Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Rules Committee will come to order. The Senate Rules Committee will come to order.
• Good afternoon, members of the Senate.
• Oh, sorry, Senator. Good afternoon.
• Senator Lerner, Senator Grove. Thank you. Welcome.
• Thank you, Senator Laird. Thank you. Senator Laird.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee first approved several governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Arthur Krantz to the Public Employment Relations Board and Christopher Ferguson, Brian Haynes, Anna Marie de Mars, and Ronald Fiore to the Student Aid and Student Athletic commissions. The committee also approved references of bills to committees by a 5-0 vote. It then heard testimony from Julia Montgomery, nominated as General Counsel to the Agricultural Labor Relations Board, who described her long career serving agricultural workers and said the ALRB’s mission is to protect workers’ rights, support fair bargaining, and ensure access to information and resources. Questions to Montgomery focused on card-check unionization procedures, signature authenticity, outreach to farmworkers, and enforcement of make-whole orders. Senator Grove raised concerns about workers being pressured or not knowing what they signed, while Montgomery said objections and unfair labor practice charges can be filed and investigated, though the office does not independently verify signatures unless there is an allegation. Senator Reyes pressed on delays in collecting make-whole awards, including the Tri-Fanucchi case; Montgomery said appeals, bankruptcies, and employer closures often delay relief, but the agency seeks settlements and enforcement when possible. The committee voted 3-2 to advance Montgomery’s appointment to the full Senate. The committee then considered three State Board of Education nominees: Cynthia Glover Woods, Brenda Lewis, and Gabriela Orozco Gonzalez. In their testimony, all three emphasized long careers in education, support for students and teachers, and the importance of early learning, community schools, professional development, and aligning instructional materials with standards. Members questioned them about math achievement, the 2023 mathematics framework and Algebra I access, the state’s low national rankings, transitional kindergarten access, and a proposed change to education governance. The nominees said they support flexibility for students ready for Algebra I, believe recent instructional materials and professional learning will help improve outcomes, and had not been involved in governance-structure discussions. Public witnesses from school and child-serving organizations spoke in strong support. The committee then advanced Glover Woods and Gonzalez on 3-1 votes and Lewis on a 4-1 vote for full Senate confirmation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Senator.
• Thank you, Senator.
• Senator Gonzales.
• Good afternoon, Senator Allen and Senators on the committee.
• Good afternoon, Senator Allen and Senators on committee.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The hearing focused on Los Angeles’ preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with an emphasis on infrastructure, transportation, sustainability, community benefits, and legacy planning. Members and witnesses discussed venue readiness, state and local coordination, public safety, accessibility, and how the Games can leave behind lasting improvements such as transit upgrades, streetscape work, energy and utility improvements, and potentially permanent community assets. LA28 also highlighted its broader planning goals, including a transit-first, no-new-permanent-build approach and the use of temporary venues that could later serve communities. LA28’s Joey Freeman reported on ticket sales, volunteer interest, sponsorships, and recent legislative wins, including laws to support the games route network, temporary infrastructure, medical staffing, and out-of-state EMS deployment. He said LA28 has reached $2.5 billion in corporate sponsorships, sold more than 4 million tickets in the first drop, and launched a local presale with roughly half a million $28 tickets and a community ticketing program. However, several senators sharply criticized the ticketing rollout, saying low-cost tickets were too limited and that the committee lacked basic data on how many tickets were available, sold, or priced affordably. Members also raised concerns about ensuring access for low-income residents, schools, nonprofits, and the broader Los Angeles community. Mayor Karen Bass said the city’s theme is “Games for All” and described efforts to prepare small businesses, improve infrastructure, and create a citywide Cultural Olympiad and fan-fest style viewing sites modeled partly on Paris. She asked for state help with permitting, mutual aid for law enforcement, and cleanup of state-owned corridors and highways, and said the city wants local businesses prioritized over a broader Southern California definition of “local.” Other witnesses from Exposition Park and the Rose Bowl described major venue-specific needs, including accessibility, traffic and safety upgrades, utility replacement, site improvements, and legacy investments. No formal votes were taken in the portion provided, but members requested follow-up meetings and additional information on ticketing, community access, procurement, cultural programming, and infrastructure plans.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Senator Bob Archuleta and the Chair, and Senator Roger Niello here to my left.
