Transcript Highlights:

• We have in the room Senator Addabbo, Senator Bynoe, Senator Cleare, Senator Jackson, Senator Liu.
• I don't see Senator Martinez, Senator Salazar, Stavisky, or Sutton.
• I see Senator Tedisco, Senator Weber, and Senator Stec. Thank you. Senator Weber and Senator Stec.
• Senator Liu. No. Senator Liu moves the bill. Senator Cleare seconds. All in favor? Aye. Opposed?
• Senator Stec opposed, Senator Tedisco opposed. Senator Weber? Without rec. AWR.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Education met on April 21 and considered several education-related bills, mostly extensions or technical changes. S-57 (BOCES services to out-of-state school districts), S-150B (small-city school board nominating communication deadlines), S-8904A (BOCES lease terms for properties), S-9148 (exempting certain preschool special services providers from separate Commissioner approval), and S-9611 (extending provisions on certified school psychologists and preschool special education services) were all moved to the floor with little or no opposition. The committee also took up S-2498, which would reduce the required number of lockdown drills in schools from 12 to 10 and adjust the timing of drills. Senator Tedisco spoke strongly against the bill, arguing that repetition is necessary to prepare students and staff for emergencies and that reducing drills would move in the wrong direction on school safety. Chair Mayer responded that the bill still requires a significant number of drills and is intended to reduce trauma, especially for young children. The bill advanced, with Senators Stec and Tedisco opposed and Senator Weber recorded without recommendation. Most other bills were described as aligning existing rules, easing administrative burdens, or extending current law. The committee concluded by noting the meeting was productive and adjourned after moving all listed bills forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Present today are our ranking members, Senator Weik and Senator Mattera.
• The first bill is Senate Bill S-1722, by myself, Senator Jackson.
• Moved by a senator. Seconded by Senator Mattera. All those in favor say aye. Aye.
• The fifth bill is Senate Bill S-7750A by Senator Mattera.
• The seventh bill, Senate Bill S-7986A. The seventh bill is Senate Bill S-7986A by Senator Ryan.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Civil Service and Pensions met on April 21, 2026, with a quorum present through in-person members and voting sheets. Chair Robert Jackson noted nine bills on the agenda, and the committee moved through each measure with no substantive debate or opposition raised. The committee approved and advanced several civil service, retirement, and public safety bills, including measures on salary schedule parity (S-1722), longevity payments (S-1739), procedures for receipt or discontinuation of certain benefits (S-5026B), geographic pay differentials for certain police officers (S-6598), deputy sheriff past service credit transfers between retirement systems (S-7750A), a 22.5-year retirement program for NYC EMTs and advanced EMTs (S-7916A), and firefighter service credit for certain State Police members (S-7986A). It also approved a bill changing the due date for the Teachers’ Retirement System’s annual W-B-E report (S-8234A) and a bill establishing the New York State park police (S-9301). All nine bills were reported favorably, with recorded votes of 7 aye, 0 nay, and 0 abstentions on each measure. Most bills were reported to the Finance Committee, while S-8234A and S-9301 were reported to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we are let's see in two resolutions.
• Concurrent Resolution. Concurrent Resolution.
• Definitely, Senator. I totally agree. Definitely, Senator. I totally agree.
• Senator Inouye's excused. Senator DeCorte. Chair recommendation's adopted. Thank you very much.
