Video & Transcript Research : '993'
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New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Environmental Conservation - 02/24/2026
Environmental Conservation
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Environmental Conservation met with a quorum via voting sheets and considered a 12-bill agenda focused on water quality, stormwater reporting, algal bloom prevention, safe drinking water infrastructure, coastal and marine protection, housing and land-use, animal welfare, and solar access. Chair Pete Harckham noted several members were delayed by weather and other committee meetings, and welcomed participating senators and staff. Most bills were described as measures the committee had seen before, with little debate beyond motions and seconds.
Bills approved included Harckham’s stormwater expenditure report bill (S.1609), a municipal water-quality assistance bill for lake associations (S.1733), the harmful algal bloom monitoring and prevention act (S.1833A), the safe water and infrastructure action program (S.1850A), the Whale Awareness Act (S.2292B), inland waterways additions for waterfront revitalization (S.2646), the Sustainable Affordable Housing and Sprawl Prevention Act (S.3492A), a bill on traveling animal acts (S.3629A), the Big Five African Trophies Act (S.5014), marine and coastal debris prevention (S.6307), and whale strike protection policies for large vessels (S.7718A). The solar bill (S.6570A), the Solar for Affordable Power Act, was also approved by the committee but was referred to the Energy Committee rather than advanced on the environmental conservation calendar.
Several measures were referred to the Finance Committee, including the stormwater report bill, the lake association water-quality bill, the harmful algal bloom bill, and the safe water and infrastructure bill. Other bills were advanced to the calendar, and the meeting concluded without recorded opposition on most items, aside from a few members voting without recommendation on some bills.
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New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Transportation - 02/24/2026
Transportation
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee met with a quorum and considered eight bills. Members discussed measures on motor vehicle repair shop disclosure requirements (S.516-A), the Rider Representation Act for public authorities (S.1148), community input in reviewing repair shop applicants (S.2329), driver education (S.3249), Blue Star Mother and Family distinctive license plates and a related support fund (S.7720), disabled person’s plates for those transporting severely disabled persons (S.7763), license suspension for failure to pay fines for impaired driving violations (S.8692), and dedicating part of the state and county highway system to the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway (S.9057). Several members spoke in support of the repair-shop disclosure bill as a consumer-affordability measure, and Senator Cooney noted the driver education and impaired-driving bills as part of the agenda.
Most bills were advanced by committee vote. S.516-A, S.1148, S.2329, S.3249, S.7763, and S.9057 were reported. S.7720 was approved by the committee but referred to Finance because it created a support fund. S.8692 was approved and referred to the Codes Committee. Senator Oberacker recorded opposition on S.1148 and S.2329, while the other measures were approved without recorded opposition.
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Summary:
The committee considered a series of health-related bills, many of which were described as repeat measures previously passed by the Senate. Topics included expanding telehealth coverage, increasing Department of Health oversight of correctional health services, improving transparency for managed long-term care plans, requiring written consent for psychotropic medications in nursing homes and adult care facilities, extending Medicaid inpatient coverage for childbirth, expanding abortion travel funding eligibility for active-duty military families, simplifying Medicaid enrollment and recertification, adding certified recovery peer advocates to standard coverage, strengthening protections against sexual misconduct by medical providers, covering medically tailored meals and nutrition therapy, regulating retail clinics, requiring nurse representation on hospital governing boards, creating a blood clot and pulmonary embolism work group, testing potable water in parks, setting PFAS drinking water standards, improving lead service line identification, creating a quality incentive program for Medicaid managed care, expanding concussion information requirements to additional youth sports, setting a residency requirement for funeral director licensure, and changing Medicaid Inspector General audit practices.
Most bills were briefly explained by sponsors or the chair, with limited debate. Several members asked clarifying questions on specific provisions, including the frequency of park water testing, how concussion information would be distributed, and details of the nurse representation requirement. The chair also noted pulling one correctional health bill from the agenda in favor of a more comprehensive measure, and one bill on correctional health was formally removed from consideration.
The committee voted on each remaining bill, generally with unanimous or near-unanimous support. Most measures were reported to either first reading or finance, while the bill on psychotropic medications was sent to aging. The correctional health bill that remained on the agenda was approved despite one opposition, and the bill on funeral director licensure was also advanced with one abstention. The meeting concluded after all listed bills were acted on.