• Senator Doraso.
• Good afternoon, Senator Archuleta, Senator Cortese, Senator Niello.
• Thank you, Senator.
• We have Senator Bob Hertzberg, retired Senator Bob Hertzberg.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Select Committee on Hydrogen Energy held an informational hearing on California’s hydrogen leadership, with Chair Bob Archuleta framing hydrogen as a complementary clean-energy pathway for hard-to-electrify sectors and emphasizing the need for balanced policy, community benefits, and strategic use of public funds. The first panel of private-sector witnesses from the California Hydrogen Business Council, Bosch, Hyundai, and Sierra Northern Railway described existing deployments in buses, trucks, rail, ports, and industrial uses, and argued that the technology is commercially ready but needs stable policy, faster permitting, stronger demand signals, and more infrastructure. They highlighted projects such as Hyundai’s NorCal Zero freight trucks, Bosch’s hydrogen components and refueling technology, and Sierra’s hydrogen switcher locomotive, while also noting major cost barriers, especially for fuel and equipment, and the need for continued state incentives and coordinated infrastructure planning. Committee members focused on labor standards, community engagement, and the current scale of hydrogen vehicles and fueling infrastructure. Witnesses said they work with labor groups, building trades, and safety organizations, and that early community involvement and first-responder training are important. In response to questions, panelists estimated roughly 15,000 to 16,000 light-duty fuel cell vehicles in California, around 100 hydrogen trucks, and growing bus deployment, with South Korea cited as having much larger fleets. They also discussed hydrogen fuel costs, with one rail operator saying delivered fuel had fallen from more than $60 per kilogram to about $35 per kilogram but would need to drop below $10 per kilogram for broad commercial viability. CARB’s incentive and regulatory programs, including heavy-duty vehicle subsidies and low-carbon fuel standards, were described as important supports, though federal tax credit changes and uncertainty were said to be slowing progress. The second panel addressed hydrogen’s public-health, air-quality, and climate role. CAPCOA, the Coalition for Clean Air, the building trades, and a UC Berkeley researcher argued that hydrogen should be used selectively in the most polluted, diesel-heavy settings such as ports, freight corridors, rail yards, transit depots, and backup power for data centers. They stressed that fuel cell applications provide zero tailpipe emissions, but cautioned that hydrogen produced from fossil fuels or used in combustion rather than fuel cells reduces the environmental benefit. The UC Berkeley witness presented modeling suggesting large reductions in NOx and particulate exposure, with significant avoided premature deaths and health savings if hydrogen displaces diesel in heavy-duty sectors. Panelists also urged that hydrogen not delay direct electrification, that environmental justice be central to deployment, and that infrastructure and safety planning include community engagement and measurable local benefits. The final panel featured public-sector updates from SamTrans, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, the Port of Long Beach, and the First Public Hydrogen Authority. SamTrans described its transition of more than 300 buses to battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell buses, including a large order of 108 hydrogen buses, but said the loss of expected ARCHES funding created a major gap for fueling infrastructure and that state support is needed for grants, tax exemptions, and axle-weight rule changes. GoBiz said the federal cancellation of ARCHES funding disrupted the market, but that private capital remains available if demand and cost-reduction signals are strong; it pointed to permitting streamlining and targeted state action as key next steps. The Port of Long Beach reported 106 hydrogen fuel cell trucks in port drayage, a $10 million hydrogen truck grant program, and a request for proposals for a public fueling station, while warning that high costs, fuel shortages, and the Colton incident have slowed momentum. First Public Hydrogen Authority described efforts to aggregate municipal demand, support green hydrogen production projects, and create long-term market certainty for suppliers and off-takers. Committee members repeatedly pressed witnesses on where state funding should go next, with several suggesting that near-term support for transit fleets, fueling infrastructure, and targeted high-impact corridors would be the most effective way to keep hydrogen deployment moving.

