Transcript Highlights:

• >> The Senate will come to order.
• Senator Gianaris. Oh, Senator Serrano. Hi. Please recognize Senator Oberacker for an introduction.
• SENATOR GIANARIS. >> OH, SENATOR SERRANO. >> HI.
• Calendar 353, Senate Print 4473, Senator Ramos, an act to amend the Labor Law.
• SENATOR GIANARIS.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior day’s journal, and then recognized several guest groups, including the Shenendehowa High School girls varsity cross country team and tennis champion Jolie Chichak, as well as the Downsville Central School Student Council. Senator Tedisco introduced the Shenendehowa athletes, highlighting their state and federation championships and strong academic records, and Senator Oberacker introduced the Downsville students. The chamber extended courtesies to the guests. The Senate then moved through the calendar, passing a series of bills and resolutions. Among the measures approved were a bill designating Overdose Awareness Day, a real property tax bill, a public authorities bill, several education-related bills, a private housing finance bill, a workers’ compensation bill, and a labor law bill. Some items were laid aside before later being taken up, including the cannabis bill and the environmental conservation bill. Votes were largely unanimous or near-unanimous, with a few recorded negatives on certain bills. The most extensive debate centered on Calendar 261, Senator May’s environmental conservation bill concerning renewable energy installations and transmission on state reforestation lands. Senator Walczyk and others questioned whether the bill would allow solar, wind, battery storage, tree cutting, herbicide use, and reduced environmental review, while supporters argued the bill was mainly about transmission corridors, climate goals, and preserving flexibility for DEC oversight and mitigation. After debate, the bill was restored to the non-controversial calendar and passed 42-13. The Senate also passed Calendar 353, Senator Ramos’s labor law bill addressing class action wage recovery and statutory damages. Supporters said it would clarify the law so workers can recover full wages in class actions, while opponents warned it could encourage litigation against small businesses over technical payroll errors. The bill passed 47-8. The Senate then completed the calendar and adjourned until March 4, 2026, with intervening days as legislative days.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Lamas. Senator McKelby is excused. Senator A. Hi. Recommendation is adopted.
• Senator<00:01:33.280> Lamas. Senator Lamas. Senator Lamas.
• <00:01:36.159> Senator<00:01:36.479> A. >> Senator McKelby is excused.
• Senator A. >> Senator McKelby is excused. Senator A. Hi. Hi. Hi.
• last session on Senate Bill 1038. last session on Senate Bill 1038. um<00:45:11.040> Senate

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up a short-form administrative licensing measure requested by the administration to correct and clarify renewal provisions in a prior bill. Members raised no questions, and the committee voted to adopt the proposed Senate draft and recommit the bill back to the Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee for a further public hearing. The committee then heard SB 2876 on natural hair braiding, which would exempt natural hair braiders from licensing under certain conditions. The Board of Barbering and Cosmetology said it views hair braiding as within the broader scope of cosmetology, but agreed that people who only braid hair should not need a license because the training and exam requirements are minimal. The board warned, however, that exempting braiders could create consumer protection gaps involving sanitation, training, and enforcement, and noted that related services such as waxing, cutting, coloring, shampooing, and relaxing would still require licensure. Supporters included the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii and the Institute for Justice. The committee also heard SB 2950 on captive insurance and SB 2951 on insurance proceeds. On SB 2950, the Insurance Division opposed the bill, saying captive insurance is designed for formal self-insurance for companies and that allowing captives to insure the public would not fit the existing regulatory framework; a fire survivor advocate supported the measure as a way to expand disaster-related insurance options. On SB 2951, which would require mortgage servicers to follow certain rules for disbursing insurance proceeds after residential damage or destruction, United Policy Holders strongly supported the bill, citing delays in releasing funds and the need to help survivors rebuild, while banking and financial industry groups submitted opposition or comments. Finally, the committee heard SB 2952, SB 2960, and SB 2964, all related to property insurance and disaster recovery. SB 2952 and SB 2960 would extend the time policyholders have after a declared disaster to submit documentation and recover replacement cost value, with supporters arguing that rebuilding after major disasters takes far longer than standard policy deadlines allow and that the bills would improve consumer protection and transparency; the Insurance Division, the Insurance Council, and national insurance groups opposed the measures. SB 2964 would require annual disclosures of replacement cost value and coverage sufficiency; the Insurance Council opposed it as costly and unnecessary because policies already include inflation-related adjustments, while United Policy Holders and fire survivors supported it, saying many homeowners are underinsured and do not understand their coverage.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Coin? >> Aye. Senator Elefante? >> With reservations. Okay. Senator Hashimoto? >> Aye.
