular structure, and repeatedly distinguished it from predatory lending, saying it has nothing to do with fraudulent or abusive mortgage practices. SF 4652 addresses fraud prevention at banks by allowing account holders to designate an additional contact person who can be notified if a bank suspects suspicious activity and cannot reach the account owner. The senator described it as a common-sense, no-cost, anti-fraud measure aimed at early detection and protecting both banks and customers. He said fraud is a widespread problem and that the bill would help institutions act quickly when something appears wrong. The senator said both bills moved quickly because he wanted to get them heard and passed this session, and he noted that he was the sole author on each. He said the bills passed unanimously in both the Senate and the House. In broader comments, he credited bipartisan relationships and committee cooperation for helping the bills advance, and said the session showed House-Senate collaboration on practical legislation, with more political items being pushed toward compromise and further discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator, I'm happy to have you here. >> Good to see you, Veronica.
• The Senate has passed a nuclear study three years in a row now.
• The Senate has funded a nuclear study.
• The energy omnibus bill passed off the floor in the Senate.
• House and Senate have to agree.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The interview focused on Minnesota’s clean energy policy, energy affordability, and the state’s path toward its 100% clean electricity goal. The senator said Minnesota’s clean energy reputation comes from environmental concern, job creation, and lower long-term costs, noting that wind is now the lowest-cost generation source and that solar costs have fallen sharply. He said rising electricity demand has led to some increased coal use, but argued the state can still meet its 2040 clean energy target through continued renewable buildout, permitting reform, conservation, and demand response. A major topic was data centers. The senator emphasized both concerns and benefits, saying hyperscale data centers can bring substantial construction jobs, property tax revenue, and, under the 2025 law, payments to low-income energy assistance. He cited the Pine Island Google data center as air-cooled, with no water concerns, and said it will pay $5 million annually while funding 1,600 MW of wind, solar, and battery resources at its own expense. He also said Xcel’s filing projected a $1.1 billion ratepayer savings over 10 years, while urging the public to weigh both pros and cons, especially around water use and local tax impacts. The discussion also covered nuclear power and climate costs. The senator said the Senate has passed a nuclear study three years in a row and expects it to advance, while the moratorium on new nuclear plants remains tied to the Prairie Island Indian Community and unresolved nuclear waste storage. He argued Minnesota likely cannot reach its emissions goals without nuclear in the mix, though he acknowledged current nuclear is not cost-competitive and said future advanced or small modular nuclear could change that. On affordability, he pointed to climate-driven costs such as higher homeowners insurance and storm damage, and described Senate energy omnibus provisions including conservation, plug-in solar, and renewable development account projects such as a Como Zoo clean energy project. No votes were taken in the interview itself, but the senator referenced the recently announced budget deal and said he still needed to negotiate a renewable development account agreement between the House and Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• Motions and Resolutions. Senator Gianaris. >> Good afternoon, Madam President.
• Senator Brouk and recognize Senator Webb on the resolution. >> Secretary will read. >> Resolution J.
• Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick on the resolution. >> Thank you, Madam President.
• I want to thank the sponsor and Senator Webb for bringing this resolution to the floor.
• Senator Bailey on the resolution. >> Thank you, Madam President.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation, then approved the prior day’s journal and proceeded to a lengthy third-reading calendar. Early business included several motions to discharge Assembly bills from committees and substitute identical Senate bills, along with a few bills laid aside for the day. The chamber also recalled two bills from the Assembly, restored one bill to the Third Reading Calendar after reconsideration, and received amendments on two other bills without changing their calendar status. The Senate then took up a large number of bills across topics including labor, energy, insurance, consumer protection, environmental conservation, health, banking, elections, public service, education, workers’ compensation, criminal justice, local government, and tax law. Most measures passed with broad support, though several drew recorded opposition. Notable debate included Senator Mayer’s explanation for a bill intended to prevent treatment-court participants, including veterans, from losing their driver’s licenses twice after completing diversion programs; Senator Ryan’s support for a bill expanding prosecutors’ ability to treat repeat sexual abuse as persistent abuse; and a sharp exchange on a bill repealing New York’s HIV/STI criminalization law, with Senators Borrello and Chan opposing it and Senator Salazar defending the repeal as necessary to reduce stigma and protect survivors. The chamber also adopted and recognized several resolutions and guest presentations. Members welcomed the Tri-Valley Secondary School girls cross country champions, Miss America Cassie Donagan and Miss New York Teen Nadia Anwar, and the Hudson High School varsity boys basketball team. Later, the Senate took up a resolution proclaiming May 2026 as Maternal Mental Health Month, with multiple senators speaking in support of greater awareness, reduced stigma, and improved care for pregnant and postpartum New Yorkers. At the end of the session, the sponsors opened the day’s resolutions for co-sponsorship, and the Senate adjourned until Monday, June 1 at 12 noon, with intervening days designated as legislative days.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate will be in order.
• Senator Trumbull, so I give you a break. Thank you for that. Senator Burgess. Senator Davis.
• We will miss also Senator Polsky. I know Senator DiCeglie will miss Senator Polsky as well.
• Have all senators voted? All senators voted.
• Senator Avila. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Senator Pizzo. So at... Senator Avila.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator.
• Is shall the Senate adopt a joint house resolution in concurrence? Are you ready for that question?
• "The original Senate bill excluded all Senate bonding when we put S. 20 on.
• Thank you, Senator. That was a lovely tribute to a lovely senator.
• Senator from Rutland has moved that the Senate...

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate will come to order. Welcome back.
• The one of the Senate The one of the Senate changes were championed from the Senator from Lamoille, was
• I thank the senator.
• Thank you, Senator. Senator from Windsor.
• Thank you, Senator.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate will come to order. Senator from Rutland. Yes, Mr. President.
• Senior Senator from Chittenden. Yes, Senator from... Mr.
• Question is, shall the Senate adopt the resolution on its part? Are you ready for the question?
• Senator Winker. The Senate will come back to order.
• And this might explain some things about where Senator Buruth Senator President Where Senator Buruth

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Bass [member_23778]. Senator Carter [member_23784]. Senator Connick [member_2684].
• Senator Lambert [member_2693]. Senator Luneau [member_2867]. Senator Lambert [member_2693].
• Senator Luneau [member_2867]. Senator Mizell [member_2868]. Here. Senator Morris [member_23777].
• Senator Reese [member_23772]. Senator Wheat [member_2943]. Present.
• Senator Lambert is here as well. And Senator Lambert is here as well.

Keywords: 974, senate, all