Transcript Highlights:

• This joint hearing of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Water and the Senate Committee on
• Good morning, Senator Becker, Senator Stern, Senator Serato, Senator Perez, thank you for having me today
• Yeah, you want to go to Senator Perez? Senator Perez, go ahead.
• Senator Rubio? Aye. Senator Rubio. Hi. You know, thank you.
• There needs to be something and Senator Stern, you use the word cover acreage. each one of the And Senator

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate hearing of the Natural Resources and Water Committee and the Emergency Management Committee focused on wildfire resilience, with members discussing the SB 254 report on enhancing California’s response to natural catastrophes. Opening remarks emphasized the scale of wildfire damage, the need for prevention and preparedness, and concerns about the affordability and insurability crisis. Senators repeatedly contrasted the relatively small share of funding going to community hardening with the much larger amounts spent on utility wildfire mitigation and landscape-scale projects, and several members raised concerns about CEQA delays, one-time funding, and the need for more sustainable, ongoing financing. The Legislative Analyst’s Office presented an overview showing about $4.7 billion in state wildfire resilience appropriations from 2018-19 through 2025-26, with funding shifting from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to the General Fund and then to Proposition 4. LAO noted that only about $65 million had been specifically targeted to community hardening, while most funding went to forest health, fuels, research, and related programs. LAO also said one-time funding will decline in coming years and that future GGRF support is uncertain, though General Fund use is not legally precluded. Members asked about maintenance costs, polluter-pays ideas, and whether performance metrics should focus more on property and community risk reduction than acres treated. Cal Fire’s State Fire Marshal described the state’s community wildfire preparedness strategy, centered on home hardening, defensible space, and neighborhood-scale mitigation. He said roughly 4 million homes are in the wildland-urban interface, most built before modern fire-resistant standards, and argued that the state must move from response to prevention. He said Cal Fire is incorporating the SB 254 recommendations into its updated action plan, has streamlined some fuel-reduction projects under a recent executive proclamation, and is shifting some grant funding toward maintenance of existing treatments. Cal OES described the AB 38 pilot and FEMA hazard mitigation work, saying the pilot helped build tools and standards for home hardening but that federal approval delays remain a major barrier; the agency reported 155 hardened properties, 19 under construction, and 370 assessed and waiting. The Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force said it has coordinated more than $6 billion in state and federal investments, is moving toward regional block grants and better data-driven prioritization, and is developing separate community and landscape strategies. The hearing ended with discussion of modeling, data gaps, utility coordination, contractor capacity, and possible legislative or budget changes to better align funding and metrics with community safety outcomes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Brew, no. Senator Beck, yes. Senator Benson, no. Senator Ber, no. Senator Brennan, yes.
• Senator Guling, no. Senator Hardy, no. Senator Harrison, no. Senator Hashim, no.
• Senator Hefern, yes. Senator Engel, yes. Senator Lion, no. Senator Major, no. Senator Matoss, yes.
• Senator Bohosski, no. Senator Watson, no. Senator Week, yes. Senator Weston, yes.
• ><01:28:36.000> Senator The senator from Washington, Senator The senator from Washington, Senator

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and subsequently passed in the Senate and subsequently passed in the Senate Omnibus<00:25:40.000
• Please include the language in Senate Please include the language in Senate file<00:30:44.840>
• >> Thank you, Senator. Any other questions? >> Thank you, Senator.
• Senator Jeske? I heard.