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Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Labor met for its third meeting of the 26th Legislative Session and considered six bills. The agenda included workers’ compensation, labor law, minimum wage reporting, and employer training measures. Senators present included Ferdinandis, Jackson, Mayer, Zellner, and Mattera, with Senator Mayer’s bill on direct deposit for workers’ compensation payments opening the meeting.
The committee advanced SB 4467, which would allow certain workers’ compensation payments to be made by direct deposit; SB 4473, which concerns liquidated damages for labor law violations; SB 4514A, which would require an annual Department of Labor report on cost of living, poverty rates, and the effectiveness of the state minimum wage; SB 4832, which would require additional annual reporting by the Workers’ Compensation Board; and SB 6912, which would define mental health practitioners with diagnostic authority under workers’ compensation law. It also advanced SB 4593, which would create a voluntary Department of Labor training and certification program for employers called the Neurodiversity Training Pledge.
For each bill, a motion was made and the committee voted to report the measure forward, generally by voice vote with no opposition noted in the transcript. Most bills were reported to the calendar, while SB 4593 was reported to the Finance Committee. The chair closed by thanking members for an effective meeting and inviting them to the next Labor Committee meeting.
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Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Rules met with one bill on the agenda: Senate Print 9155, sponsored by Senator [questionable: approved] and enacted by the Cannabis Law. Senator Fernandez moved the bill and Senator Addabbo seconded it.
The committee took a vote on the motion, and the bill was reported favorably. No testimony or substantive debate was described in the transcript.
The chair announced that the bill would go directly to the floor for passage that day, and the meeting was then adjourned.
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New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 02/11/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Summary:
The Senate first handled routine business, approving the prior journal and taking up several messages and motions. A Rules Committee report was accepted on Senate Print 915, a Cannabis Law bill, and the chamber then moved to debate that measure on the controversial calendar. The bill was described by supporters as clarifying how distances are measured for adult-use cannabis dispensaries near schools and houses of worship, with the sponsor saying it would create statewide consistency and provide clearer direction to the Office of Cannabis Management. Opponents argued it would weaken protections for children and churches, reward agency mistakes, and allow dispensaries to be sited closer to school property than intended. After extended debate, the Senate passed the bill 36-23.
The cannabis debate centered on whether the bill merely clarifies legislative intent or substantively changes the law. Supporters said the current language left measurement methods undefined and that the bill would help legal dispensaries, reduce confusion, and push back illicit stores. Opponents said the original law already protected school grounds and houses of worship, and that the new language would allow dispensaries to abut school playgrounds, fields, or church-related property in some cases. Several senators also raised concerns about youth exposure, public consumption, local zoning, and the performance of the Office of Cannabis Management. After the vote, the Senate returned to the calendar and passed additional measures, including Calendar 121 (Public Authorities Law), Calendar 170 (Public Health Law), and Calendar 190 (Labor Law), each by comfortable margins.
The chamber also adopted a resolution package honoring Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School’s boys cross country team and girls field hockey team for state championships, with Senator Tedisco introducing the guests. Later, the Senate passed Senate Print 6990A, the Civil Voice Law, which requires state agencies to conduct exit interviews for employees who resign or retire. Supporters said the bill would improve accountability, morale, and retention by standardizing a way to hear from departing workers. The bill received affirmative explanations of vote from Senator Jackson and others, and the Senate continued through the calendar after its passage.
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New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions - 02/10/2026
Corporations, Authorities and Commissions
Summary:
The Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Committee met on February 10 and considered five bills. Senator Claire’s SB 2458 would set a six-year limit on challenges to New York City water board fees, rates, rents, and other service charges, and it was moved and reported to the floor. SB 2555, also by Senator Claire, would require explanatory statements for property disposals to identify all beneficial owners and be made publicly available; it was also passed and reported to the floor.
The committee then approved SB 6017 by Senator Baskin, the Food Retail Establishment Subsidy for Healthy Communities Act, which would provide loans, guarantees, interest subsidies, and grants to support food retail in underserved areas. Members noted the need for better food access in underserved communities. The committee also took up SB 6165 by Senator Skoufis, which would extend open meetings and FOIL requirements to certain local development corporations and related not-for-profit entities; there was some discussion about how these entities are used by municipalities, and the bill was reported to the floor.