• Senator Inouye's excused. vote I. Senator Inouye's excused. Senator<00:15:20.320> DeCourcy.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing of the Committees on Public Safety and Military Affairs and Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs considered two resolutions related to Red Hill and PFAS contamination. HCR 186 urged the U.S. Department of Defense and Defense Health Agency to extend the renewal period for secretarial designee health care authorization for people affected by the Red Hill water contamination crisis and to improve access to care. Testimony from Moira Flanary and Board of Water Supply’s Ernie Lau supported the measure, emphasizing lasting health impacts, the need for continuity of care, and National Academies recommendations for continued eligibility and access to treatment. The second measure, HCR 200, urged the U.S. Department of Defense to reassess prior determinations and closure decisions under CERCLA in light of evolving scientific understanding of PFAS and recent federal hazardous substance designations. Mr. Lau testified in support, arguing that military investigations should not rely only on old records or AFFF documentation and should instead use current testing methods to identify contamination. He said PFAS is persistent, mobile in groundwater, and likely to require long-term remediation, and he also answered questions about cleanup challenges and the Board of Water Supply’s ongoing litigation against the Navy over Red Hill-related costs. At the end of the hearing, the committees voted to pass both HCR 186 and HCR 200 unamended. The Public Safety and Military Affairs Committee adopted the chair’s recommendations on both measures. The Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee did not have quorum, so its votes were deferred until April 21 at 2:00 p.m. in Conference Room 225.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am New York State Senator Pete Harckham, Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Environmental Conservation
• We're joined by our ranking member, Senator Stec, Senator Bynoe, Senator May, Senator Kavanagh, and Senator
• And we're joined by Senator Hinchey. Welcome. Next bill is S. 7039A by Senator Hinchey.
• S. 9311, Senator Persaw.
• Thank you, Senator Bynoe. Thank you, Senator Stec. All in favor? Aye. Any without rec? Any nays?

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Environmental Conservation, chaired by Senator Pete Harckham, met earlier than scheduled because of budget-related scheduling conflicts. The committee considered a 10-bill active list focused on environmental regulation, waterways, wildlife management, and remediation issues. Bills included a ban on lead in aviation gasoline (S.5440A), changes to air quality permit modification and enforcement procedures (S.6833A), adding waterways in Monroe and Putnam counties to the inland waterways definition (S.9062 and S.9506), an urban deer management pilot program extension (S.9098), expanded technical assistance grants and brownfield remediation provisions (S.9294), a DEC study on Jamaica Bay restoration needs (S.9311), repair of damaged pesticide containers (S.9587), and a prohibition on using drilling fluids, brine, and flowback water on highways (S.9635).

Transcript Highlights:

• I am joined by my colleagues, our ranker, Senator Rolison, as well as Senators Myrie and Weber.
• Moved by Senator Rolison, seconded by Myrie. Any nay votes? AWR. That is reported.
• I would have glad we've been joined by Senator Gonzalez, the one, the only.
• Moved by Senator Myrie, seconded by Senator Rolison. Any nay votes? N-AWR from Senator Weber.
• AWR from Senator Weber and Senator Rolison. That is reported. Okay. That concludes our agenda.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Children and Families Committee met on April 21 and considered three bills. S-8204, which would amend the Social Services Law and Family Court Act regarding the definition of “prospective relative guardian,” was moved and reported without objection. S-9042, which would amend the Social Services Law to incorporate a cost-of-living adjustment into subsequent maximum state aid rates, was also moved, but Senator Weber recorded a negative vote; the bill was referred to finance. The committee then took up S-9764, an act to amend the Domestic Relations Law concerning child custody. The bill was moved and reported, with Senators Weber and Rolison recording negative votes. No additional testimony or substantive debate was presented, and the meeting concluded after action on the three-bill agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first bill on the agenda is Senate, Fifth, Senate, uh...
• Senator Griffo and Senator O'Brocker. Senator Griffo and Senator O'Brocker.
• Senate Bill 6745 by Senators Domescu, January.
• Senator, thank you. That makes sense. Thank you. We talk. Senator, bill moved by Senator Lou.