• Senate. Uh we will meet at 10:00 a.m. or Senate.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on a health insurance/home care nursing provision and on other consumer protection items. Nick Keis and Emily Walters, both parents of medically complex children, testified that commercial health plans had recently begun capping home care nursing as if it were intermittent home health visits, which they said was contrary to Minnesota law and legislative intent dating to 2010. They described severe impacts on their families, including hospitalizations, loss of nursing coverage, strain on waiver budgets, and the risk of children being forced out of the home and into institutions. Representative Bierman echoed that the bill was a straightforward clarification of existing law, not a new mandate or added cost, and a staff member later cited the statutory definition of home care nursing as ongoing, continuous nursing services that cannot be met through intermittent or visit-based care. The committee also discussed the practical difference between home health visits and private duty/home care nursing, with testimony emphasizing that the latter is medically necessary, assessed, and not unlimited in practice. Laura Sales of the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office testified on changes to the Consumer Protection Restitution Fund (CIPRA). She said the fund has begun distributing restitution, starting with consumers harmed by the closure of Woodbury Dental Arts, but that current statutory language limits the office’s flexibility to prorate payments. She asked for an amendment allowing the AGO to distribute available funds more equitably so more eligible consumers can receive some payment, rather than requiring full payment to the oldest claims first. Annette Meeks, representing Citizens Against Gambling Expansion, testified in support of banning sweepstakes gambling in the Commerce Committee omnibus report. She argued that online sweepstakes casinos are an illegal gray-market form of gambling, cited rapid growth and billions in revenue, and said other states have acted through enforcement and legislation to stop them. She urged the committee to include language from Senate File 4474 to clarify state law and prohibit sweepstakes gambling. No votes were taken in the portion of the meeting shown; members mainly asked questions and received testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Senate bill.
• Senate only provision. Senate only provision.
• of the Senate bill. of the Senate bill.
• the Senate language. the Senate language.
• Senate side section 4. Senate side section 4.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The committee met to walk through nonpartisan side-by-side comparisons of House File 4188, focusing on differences between House and Senate language across consumer protection, insurance, financial services, health, and technical provisions. Staff highlighted numerous Senate-only items, including rules for financial providers communicating through trusted contacts, virtual currency requirements for banks and credit unions, a prohibition on virtual currency kiosks beginning in 2026, mortgage servicing and student loan servicing changes, the Rental Home Marketplace Guarantees Act, insurance and travel-related provisions, scrap metal licensing changes, protections related to minors accessing chatbots and AI companions, and several technical or conforming repealers. Staff also noted that some provisions were identical or substantially similar between the chambers, including mortgage originator standards, student loan borrower protections, securities-related changes, unclaimed property provisions, and technical updates in the bill’s miscellaneous articles. The Senate-only health-related articles were also summarized, including repeal of the prescription drug affordability advisory council, technical changes to the reinsurance program, and a series of health insurance provisions on enrollment-growth notices, limits on officer and director salary increases under certain capital conditions, guaranteed issue rights for certain Medicare supplement enrollees, data-sharing between Commerce and Health, restrictions on using artificial intelligence alone to deny claims, reimbursement for clinical trainees, home care nursing coverage, and PBM transparency. The Senate’s telecommunications article was described as largely technical and conforming, with repeals of obsolete statutes. Staff also noted that some standalone bills had already passed and would be removed from the comparison report. Public testimony followed. Thomas Elness of AARP Minnesota supported inclusion of the cryptocurrency kiosk bill, expressed support for guaranteed issue protections for a narrow group of consumers affected by discontinued plans, and urged adoption of changes to the consumer protection restitution account, including raising the cap to $10 million per fiscal year. Representative Lee testified that the restitution account proposal should be treated as policy rather than finance because it has a zero fiscal note, and said the House would accept the Senate’s $10 million cap. Robin Rowan, representing the Minnesota Insurance and Financial Services Council and the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, urged adoption of Senate travel insurance language, requested a House-style change to lead-generation recordkeeping language, and supported a Senate provision allowing employers and insurers to coordinate notice to employees when group policies are cancelled. The Department of Commerce then responded to questions, explaining that the prescription drug affordability council would be sunset because the board already has other avenues for public input, that the reinsurance changes were technical and did not alter the prior agreement, and that the abandoned cryptocurrency provisions rely on statutory definitions of inactivity and known examples such as keys stored in safes or deposit boxes.

Transcript Highlights:

• in the Senate bill. in the Senate bill.
• Senator Senator West.
• Senator<00:40:27.240> Rest. Senator Rest. Senator Rest.
• Senator<00:54:29.480> Dibble. Senator Dibble. Senator Dibble.
• Senator<00:59:00.080> Evans. Senator Evans. Senator Evans.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm proud to be the ranking member of the Senate Banks Committee, Senator George Borrello, from the 57th
• Committee, Senator George Borrello from the 57th Senate District in Western New York.