• Senator Inoe? >> Aye. Senator [snorts] Kua? >> Aye. Senator Kidani excused. Senator McKim excused.
• Senator Lee? >> Aye. Senator Richards? >> Aye. Senator Wai? >> Reservations. And Senator Favlla?
• >> Uh Senator McKim excused. Senator Lee. >> Uh Senator McKim excused. Senator Lee.
• >> Senator Richards.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee opened with the 10:54 agenda and took up SB 2656, a short-form bill relating to taxation. The chair explained the intent was to insert the provisions of proposed SD1, then recommit the bill to the Committee on Ways and Means so the process could start over and a full hearing could be held later. The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass SB 2656 proposed SD1 with amendments and recommit it, with aye votes from the chair, vice chair, and several senators, and reservations from Senators Elefante, Wai, and Favlla; Senators Kidani and McKim were excused. For the remaining three agendas on that meeting block, no oral testimony was taken. The chair said there was a large volume of written testimony, so the committee would review it and defer decision-making to a later date on all three measures. The meeting then moved through the 10:55, 10:56, and 10:57 agendas. On the 10:55 agenda, the committee said it would defer decision-making to Monday, March 2, except for SB 334, which would be deferred and then reposted as proposed SD2 for a full hearing, with testimony to be submitted on the proposed SD2 rather than the current version. On the 10:56 and 10:57 agendas, the committee deferred decision-making to Tuesday, March 3, at 10:15 a.m. in conference room 211, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Senator<00:04:23.360> Kavilla >> Senator Kavilla >> Senator Kavilla >&
• >> Senator<00:48:36.720> Morwaukee >> Senator Morwaukee >> Senator Morwaukee
• Senator Ihara voted aye. Senator Moriwaki is excused. Senator Fevella voted aye.
• Senator<01:15:20.320> Ihara Senator Ihara Senator Ihara >> I. >> I. >> I.
• Senator >> Senator Mory Walke is excused. Senator Favlla. Favlla. Favlla. >> Hi.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Labor and Technology met on February 25, 2026, to consider gubernatorial nominees to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council under GM 630, GM 628, and GM 631. The chair explained hearing procedures, noted backup reconvening plans in case of technical failure, and said decision-making would occur after testimony if time permitted. Testimony on all three nominees was overwhelmingly supportive, including from Department of Labor and Industrial Relations officials, Workforce Development Council representatives, and various outside supporters. For GM 630, Carrie Miro described decades of work on career pathways and emphasized applied learning, internships, and stronger links between education and employers. Senators questioned how to restore hands-on trade and career education and how to connect students to real workforce opportunities; Miro said businesses should help shape training and that students need both credit and employment incentives. For GM 628, Rona Fukumoto said her experience leading Lanakila Pacific and working in homeless services would help the council better understand the needs of people with disabilities, older adults, and other vulnerable populations, and she stressed educating employers and the public. She also said youth programs, apprenticeships, and early intervention for “opportunity youth” are important, and noted that college-based programs like those at HCC can still provide effective hands-on pathways. For GM 631, Keith Dlo, who is seeking reappointment, said the Workforce Development Council should help create a future in Hawaii for younger generations by aligning schools, agencies, employers, and communities. He said his work on American Job Centers and the council’s convening power show it is an active body, not just a reporting mechanism. Senators pressed him on how to measure success beyond federal compliance, and Dlo said the council needs Hawaii-specific metrics focused on participation, completion, job placement, and retention of young residents, while also adapting to changes like AI. No votes or final confirmations were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Eric Botcher, representing the 47th Senate District on the West Side of Manhattan, which spans
• Yes, Senator, thank you. So we have Senate Bill 70, sponsored by Senator Kavana.