Finally, the committee approved SB 8839 by Senator Garnardt, authorizing the Dormitory Authority to provide financing for the New York Climate Exchange’s construction and facilities. All five bills were advanced, with no recorded opposition, and the meeting adjourned after the last bill was reported.
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New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Housing, Construction and Community Development - 02/10/2026
Housing, Construction, and Community Development
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Housing, Construction and Community Development met on February 10 and reviewed a largely recurring housing agenda, with the chair noting the meeting had been moved to Tuesday because of train delays and that a housing budget hearing was scheduled for February 25. Several bills were taken up that had passed the Senate in prior sessions or had been reported before, including measures on manufactured home park rent increases, first-home savings and grant programs, a mobile/manufactured home replacement program, closing-cost assistance for low-income tenants, protections against eviction for certified medical marijuana use, senior and disabled persons protections, fire code and housing standard penalties, a Manufactured Home Community Preservation Act, a public housing painters apprenticeship program, veterans with service-related disabilities receiving preferences in affordable homeownership programs, and a senior housing task force. One bill on an affordable independent senior housing assistance program was held at the sponsor’s request.
Testimony and discussion were limited, with most bills moving on sponsor motions and seconded by other senators. There was brief clarification on the closing-cost assistance bill that it was intended for renters in public or subsidized housing, not people living with parents. Senators generally supported the measures, though some members voted in the negative or to advance without recommendation on several bills.
Actions taken included reporting multiple bills either to the floor or to the Finance Committee. Among those reported to the floor were the manufactured home park rent bill, the medical marijuana eviction protection bill, the senior/disabled persons bill, the fire code and housing standards penalties bill, the veterans homeownership preference bill, and the senior housing task force bill. Bills on first-home savings, manufactured home replacement, closing-cost assistance, the first-home grant program, the Manufactured Home Community Preservation Act, and the public housing painters apprenticeship program were reported to the Finance Committee. The committee then adjourned.
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New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Investigations and Government Operations - 02/10/2026
Investigations And Government Operations
Summary:
The committee met with a light attendance and acknowledged committee members, clerk Joyce Andrea, and central staff from IGO and finance. The chair noted an 18-bill agenda, with 17 repasses and one new bill, S.8555, described as a local tax extender for Suffolk County that had been overlooked the prior year. Once three members were present, the committee proceeded with normal motions and seconds.
The agenda included a range of measures on alcohol and cannabis regulation, public officers law, executive law, tax law, state law, and highway naming. Bills reported included S.315 on a temporary New York craft beverage permit, S.349 on expanding the definition of agency, S.566 on Address Confidentiality Program eligibility for election officials, S.1130 on renter protections tied to housing subsidies or public assistance, S.1787 on a veteran suicide awareness flag, S.2640 on including veterans in the definition of military status for discrimination purposes, and several cannabis-related bills including S.3261, S.5277, S.6181, and S.6283. S.1418A, concerning attorney’s fees in certain proceedings, was referred to finance.
Most bills were reported unanimously, though several had one nay or one without recommendation, including S.2271, S.234, S.2447, S.3261, S.5277, S.6181, and S.8555. The committee also reported S.2364 designating the Honor and Remember flag as an official state flag, S.55 renaming a highway in New York City, and S.8276 regarding qualifications for an assistant county attorney in Rockland County. The chair closed by thanking members and staff and noting the committee would meet again in a few weeks.
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Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Education met on February 10, 2026, with members noting the presence of staff and the 4201 schools, which were praised as an example of bipartisan support. The chair also referenced the committee’s annual report of bills passed. The committee then took up five education bills for consideration.
S. 1111, which would create a streamlined certification process for combination pre-kindergarten and daycare programs, was reported to finance. S. 1424, prohibiting discrimination against students on school property or at school functions based on religious attire, clothing, or facial hair, was reported to the floor. S. 3071A, establishing a task force on school transportation safety, was also reported to the floor. S. 6273A, directing a study on child caregivers and the impact on their education, and S. 6655, allowing students attending agricultural learning events to be marked present at school, were likewise advanced to the floor.