• Senator Mark Walczyk, 49th Senate District, the largest Senate District in the state of New York geographically
• Thank you, Senator. Bill number 3698, sponsored by Senator Sanders.
• It had been motioned by Senator Salazar. It had been motioned by Senator Salazar.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Banking Committee met with Chair James Sanders Jr. and reviewed a full agenda of banking-related bills. Early action included approval of a bill requiring licensed check cashers to file suspicious activity reports, and a bill on civil penalties for fraud or misrepresentation in financial products or services, though several members objected to removing the intentionality standard and warned it could broaden enforcement too far and discourage lending in New York. The committee also advanced a bill prohibiting fees for periodic paper statements, a bill on asset-based lending transactions, and a bill requiring reporting of suspected financial exploitation. Members spent substantial time on a bill regulating automated lending decision tools. The sponsor and chair said the measure would allow AI use but require a human review or appeal if a borrower is denied, while some senators raised concerns about competitiveness for state-chartered banks and possible overlap with existing human oversight. The bill was reported out and referred to the Internet and Technology Committee for further review. The committee also approved a DFS study bill on the financial stability and licensing of the check-cashing industry, with a suggestion that the study also examine risks of expanding the industry. A major discussion centered on the “Deep Protection Act,” aimed at preventing foreclosures tied to deed theft. The sponsor described cases involving elderly homeowners and fraudulent transfers, while opponents argued the bill was vague, could create unintended consequences or private litigation, and might affect only a small share of mortgages because it applies to state-chartered institutions. The sponsor said the bill would be amended and noted interest in related county clerk reforms. The committee ultimately sent the bill to Judiciary. The final bills addressed mortgage payment schedule fees and unsolicited mail loan checks; both were approved. The meeting ended after the chair emphasized open debate and committee review as part of improving legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first bill today is Senate Bill 4238 by Senator Parker.
• Next is Senate 3333. Next is Senate 3333 by Senator Hinch.
• Next is Senate Bill 749 by Senator May.
• Next is Senate Bill 749 by Senator May.
• It's Senate Bill 153 by Senator Sutton.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The committee considered a series of bills, with most advancing to the floor after brief discussion. Senate Bill 4238 on fraudulent conveyances drew the most substantive debate; one member raised concerns that the bill could upset protections for bona fide purchasers and lenders by automatically returning property to the original owner without adequately addressing downstream parties. The chair said those concerns would be shared with the sponsor, and the bill was held for further discussion rather than moved immediately. Several other measures were reported favorably, including bills granting immunity to businesses and nonprofits when crime victims seek help on their premises, extending filing timeframes for certain toxic-substance exposure claims, restricting certain homeowners association activities, regulating real estate listing agreements, creating a private right of action for deed theft, enacting the Clock Stop Act, addressing companion animals in domestic relations cases, repealing Judiciary Law section 470, extending certain mechanics liens, and waiving biannual attorney registration fees for public-service attorneys. The attorney fee-waiver bill received especially strong support from members, though one member noted the loss of registration-fee revenue and the bill was reported to finance. The committee also discussed a bill to increase the number of family court judges in certain counties. Members generally supported adding judges but questioned why only specific counties were included, suggesting the need for a broader, data-driven review of caseloads and county needs. The sponsor and members expressed willingness to continue working on the issue, and the bill was reported to finance. The meeting concluded with notice that one final committee meeting would be held the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're joined by our Ranking Member, Senator O'Mara, as well as Senators Bottcher and Chan.
• Sponsor: Senator Jacobs. S. 7966A. Sponsor: Senator Jacobs. An act to amend the Tax Law.
• Sponsor: Senator Walter. An act to amend the Legislative Law.
• Sponsor: Senator Helming. An act to amend the Legislative Law.