• Senate Bill 2027, sponsored by Senator Sanders, an act to amend the Banking Law in relation to creating
• Senate Bill 3177, sponsored by Senator Sanders, an act to amend the Banking Law and Administrative Code
• Senate Bill 3615, sponsored by Senator Sanders, an act to amend the Banking Law in relation to minority

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Banks Committee met with Chair James Sanders Jr. and members including Senators Brisport, Borrello, and newly introduced Senator Eric Botcher. The chair emphasized the committee’s willingness to debate and revise bills, with several members noting the value of open dialogue and bipartisan cooperation on banking issues affecting unbanked and underbanked New Yorkers. The committee considered five bills. S.70 (mortgage loan services) drew opposition from one member over its private right of action, with concerns that litigation would raise costs and make mortgages less affordable; it was nevertheless moved and reported out. S.2027 would create a banking development district working group; supporters said the program needs an overhaul and more funding, and the bill was moved and referred to finance. S.2327 would dedicate 10% of fines and penalties imposed by the Department of Financial Services to a community development financial institution fund; it was reported out and referred to finance. S.3177 would regulate commercial finance licenses and was also voted out and referred to finance. The final bill, S.3615, would support minority depository institutions establishing home or branch offices in unbanked or underbanked communities. A co-sponsor highlighted that rural areas also face banking access problems and praised the bill as a nonpartisan effort. The committee approved the bill and referred it to finance. The meeting concluded with adjournment after all listed bills were acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator<00:25:55.320> Rasmussen. Senator Rasmussen. Senator Rasmussen.
• Senator Nelson. Thank up, thank you. Senator Nelson.
• Senator Jasinski. continue flowing. Senator Jasinski.
• Senator<00:37:20.880> Kroon. Senator Kroon. Senator Kroon.
• Senator Rasmusson. Okay, thank you. Senator Rasmusson.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Senator Senator Koop. >> Senator Senator Koop.
• Senator<00:55:13.280> Karan. Senator Karan. Senator Karan.
• >> Senator<01:09:07.440> Koop, >> Senator Koop, >> Senator Koop, >> Senator
• Any other final comments, Senator<02:00:28.320> Key? Senator Key? Senator Key?
• Senator<02:04:14.639> Balden. Senator Balden. Senator Balden.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Thank you Senator Senator Utki. >> Thank you Senator Senator Utki.
• And thank you, Senator<00:27:17.919> Coop. Senator Coop. Senator Coop.
• > then<00:52:58.400> Senator Uh, Senator Ariki and then Senator Uh, Senator Ariki and then
• Senator Senator, Senator, Senator, >> you<00:53:00.960> were<00:53:01.119> just<
• Uh Senator Senator >> Thank you so much.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we have Senator Lindsey Port, Senator Carlson, Senator Marty, and it sounds like Senator Bahr will
• /c><00:02:44.400> Carlson, Senator Lindseay Port, Senator Carlson, Senator Lindseay Port, Senator
• Senator Wesland. point. Senator Wesland.
• Senator Westlin. >> Senator Koran. >> Yes. >> Senator Carlson. >> I. >> Senator Bahr. >> No. >> Senator
• Senator<01:16:20.640> Dreheim. Senator Dreheim. Senator Dreheim.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:04.560> PA hunting Senate file 1251 and Senator PA hunting Senate file 1251 and Senator
• Senator P. Back to you. Senator P. Back to you.
• Pa, Senator Her, this bill, Senator Pa, Senator Her, Senator<00:08:00.000> um<00:08:00.400>
• >> Senator<01:43:02.000> Green. >> Senator Green. >> Senator Green.
• Uh Senator Dowski. Okay. Uh Senator Dowski.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First bill on the agenda is Senate File 3552, Senator Kunes.
• Senator<00:14:02.480> Dibble. Senator Dibble. Senator Dibble.
• Senators Dibble and Senator Weber Senators Dibble and Senator Weber regarding<00:17:40.559> these
• Thank you, Senator Rest. Moving on to Senate File 3597. Thank you so much. Senator Rest.
• Senator<00:41:17.599> Rest. Senator Rest. Senator Rest.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, as the senator stated, we're 48th in the country for school counselors to student ratio.