• The next bill is Senate 948. Senate 948 by Senator Siviski. I am holding this bill.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The New York State Senate Committee on Higher Education met on April 21, 2026, with a quorum present and considered nine bills. The committee advanced bills addressing licensing discrepancies for junior and assistant landscape architects (S.1834A), SUNY/CUNY research foundation financial reporting (S.6745), credits for volunteer firefighters and EMTs enrolled in SUNY or CUNY (S.7367), campus pool and health membership for disabled veterans (S.7784A), early licensure eligibility for dental residents in multi-year specialty programs (S.8401A), a 90-day grace period for certain social workers awaiting limited permits (S.9303), interior designer certification standards (S.9673), and a transfer of excess tuition reimbursement account funds to support proprietary vocational school oversight (S.9682). One bill, S.948 concerning occupational therapists, was held pending resolution with the State Education Department. Members asked questions on several measures, including whether firefighter/EMT credits were tied to service rather than coursework, how the dental residency bill would work in practice, and the funding source and purpose of the proprietary school supervision account transfer. Support was noted for the interior designer bill from ASID, CIDQ, and IIDA, while most other bills had no listed support or opposition memos. The committee explained that the fund transfer bill would move up to $500,000 from a tuition reimbursement account balance above $2.5 million to help the Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision address oversight needs. All of the bills taken up and moved were reported out of committee, with some sent to the floor and others to the Finance Committee as indicated by the chair. Several were reported without recommendation from individual members. The meeting adjourned at 10:45 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1392 BY: SENATOR PERSAUD Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
• Senator Webb on the resolution. Thank you, Madam President.
• >> THANK YOU, SENATOR WEBB. Thank you, Senator Webb. Senator Bailey on the resolution.
• [Applause] And next up is another Senator Sepúlveda resolution, Resolution 1859.
• >> THANK YOU, SENATOR. THE RESOLUTION WAS PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED ON MARCH 10. SENATOR GIANARIS.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several guest introductions, including students from Brooklyn and St. John’s University, followed by adoption of the resolution calendar with exceptions for two items. The chamber then took up a series of previously adopted resolutions recognizing Black Maternal Health Week, Workplace Violence Prevention Month, the one-year anniversary of the Jet Set nightclub tragedy in the Dominican Republic, New York Constitution Day, and the Month of the Military Child. Senators speaking on the maternal health resolution emphasized racial disparities in maternal mortality and the need for culturally competent care; the workplace violence resolution highlighted hospital safety programs; the Jet Set resolution was adopted in memory of the victims; and the Constitution Day speech reviewed New York’s delayed but eventual support for independence in 1776. The military child resolution stressed the sacrifices of military families and support for children of service members. All of these resolutions were adopted, and the resolutions were opened to co-sponsorship. The Senate then moved through the third reading calendar, passing several bills and laying others aside. Measures passed included bills on public health, environmental conservation, executive law, public authorities, and consumer protection. One notable debate involved a bill to require transparency from private arbitration organizations handling consumer cases; supporters argued it would provide basic public data and guard against conflicts of interest, while opponents said it would burden a useful dispute-resolution process and intrude on privacy. The bill passed after debate. Another debated bill would phase out number 4 heating oil statewide; supporters said cleaner alternatives exist and the fuel is harmful to public health, while opponents raised cost and transition concerns, especially for colder regions. That bill also passed. The chamber also considered a bill to create a rebate program for battery-powered landscaping equipment, funded through utility-related mechanisms administered by NYSERDA. Supporters said it would reduce air and noise pollution and help companies transition, while opponents argued ratepayers should not subsidize landscaping equipment. The bill passed after being restored to the non-controversial calendar. Finally, the Senate began discussion of a housing-related bill aimed at preserving manufactured home parks by enabling nonprofits or municipalities to acquire development rights and keep the land dedicated to that use, with the sponsor explaining that the goal is to protect affordable housing and help residents remain in their homes.

Transcript Highlights:

• by Senator Rarick. by Senator Rarick.