• Sponsor, Senator Helming and act him on the legislative law.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Investigations and Government Operations Committee met on May 12, 2026, with Chair James Skoufis noting it could be the committee’s final meeting of the session and that the agenda included 44 bills, many involving local tax matters. Most measures were moved and reported with little discussion, including several Tax Law, Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, Public Officers Law, and local authorization bills. A number of bills were also referred onward, including S. 3649, which Skoufis recommended against because noncompliant municipalities could lose significant funding; it was defeated. Other measures were referred to Finance, Judiciary, Energy, or Codes, including S. 8221B, a bill on ticket resale and consumer protections, which Skoufis said would cap many fees, limit live music resale above face value, require disclosure of ticket holdbacks, tighten broker licensure, and close refund loopholes. Members briefly questioned the ticket-resale bill, asking what consumer benefit it would provide and which tickets would be covered. Skoufis explained that the bill was aimed at reducing price gouging, especially for concerts and some smaller events, while carving out Broadway and sports. He also said the bill would address hidden ticket allocations and refund practices that had been problematic during the pandemic. The committee then voted to report the bill to Finance. Several other bills drew negative recommendations or were defeated, including S. 8447 and S. 8619, both of which were defeated after no-vote recommendations. S. 9284 was referred to Judiciary, S. 9741A to Finance, and S. 9924 to Codes. The committee also reported a state land transfer bill for the Richardson Center Corporation and approved or reported numerous other bills, ending with S. 10188, which approved Section 2 of Chapter 316 of the Laws of 2025. Skoufis thanked the clerk, staff, and members at the close of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Moved by Senator Bailey. Seconded. Moved by Senator Bailey. Seconded by Senator Subpoena.
• Senator O'Mara is an aye. Senator Borrello is an aye. Senator Griffo is an aye.
• Senator Helming is an aye. Thank you. Senator Gallivan is an aye. Senator Helming is an aye.
• Senator Walker is an aye. Senator Skoufis is at AWR. Senator Mayer is in AWR.
• Senator Krueger and Senator Cooney.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee, chaired for the day by Senator John Liu, took up a long agenda of bills covering labor and benefits, corrections, health, taxation, government transparency, and public services. Early measures included increasing short-term disability benefits, adjusting a poverty-level-related earned income disregard, expanding correctional health staffing review, and authorizing the Inspector General to investigate sexual assault complaints in correctional facilities; each of these advanced to the floor. The committee also advanced bills on ovarian cancer screening access, retirement system membership changes, a trail stewardship program, live agency representative access, FOIL/open meetings fee awards, a Harriman campus development plan, court data reporting, educator conventions, park water testing, an energy storage tax abatement, a Native American Affairs office, adult changing tables in public facilities, Medicaid Inspector General audit standards, remote training certification for agency personnel, newborn Gaucher disease testing, electronic self-exclusion requests for gambling, and child daycare inspections and opioid antagonist requirements. Several bills drew discussion. The prescription drug transparency bill (Print 488A) prompted questions about possible overlap with federal Hatch-Waxman/FTC oversight and whether a New York notice requirement could slow generic-drug settlements; sponsors and staff said it was intended as a supplemental transparency measure for consumers. The court reporting bill (Print 1849A) raised concerns about mandates on local governments, but supporters said it mainly required OCA to compile data in one format. The Medicaid local-share phaseout bill (Print 5519) generated the most debate, with supporters arguing it would provide major property tax relief and should be addressed in the budget, while opponents emphasized the need to curb Medicaid fraud, waste, and abuse first. Two major fiscal oversight proposals were defeated. Print 8661, which would have required the Comptroller to hire an independent private auditing firm to review state-funded programs for fraud and abuse, was opposed despite support from some members who argued outside auditing was overdue; it failed by one vote. Print 5519 was also ultimately defeated after a recount confirmed it lacked the required majority of the full 22-member committee. Most other bills were approved and sent either to the floor or, in the case of the drug transparency bill, to the Rules Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Moved by Senator Harckham, seconded by Senator Tom? On favor? Aye. Against? AWR?
• Moved by Senator Mayer, seconded by Senator Lanza? All in favor? Aye. Against? AWR.
• Moved by Senator Sepúlveda, seconded by Senator Comrie. On favor? Opposed? AWR.
• Moved by Senator Harckham, seconded by Senator Mayer. On favor? Aye. Against? Okay.