• The bill, as it is presented now, which we are thankful to Representative Berg and Senator P for coauthoring

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Legislators and school counselors discussed a bill aimed at strengthening school counseling services in Minnesota. Supporters said the proposal would clarify counselors’ roles in state policy, require at least one school counselor in every school, and ensure counselors spend 80% of their time in direct services to students rather than being assigned to duties like hall monitoring or substitute teaching. The bill was described as building on prior efforts to expand student mental health supports after COVID and responding to Minnesota’s low student-to-counselor ratio, which speakers said ranks 48th nationally. Several counselors testified about the pressures facing students and schools, especially in communities affected by ICE enforcement and broader trauma. A St. Paul counselor described students displaced by enforcement actions, a child whose father was detained, and schools serving as food distribution centers. Another counselor from Minneapolis said students were experiencing chronic stress, fear, and difficulty focusing on school, with staff organizing mutual aid, delivering supplies, and helping students continue learning from home. Speakers said these conditions are statewide and that counselors are providing trauma support, family crisis navigation, and basic needs assistance. In response to questions, a Minnesota School Counselor Association advocate said the bill is intended to give counselors a clearer state framework and support their professional training and responsibilities. No vote or formal committee action was described in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good to have you today. of uh Senator Roberts and um Senator of uh Senator Roberts and um Senator Wagner
• > by<00:28:05.120> Senator Senate bill number 133 by Senator Senate bill number 133 by Senator
• > by<00:31:17.360> Senator Senate bill number 133 by Senator Senate bill number 133 by
• , Senate Bill 305 by Senator Smith and 37, Senate Bill 305 by Senator Smith and others<00:33:26.640><
• Amendment to Senate Bill 279 by Senator Chambliss.

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am Senator Gonzalez, the committee chair, and I'm joined today by Senator Stec, who is our incredible
• The next bill is Senate Bill 3699, not by yours truly, but by Senator Sanders: Senate Bill 3699, an act
• The next bill on today's agenda is Senate Bill 5609 by Senator Salazar: Senate Bill 5609, an act to amend
• The next bill on today's agenda is Senate Bill 6954A by Senator Gounardes: Senate Bill 6954A, an act
• The next bill is Senate Bill 6955A by Senator Gounardes: Senate Bill 6955A, an act to amend the General

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Internet Technology Committee met on February 25 at 12:10 with Senator Gonzalez chairing and Senator Stec as ranking member. The committee considered a series of bills focused on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, biometric surveillance, and related technology issues, including measures to create a Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer, require notices for generative AI systems, direct a state agency telework report, require multi-factor authentication for governmental entities, establish a Secure Our Data Act, study facial recognition technology, restrict biometric surveillance by law enforcement, and increase transparency for synthetic content and AI training data. Most bills were moved and reported out of committee, with several sent to the floor and others referred onward to the Finance Committee, Codes Committee, or reported without recommendation or with opposition noted. SB 933, SB 934A, SB 936A, SB 3699, SB 6954A, SB 6955A, SB 7263, and SB 9051 were reported to the floor; SB 1139, SB 1961A, and SB 9051 were sent to Finance; and SB 5609 was sent to Codes. Votes varied by bill, with some receiving no opposition and others drawing one or more nays or without-recommendation votes. Senator Gonzalez also briefly highlighted SB 9051, which would prohibit AI chatbots from using features considered unsafe for minors, describing it as a response to concerns about harm from companion bots and chatbot interactions with children. The chair noted work with the Attorney General’s office and Common Sense Media and said the bill was intended to promote regulation and accountability for companies deploying such systems. The meeting concluded with thanks to the ranking member and staff, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• uh Senate Bill 2249 relating to bribery. uh Senate Bill 2249 relating to bribery.
• Senator Chang I.<00:56:54.559> Senator<00:56:54.880> Sanuro I. Senator Sanuro I.