• Um If<00:44:52.280> that<00:44:52.480> communication<00:44:53.440> had<00:44:53.720
• Senator Hemmingsen-Jaeger and Senator um Senator Hemmingsen-Jaeger and Senator Nelson,<00:58:56.560><
• <00:59:32.960> and<00:59:33.080> Senator Senator Hemmingsen-Jaeger and Senator Senator
• Senator<01:08:27.040> Latz. Senator Latz. Senator Latz.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank<00:44:01.599> you<00:44:01.760> very<00:44:02.000> much<00:44:02.160>
• plan um<01:44:02.400> over<01:44:02.639> the<01:44:02.800> course<01:44:02.960>
• Within<01:44:04.639> that<01:44:04.800> plan,<01:44:05.040> we<01:44:05.280>
• /c><01:44:11.679> other<01:44:12.000> modes,<01:44:12.400> which<01:44:12.639>
• So<01:44:17.199> slide<01:44:17.600> five<01:44:18.080> is<01:44:18.880> um

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:44:05.400> She<00:44:05.560> is<00:44:05.720> on<00:44:05.920> a<
• 00:44:06.200> on<00:44:06.320> a<00:44:06.440> IEP<00:44:07.360> and<00:44
• :44:12.800> caused<00:44:13.040> me<00:44:13.120> harm<00:44:13.320> because<
• from the senators? Senator<00:56:14.880> Lone. Senator Lone. Senator Lone.
• senators? senators?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a<00:44:08.200> bill<00:44:08.440> about<00:44:08.800> freedom<00:44:09.440
• It's<00:44:15.440> an<00:44:15.520> important<00:44:16.040> bill<00:44:16.400>
• it affects<00:44:17.240> 50%<00:44:18.560> of<00:44:18.720> all<00:44:18.920>
• Number<00:44:31.360> one,<00:44:31.680> securing<00:44:32.160> a<00:44:32.200>
• for<00:44:38.120> the<00:44:38.240> feasibility<00:44:39.560> and<00:44:39.800>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are here for the purpose of hearing one proposal, Senate File 3432, Senator Latz.
• Welcome to the committee, Senator Latz. Welcome to the committee, Senator Latz.
• Thank you, Senator Latz. Senator Rest. I move the motion. Are there any questions?
• Then, as Senator Rest moves that the provisions of Senate Concurrent Resolution Number 6 be suspended
• for all further proceedings on Senate File 3432 and that the previous committee report be adopted.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > um >> I I think Senator I think Senator and um >> I I think Senator I think Senator
• :44:09.520> I<00:44:10.240> I<00:44:11.119> think<00:44:11.359> that<00:44
• <00:44:13.200> It's<00:44:13.520> just<00:44:13.760> I<00:44:14.000> don't
• <00:44:21.839> and<00:44:22.000> I<00:44:22.160> I<00:44:22.480> appreciate
• Senator. Okay. Senator. Okay.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Senator.
• Thank you, Senator.
• Senator<00:10:07.440> Watters. Senator Watters. Senator Watters.
• question is, Senator? question is, Senator?
• Thank you, Senator. Appreciate it. Thank you, Senator.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that Senator Lang will work with Senator that Senator Lang will work with Senator Rosenwald.<00:
• Is<00:44:00.920> this<00:44:01.120> a<00:44:01.160> pass<00:44:01.480> and
• It<00:44:06.760> will<00:44:07.160> be<00:44:07.400> up<00:44:07.600> to<
• Our<00:44:22.520> current<00:44:23.240> deduction<00:44:23.800> is<00:44:24.000>
• > a<00:44:35.400> million<00:44:35.800> in<00:44:35.880> the<00:44:35.960

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm<01:44:14.400> just<01:44:14.560> wondering<01:44:14.880> if<01:44:15.000>
• it<01:44:15.640> in<01:44:15.760> the<01:44:16.240> in<01:44:16.360> the
• that I was referring<01:44:24.560> to<01:44:24.760> is<01:44:25.080> it's<01:44
• Uh<01:44:28.760> and<01:44:28.880> it<01:44:29.000> said<01:44:29.600> the
• ><01:44:29.720> the<01:44:29.840> title<01:44:30.200> of<01:44:30.320> it

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Senator. So, Senator, would you like to close? Yes, thank you, Mr.