Each bill was moved, seconded, and approved without recorded opposition or with no objections noted. After completing the agenda quickly, the chair invited members to informally suggest future bills for committee review, and the meeting adjourned.
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New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Civil Service and Pensions - 02/10/2026
Civil Service And Pensions
Summary:
The State Senate Civil Service and Pensions Committee met on February 10, 2026, with a quorum present and several members attending in person or by voting sheet. Chair Robert Jackson opened the meeting, welcomed a new committee member and visiting members of the Uzbekistan parliament, and noted that the committee would consider 11 bills. The discussion was procedural and focused on moving each bill through committee.
The committee advanced a series of civil service, retirement, and benefits measures, including bills on compensation for employees with foreign language skills, health insurance and dental coverage for state employees, mental health care access for emergency dispatchers and correction officers, and several retirement-related proposals affecting correction officers, sheriffs, Nassau County members, and service credit transfers. Jackson also advanced his own bills on health disease presumptions for certain law enforcement and correction titles, retirement benefits, accidental disability retirement for sheriffs, and eligibility for city police retirement based on prior traffic enforcement service.
Each bill was moved, seconded, and approved unanimously, with reported votes of 7 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 abstentions/without recommendation. All 11 bills were ordered reported to the Finance Committee. The meeting concluded without further discussion or additional actions.
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New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering - 02/10/2026
Racing, Gaming And Wagering
Summary:
The Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee held its inaugural meeting for the 2026 session, chaired by Senator Joe Addabbo with Senator Tedisco as ranking member. Opening remarks emphasized expanding gaming in New York in a careful way that balances revenue and jobs with consumer protection, sport integrity, and addiction concerns. Senator Tedisco also welcomed the committee and noted the importance of racing and gaming in his district. The committee reported a quorum and introduced staff, including the new committee director.
Four bills were taken up. S.2611 would allow minors to play bingo when accompanied by an adult; it had passed the Senate previously with bipartisan support and was moved forward. S.2613 would require state lottery winners’ identities to remain anonymous unless they consent to disclosure; supporters framed it as consumer protection, and it was also advanced. S.6970 would allow unsold instant lottery tickets from closed stores to be redistributed to open retailers, with the sponsor saying this would prevent misleading consumers about available prizes; it was moved forward as well.
The final bill, S.7908, would prohibit minors from participating in sports wagering. It was described as a major topic and aligned with the Governor’s State of the State remarks. After brief discussion, the committee voted to advance it to the Finance Committee. All four bills received enough support to move on.
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New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Social Services - 02/10/2026
Social Services
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Social Services met with a quorum and considered four bills. The first, S.1458A by Senator Kavanagh, would remove the requirement that rent arrears paid by social services districts in municipalities of 5 million or more be repaid, effectively applying to New York City. Senator Kavanagh argued the repayment requirement creates unnecessary administrative burden and is inconsistent with other emergency assistance programs; Senator Murray questioned why the change was not statewide. The bill was moved to finance and reported with two members voting without recommendation.
The committee then advanced S.1757 by Senator Persaud, which would exclude certain unearned income of a child when determining public assistance eligibility, and S.1994 by Senator Ramos, which would prohibit requiring parents or caretakers to earn a minimum wage to qualify for child care assistance. Senator Murray asked for confirmation that the bill did not remove the underlying work requirement for child care assistance, and was assured it did not. Both bills were reported to finance, with S.1757 passing after a motion and second and S.1994 reported with one member voting without recommendation.
Finally, the committee considered S.3189 by Senator Persaud, which would require the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to post information on credit waivers, rental supplement plans, and shelter supplement plans on its website. Members described it as a transparency measure to make existing options easier for the public to find. The bill was moved and reported, and the meeting concluded afterward.
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New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Budget and Revenue - 02/10/2026
Budget And Revenue
Summary:
The Senate Budget and Revenue Committee met for its first meeting of 2026 with a quorum present and considered nine bills, mostly tax-related measures. Bills discussed included S196 on the public safety surcharge, S939 on gifts to the affordable housing for veterans and seniors fund, S985A on sales tax treatment for feminine hygiene products, S1140A on a tax on non-essential helicopter and seaplane flights in cities of one million or more, S1145 on increasing contributions to family tuition accounts, S1527 on a sales tax exemption for energy storage, S4601 on a temporary sales tax exemption for school supplies, S7641 on dedicating opioid excise tax revenue to the Drug Treatment and Public Education Fund, and S7875 on ending the sales tax exemption for precious metal bullion held for investment.