• c> recommendation If not, Senator Chang's recommendation If not, Senator Chang's recommendation Senate
• If not, uh Senator<01:11:42.000> Chang, Senator Chang, Senator Chang, >> recommendation<
• If not, Senator Chain. If not, Senator Chain.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills related to bribery and public corruption. On SB 2249, which would increase penalties for bribery under certain circumstances, the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the measure, arguing that Hawaii’s current class B felony penalty is probationable and too weak to secure cooperation in corruption cases, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Snyder decision narrowed federal bribery prosecutions. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that elevating bribery to a class A felony and making it non-probationable was excessive, overbroad, and would remove judicial discretion. Multiple individuals also testified in support. Committee members questioned the prosecutor about removing deferred acceptance of plea provisions and asked HPD about the $20,000 threshold; the prosecutor said alternative charges could still be used in plea bargaining, and HPD said the threshold aligns with first-degree theft. The committee also discussed how current law tolls the bribery statute of limitations while an official remains in office, with the prosecutor explaining it can extend up to six years total. The committee then heard SB 2494, which would set a nine-year statute of limitations for bribery offenses. The Public Defender opposed the extension, saying the justification based on the length of federal investigations was too broad and that bribery already has a longer limitations period than most felonies. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the bill, saying bribery cases often involve coordination with federal investigators, that federal and state evidence-gathering methods may differ, and that a longer period would help ensure admissible evidence and allow state prosecution when federal law no longer applies. Members asked whether there were public examples of cases lost to the current limitations period; the prosecutor said he was not aware of any publicly available examples, but maintained nine years was a reasonable period. The committee also considered SB 2737, which would create a misdemeanor for failure by a state or county elected official to report bribery. The Department of the Attorney General offered comments and suggested changing the term to “public servant” for consistency with existing law. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the intent but warned the reporting requirement could create Fifth Amendment issues for witnesses who might otherwise be useful in grand jury proceedings. The bill drew broad public support, with 33 supporters and no opposition noted. Finally, the committee took up SB 3071, which revises sex trafficking and promoting prostitution statutes by redefining “profits from prostitution” and adding an affirmative defense for certain lawful transactions. The Public Defender opposed the measure, saying it still could reach people without the required criminal intent and that the affirmative defense language could be applied unevenly. The Attorney General and Honolulu Prosecutor supported the bill, saying it better addresses concerns raised by the State v. Ibarra decision while closing loopholes that allow traffickers to disguise profits as loans or gifts. The prosecutor emphasized that traffickers are sophisticated and can structure transactions to evade current law.

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome, Senator Walsick, Senator Helming, Senator Jackson, Senator May, Senator Brisbane, Senator Brisport
• , Senator Salazar, and Senator Rivera.
• Senator May, Senator Brisport, Senator Salazar, and Senator Rivera.
• Second from Senator Helming and Senator Clear as well, backing up Senator Helming.
• I've got a motion from Senator May, second by Senator Helming and Senator Rivera.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Housing, Construction, and Community Development Committee met on February 25 and took up a series of housing-related bills, many of which had previously passed the Senate or been reported by the committee in prior sessions. Measures advanced included bills on NYCHA utility accountability, a small rental housing development initiative, uniform waiting list priorities for domestic violence survivors, protections for dependent children named in eviction papers, expansion of veterans’ housing preferences, inclusion of illegal conversions in the definition of harassment, repeal of obsolete rent formula language, inspection of major capital improvement rent increases and rent stabilization extensions, a community land trust acquisition fund, and an affordable independent senior housing assistance program. Most were reported to finance, Codes, or the floor, typically with some minority negative or “without recommendation” votes noted. The committee then returned to Senate Bill 6718B, sponsored by Senator Jackson, which would eliminate certain surcharges landlords may charge when tenants install appliances in rent-regulated housing. A guest speaker, Mr. Umberto Lopez, argued the bill would further squeeze landlords, especially small property owners, and warned that rising costs and regulation could lead to more units being taken off the market or “warehoused.” Committee members asked about the bill’s practical effect, including whether tenants could install appliances only with landlord approval and how current surcharge amounts are calculated for air conditioners, washers, dryers, and dishwashers. The chair explained that the bill would remove the ability to charge those existing fees, which are intended to cover wear and tear and utility-related costs. After the discussion, the committee voted to report S6718B, with minority negative votes recorded. The chair also noted an upcoming housing budget hearing later that day and repeatedly emphasized time limits during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Gianaris. >> And please recognize Senator Bailey for an introduction. >> Senator Bailey. >> Thank
• Senator Gianaris. Please recognize Senator Lanza for an announcement. Senator Lanza.
• The Senate will stand at ease. The Senate will come to order.