• Senator. Thank you.
• Senator Strickland. Hello. There are you. Senators Cortese here, Strickland, Archuleta...
• Senators Menjivar; Valadares, aye. Senators Menjivar; Valadares, aye. Consent is out, 12-0.
• Item 7, SB 1064 by Senator Daly.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard and advanced a full agenda of transportation-related bills, with extensive testimony on several measures. SB 1087 by Senator Cabaldon proposed modernizing SB 375 regional climate and transportation planning by moving regional plan cycles from four years to eight, clarifying CARB and CTC roles, aligning funding programs with greenhouse gas goals, and reducing duplicative CEQA-related work. Supporters, including SCAG, MTC/ABAG, and other MPOs, said the bill would save time and money and improve implementation; opponents from clean air and housing groups warned it could weaken climate accountability, dilute VMT-focused reductions, and reduce public participation. The committee later passed the bill on a 9-1 vote. The committee also heard SB 1315, a modest data-collection bill on semi-autonomous vehicle software updates and insurance oversight, which drew no opposition and passed unanimously. SB 1275, by Senator McNerney, would replace the general fund portion of the state sales tax on motor vehicles with a vehicle license fee structure intended to create a federal tax deduction for buyers; the LAO provided technical background, and the bill advanced on a 9-1 vote. SB 1287 by Senator Hurtado would create a tax credit to spur private investment in short-line railroad infrastructure; supporters said it would improve freight efficiency, reduce truck traffic, and cut emissions, and it passed unanimously. The committee also considered SB 1064, which would reduce the frequency of clean truck checks for very low-mileage heavy-duty, off-road diesel, and special equipment vehicles; supporters said it would ease burdens on rural and low-use operators, while opponents awaited CARB analysis, and the bill passed 12-0 after amendments. SB 1375 by Senator Cortese would streamline environmental review for certain transit and rail projects that have already undergone extensive prior review, and it passed unanimously. SB 1392, also by Senator Cortese, would expand the smog-check exemption for older collector vehicles used mainly for shows, parades, and historic display; classic-car and lowrider advocates supported it, while air quality groups opposed it as increasing emissions, and it passed 10-2. The committee also adopted the consent calendar, including SB 1213 by Senator Reyes, and all measures were reported out to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Becker: Here. Senator Allen: Here. Senator Cabaldon: Here. Senator Grove: Here.
• Chair and Senators.
• Chair and Senators.
• Senator Kamalden.
• Senator Kamalden.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several natural resources bills, with most testimony focused on balancing conservation goals with transportation, utility, and local property impacts. SB 1393 by Senator McGuire updated Fish and Game Code provisions for steelhead trout and the Dungeness crab fishery, extending and refining management programs and vessel transit rules in closed crab areas. Supporters from The Nature Conservancy and Trout Unlimited said the bill would implement longstanding task force recommendations, preserve a valuable fishery, and improve the steelhead report card program; there was no opposition, and the bill was moved out on a 4-0 vote to Appropriations as amended. SB 1250 by Senator Cortese would require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation planning, including performance targets, coordination with Fish and Wildlife, and recognition of crossings, culverts, and fencing as transportation assets. Support came from a broad coalition of conservation, animal welfare, open space, and local government groups, who argued the bill would reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, improve public safety, and save money by integrating projects into routine maintenance. The California Building Industry Association said it would move to neutral after amendments clarifying the bill would not create exactions or apply to private property; the bill was approved 4-0 to Appropriations after those amendments were discussed. Senator Jones presented SB 1212 to repeal California’s ban on kangaroo products, arguing kangaroo harvest in Australia is tightly regulated, does not increase killing, and would restore consumer choice and business opportunities in California. Opponents, including Humane World for Animals, Animal Legal Defense Fund, and others, said the commercial kangaroo industry is cruel, raises animal welfare and public health concerns, and should remain barred. The bill was not advanced during the portion of the transcript provided. Senator Gonzalez presented SB 1268 to codify