• Moved by Senator Myrie. Seconded by Senator Sepúlveda. All in favor? Aye. Against? AWR.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee met with Senator John Liu chairing at the request of Senator Michael Gianaris. The committee considered several bills for placement on the floor calendar, including print number 488A by Senator Fernandez, 5599 by Senator May, 8483C by Senator Chris Ryan, 8563 by Senator Clear, and 8616A by Senator Janice. Most of the bills were described as being placed after various law codes, including the General Business Law and the Jobs law, though the transcript contains some garbled references. For each item, a member moved the bill and another seconded it, followed by brief voice votes. The committee recorded no substantive debate; the votes were largely unanimous or near-unanimous, with “aye” responses and no recorded opposition beyond unclear “AWR” notations. Each bill was reported or moved to the floor. After the final item, 8616A, the committee completed its business and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's read that resolution title only and call on Senator Ramos. >> Senate Resolution No. 2074, by Senator
• The resolution is adopted. Senator Serrano.
• The resolution is adopted. Senator Serrano.
• The resolution is adopted. Senator Serrano.
• THE RESOLUTION IS ADOPTED. SENATOR SERRANO.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the journal, and took up a series of motions to discharge identical Assembly bills to the Third Reading Calendar, along with committee reports and amendments. The chamber also received an introduction from Senator Gonzalez honoring Maria Raine and her advocacy for guardrails on AI chatbots after the death of her son, and later adopted a Rules Committee report sending several General Business Law bills directly to Third Reading. The resolution calendar was adopted with some exceptions, and the Senate recognized several previously adopted resolutions honoring individuals and observances, including Barnabas McHenry, Arthur Jones Jr., Floyd Todd Peterson III, the Lexington School for the Deaf, Tadeusz Kosciuszko, Apraxia Awareness Month, Fibromyalgia Awareness Day, Prevention Week, Physician Anesthesiologists Week, and Golf Day in New York. The Senate then considered and passed numerous bills, many on consumer protection and public policy topics. Measures included bills on General Business Law, Public Health Law, Correction Law, Environmental Conservation Law, Executive Law, Vehicle and Traffic Law, Public Officers Law, Not-for-Profit Corporation Law, Public Housing Law, Education Law, Labor Law, and Public Service Law. Several bills were laid aside, including a Public Health Law bill by Senator Fernandez and a Public Service Law bill by Senator Parker. The chamber also passed a concurrent constitutional resolution by Senator Stec proposing an amendment to Article 14. During floor debate, senators explained votes on several measures. Senator Ramos spoke in support of paid sick leave for domestic workers, describing the bill as a long-overdue labor protection for a workforce historically excluded from such rights. Senator Fernandez described her bill as the Manufacturer Disclosure and Transparency Act, aimed at requiring notice and public disclosure of certain pharmaceutical patent settlement agreements to improve transparency and competition in prescription drug pricing. Senator Ryan and Senator Martins supported a bill restricting hidden algorithmic price manipulation online, and Senator May supported a bill limiting excessive rental car fuel charges as part of a broader consumer protection package. The Senate also passed a memorial highway bill naming a portion of Route 19 in LeRoy for Lieutenant Gary A. Scott, with Senator Borrello explaining the veteran’s service and sacrifice.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're joined here today by Senator Murray, Aranker, and Senator Claire.
• Senator White. Senator White is negative. The bill is reported.
• Senate Bill 6913 by Senator Harcone is to be reported to finance.
• Motion by Senator Cleare. Motion by Senator Cleare. Second, Senator Murray. All in favor? Aye.