• >> CALENDAR 331, SENATE PRINT Calendar 331, Senate Print 2611, Senator Addabbo, an act to amend
• >> CALENDAR 234, SENATE PRINT Calendar 234, Senate Print 3406, Senator Comrie, an act to amend

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation focused on memory, gratitude, and recognizing the unseen people who sustain public life, then approved the prior day’s journal and moved through introductions of guests, including domestic violence advocates, medical scholars, and student advocates. Senator Webb’s Resolution 1633, designating February 23, 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Day, was adopted after remarks describing the scope of domestic violence in New York and the need for more survivor services. The chamber also adopted memorial Resolution 1558 honoring Margaret D. Williams, a vocalist, public servant, and community leader, and Resolution 1630 marking the 20th anniversary of Park and Public Lands Advocacy Day, with comments emphasizing the health and community benefits of parks and green space. The Senate then took up a series of bills on the calendar, passing measures including amendments to the Environmental Conservation Law, Labor Law, Education Law, Administrative Code of New York City, General Municipal Law, Tax Law, Cannabis Law, and Executive Law. Senator Ramos explained her support for the labor bill as the Anti-Waiver of Employment Rights Act, which would prevent employers from forcing workers to waive labor and human rights protections in applications or onboarding documents. Several bills were passed by wide margins, while some were laid aside for the day. The chamber also restored Senate Print 438 to the third reading calendar after reconsideration. A contested amendment to Calendar 234, Senator Comrie’s Executive Law bill, was ruled non-germane by the chair; Senator Walczyk appealed, arguing the amendment addressing the state energy code and all-electric building mandate was relevant to housing costs, but the Senate voted 20 to sustain the chair’s ruling. The underlying bill was then returned to the non-controversial calendar and passed. Finally, the Senate adopted a concurrent resolution electing two members to the Board of Regents, with supporters praising the nominees’ experience and critics objecting to the limited vetting time; the resolution passed 42-15. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, February 26 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Joining us today are Senator Baskin and Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, and we have voting sheets from
• Okay, moved by Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, seconded by Senator Baskin. All those in favor? Aye.
• Okay, motion made by Senator Baskin, seconded by Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick. All those in favor?
• Thank you, Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, for moving, and then seconded by Senator Baskin.
• Okay, motion made by Senator Baskin, seconded by Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Women’s Issues Committee met on February 25, 2026, with a quorum present and Senators Baskin and Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick participating. The committee considered six bills focused on women’s health, maternal care, and lactation access. These included S.520 on ovarian cancer survivor screening rights, S.1305A on hospital care for mastectomy, lumpectomy, and lymph node dissection patients, S.6232 to make permanent a prenatal and postpartum informational mobile app currently being piloted by the governor, S.7048 on review of projects affecting maternal service availability, S.7731 on insurance coverage for a hospitalized birth parent’s inter-hospital transport to accompany an infant, and S.8542 to create a directory webpage for lactation accommodations in state-owned and state-leased buildings. Members generally expressed support for the measures, with brief discussion on the prenatal/postpartum app bill noting it had been operating as a pilot and would be made permanent. Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick also shared a personal comment in support of the infant transport coverage bill, describing the difficulty that would arise if a newborn needed NICU transport while the parent remained at another hospital. The chair emphasized the importance of the bills for birthing people and maternal health access. All six bills were approved by motion and vote. S.520 and S.6232 were advanced to finance, while S.1305A, S.7048, S.7731, and S.8542 were reported to first reading. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are here with Senator Fahy and Senator Oberacker.
• First bill: Senate 593 by Senator Hinchey, an act to amend the Agriculture and Markets Law in relation
• Moved by Senator Fahy, seconded by Senator Borrello. All those in favor? Aye. Any opposed?
• Moved by Senator Oberacker, seconded by Senator Fahy. All those in favor? Aye. Any opposed?
• From Senator Borrello, seconded by Senator Fahy. All those in favor? Aye.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Agriculture Committee met and first took up five bills. It reported S.593 (land used in agricultural production), S.879A (the Garden Protection Act), S.3277 (transfer-on-death beneficiaries for farming implements), and S.4754 (creating an Office of Urban Agriculture). S.1529A, the Carbon Farming Act, was moved to the Finance Committee. The committee briefly discussed S.4754, with Senator Borrello asking about its status and members noting strong support for urban agriculture and food-system resilience; the bill was then reported to Finance by voice vote. The committee then heard from Julie Suarez, Associate Dean for Land Grant Affairs at Cornell CALS, who described Cornell’s role in research, extension, and public service across New York agriculture. She highlighted Cornell’s economic impact, growth in FFA participation including new urban chapters, dairy investment, and the potential of the maple industry, while emphasizing the need for continued agricultural science funding to address climate change, invasive species, and market challenges. She also pointed members to Cornell programs supporting food entrepreneurs, soil health, small farms, veterans entering agriculture, and community integrated pest management. Members asked questions about tick increases, with Suarez attributing them to deer, rodents, climate change, and invasive species, and said Cornell’s community IPM program offers landscaping and prevention guidance. She also explained Cornell’s land-grant and contract-college structure, including its statutory mission and state support. The meeting ended after members expressed interest in further outreach and informational sessions, and the committee adjourned.