the state’s Outdoors for All initiative, which aims to expand equitable access to parks and outdoor recreation, especially in underserved communities. Supporters said many Californians lack nearby park access and that the initiative links outdoor equity with public health, climate resilience, and biodiversity. The committee chair expressed strong support; the bill was voted 3-1 to Appropriations, with Senator Grove voting no. Senator Ochoa Bogh presented three bills concerning the Western Joshua tree. SB 1061 would allow limited relocation of trees without triggering the same permitting burden as removal; SB 1062 would require Fish and Wildlife to consider proportionate, tiered mitigation fees for public utilities and infrastructure; and SB 1063 would create an expedited, fee-free pathway for certain residential utility, safety, and wildfire-hardening projects. Supporters from water agencies, local governments, and industry said the current framework imposes heavy costs on desert residents and ratepayers, while opponents argued the species still needs protection and that existing administrative processes can address fee and permitting concerns. SB 1061 and SB 1062 were each moved forward on 2-0 and 3-0 votes respectively, and SB 1063 was also advanced on a 3-0 vote, with the committee noting ongoing administrative fee and permitting reforms at Fish and Wildlife.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Archerletta.
• Senator Strickland.
• Thank you, Senator.
• Senator Cortese.
• Senator Cortese?

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee met without a quorum and operated as a subcommittee while hearing a long agenda of public safety bills. Early announcements covered consent calendar items, a pulled bill (SB 906), testimony limits, and a recess for lunch. Several measures were heard in special order and file order, with votes deferred until quorum was established. The committee also accepted or discussed amendments on multiple bills during presentation. SB 1446, by the committee, would change parole en banc review procedures by giving commissioners more discretion, making en banc votes public, and allowing CDCR referrals for sexually violent predator evaluations in certain cases. Support came from the California District Attorneys Association, while opposition came from Uncommon Law, the Ella Baker Center, and public defender and youth justice groups, who argued it would add confusion, raise constitutional concerns, and duplicate existing safeguards. SB 1278, by Senator Nilo, would exclude certain sex offenses from elderly parole eligibility; the author and district attorney supporters cited high-profile cases and victim trauma, while opponents said the current process is already rigorous, low-risk, and evidence-based. SB 1354, by Senator Archuleta, would prohibit out-of-state military or law enforcement personnel from entering California to perform such functions without the Governor’s permission; the committee amendment removed a criminal penalty, and the bill drew support from the California Public Defenders Association and allied groups, with no opposition heard. SB 926, by Senator Strickland, would fund implementation of Proposition 36 through a public safety services support fund; supporters said local agencies need resources for treatment, probation, and accountability, while opponents argued the bill was fiscally reckless, lacked guardrails, and prioritized incarceration over community-based treatment. The chair and author discussed amendments removing a fixed appropriation and shifting funding decisions to the budget process. SB 874, by Senator Weber Pearsons, would strengthen oversight of Medi-Cal behavioral health treatment services, especially ABA services, by requiring background checks for certain unlicensed providers, creating a stakeholder workgroup, and directing DHCS to issue guidance and report to the Legislature. Supporters said the bill would improve patient safety and program integrity, and no opposition testified. SB 1210, also by Senator Weber Pearsons, would extend CalGang oversight and due-process protections to local gang databases; supporters described privacy harms and inaccurate labeling, while law enforcement opposition said local investigative databases need flexibility and that the bill could significantly expand regulation. SB 1019, by Senator Grove, would create a California Cargo Thief Task Force in the Attorney General’s Office to combat organized cargo theft; it drew broad support from rail, trucking, shipping, and port interests, with testimony describing organized, dangerous theft rings and supply-chain disruption, and no opposition was heard. SB 1217, the non-consensual intimate image clearinghouse bill, was introduced at the end of the transcript after committee and privacy amendments were summarized, but its testimony and any action were not included in the excerpt.