• The Senate Bill 7005 by Senator Ross and Mrs. is going to finance.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Standing Committee on Social Services met on May 12 with a quorum present and considered seven bills, with four sent to finance and three advanced to first reading. The committee discussed SB 1450A, which would raise shelter allowances up to 100% of fair market rent; several members questioned the impact on county budgets and sought clarification that the bill sets a maximum rather than an automatic requirement. Despite concerns, the bill was reported, with Senator White voting no. The committee also reported SB 2516A on a refugee resettlement program, SB 5505 on mental illness training and temporary housing, SB 6913 on the 211 essential community services online system, and SB 7005 on longer stays at domestic violence shelters, with members characterizing several of these as codifying existing practice or grant-related measures. The remaining bills were SB 7632, which would include households fleeing domestic violence in the family homelessness and infection prevention supplement program, and SB 7754A, which would address finger imaging for SNF benefit recipients. Both were moved forward without substantive debate and reported, with Senator White recorded without recommendation on SB 7754A. Across the meeting, motions were made and seconded by committee members, and the bills were advanced by majority vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the Library Chair, Celabino, and I'm joined here today by Senator Bristport, Senator Zellnor, Senator
• Tedisco, and Senator Murray.
• S110A, sponsored by Senator May.
• Moved by Senator Murray. Seconded by Senator Brisport. Thank you. Moved by Senator Murray.
• Motion by Senator Brisport, seconded by Senator Zellner. Ayes. Aye. Nays. AWR. All in favor?

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Standing Committee on Libraries met on Tuesday, May 12 at 9:45 a.m. with Chair Celabino and Senators Brisport, Zellnor, Tedisco, and Murray present. The committee considered a short agenda of four Education Law bills related to libraries and library services. The first bill, S110A by Senator May, would require certain libraries to adopt policies ensuring staff can curate and develop collections, services, and programming consistent with the Human Rights Law and the Equal Rights Amendment. Members clarified that the measure was intended to empower local library boards and librarians to make collection decisions, rather than direct the Board of Regents to mandate specific content. The bill was moved by Senator Zellnor and seconded by Senator Murray, then advanced unanimously. The committee also advanced S5989A by Senator Bynoe on library cards for minors, B680A by Senator Connery directing a study on public libraries’ access to capital funding, and S8044A by Senator Bynoe establishing the Library Literacy Education Guidance Act. Each bill was moved, seconded, and approved without opposition. The meeting then adjourned after all four bills were reported out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Morris? Here. Senator Abraham? President Pro Tem Barrow? Here. Senator Cloud? Here.
• Senator Hodges? Here. Senator Cloud? Here. Senator Hodges? Here.
• Senator Abraham: yes. Senator Barrow: no. Senator Cloud: yes. Senator Hodges: yes.
• Senator Kleinpeter: yes. Senator Miguez: yes. Senator Kleinpeter: yes. Senator Miguez: yes.
• Senator Barrow? No. Senator Cloud? Senator Hodges? Yes. Senator Kleinpeter? Yes. Senator Miguez?

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Luneau. Here. Present. Senator Carter. Senator Edmonds. Senator Jenkins. Senator Mizell.
• Senator Luneau? Senator Carter? No. Senator Edmonds? Senator Jenkins? No. Senator Mizell? Yes.
• Senator Luneau? No. Senator Carter? No. Senator Edmonds? No. Senator Carter? No. Senator Edmonds?
• Senator Edmonds? Senator Jenkins? Yes. Senator Mizell? Senator Seabaugh? No. Three ayes, two nays.
• Senator Carter? Yes. Yes. Senator Edmonds? Senator Jenkins? Yes. Senator Mizell? Senator Seabaw?

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Introduction of Senate resolution, Senate resolution number 116 by Senator Klein Peters, the resolution
• Senate Resolution 118 by Senator Barrels, the resolution to commend and congratulate Edda Jane Harris
• Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 64 by Senator Price is a concurrent resolution to create and provide
• Senate Resolution No. 115, by Senator DePlessis.
• Introduction of Senate concurrent resolution: Senate Concurrent Resolution 16 by Senator Alaa is a concurrent

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate will come to order. >> Senator Murphy. >> Mr.
• Members remaining under motions and resolutions. Senator Latz, for a motion. Mr.
• Senator Green, Senator Hoffman, Senator Senator Green, Senator Hoffman, Senator Klene,<02:28:09.359><
• Klene, Senator Dibble, Senator Weber, Klene, Senator Dibble, Senator Weber, Senator<02:28:11.200>
• Senator<02:36:09.760> Senator Senator Senator Senator Senator Hoffman,<02:36:12.319> were

Keywords: 1187, senate, all