Most bills were advanced without significant opposition and were reported to the Finance Committee. S985A and S4601 were reported to the calendar/Finance after brief discussion; S4601 drew one negative vote. S1140A also advanced, with two no votes. S7875 received the most discussion, with the sponsor arguing that repealing the bullion exemption would recover an estimated $600 million in foregone revenue and better align with affordability concerns; it was reported to Finance with one member recorded as without recommendation.
Members generally framed the bills as affordability or revenue measures, citing rising costs for families, school supplies, housing, and the need to redirect or recover tax revenue. The meeting concluded after all agenda items were moved and reported.
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Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Insurance met on February 9, 2026, with several members present and voting sheets used to constitute a quorum. The committee considered a nine-bill agenda covering a range of insurance-related issues, including risk retention groups and commuter vans, prescription drug supply chain transparency and PBM regulation, diabetes and pre-diabetes screening coverage, prescription drug rebates passed through at point of sale, state assistance for local fire code enforcement, independent adjuster licensing, homeowner natural disaster preparedness courses, and insurance reimbursement for vaccinations, including COVID-19 vaccination reimbursement.
Most of the bills were moved without substantive debate and were reported from committee, with Senator Helming frequently recorded as “without rec.” Senate Print 3212, relating to state assistance for local enforcement of fire prevention and building codes, was moved but referred to the Finance Committee rather than reported. Senate Print 5049, sponsored by Senator Bailey, was described as broadly supported by industry and the Department of Financial Services and was reported. The vaccination reimbursement bills, Senate Print 5852 and Senate Print 334, were also reported, as were the remaining measures on the agenda.
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Summary:
The Committee on Rules met and considered several bills for reporting. Senate Bill 672, sponsored by Senator Hinchey and relating to the Environmental Conservation Law, was moved and seconded and then reported out of committee. Senate Bill 1180, sponsored by Senator Gianaris and involving an act by Senator Fernandez and Senator Mayer, was also reported.
The committee likewise reported Senate Bill 1618, sponsored by Senator Rivera and relating to the Public Health Law, after a motion and second. Senate Bill 972, sponsored by Senator Hark and amending the Environmental Conservation Law, was also moved, seconded, and reported. In each case, the chair asked for objections, none were raised, and the votes were unanimous.
Overall, all bills taken up in the meeting were reported without opposition, and the record indicates that all votes were in agreement.
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New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 02/05/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Imam Tahir Kukaj of the Albanian Islamic Cultural Center, who offered remarks about gratitude, diversity, and support for Kosovo’s independence. The Journal was approved, and the chamber then took up several previously adopted resolutions, including Resolution 1516 commemorating the 18th anniversary of Kosovo’s independence and Resolution 1317 honoring the Stillwater Girls Varsity Soccer Team and Head Coach Christine Ihnatolya for winning the NYSPHSAA Class C state championship. Both resolutions were adopted, and the sponsors were authorized to seek additional co-sponsors.
The Senate then moved through the calendar and passed a series of bills, including measures on environmental conservation, education, public health, civil service, penal law, public service, labor, and a retroactive real property tax exemption for the Silver Lake Foundation. Most bills passed with broad support, though several drew recorded no votes from a small group of senators. Senator Fahy explained her vote on a bill renaming an OASAS scholarship in honor of Father Peter Young, emphasizing his work on addiction, incarceration, and homelessness.
Two items drew extended debate. On Calendar 141, Senator Walczyk appealed the chair’s ruling that an amendment to a public service bill was nongermane; the Senate voted 21 to overrule the chair, so the ruling stood, and the bill then passed 52-6. On Calendar 213, Senators Kavanagh and Borrello debated a food-safety bill concerning disclosure of certain food ingredients and chemicals; supporters said it would improve transparency and protect children’s health, while opponents argued federal action was already underway and a national standard would be preferable. After the bill was restored to the non-controversial calendar, it passed 56-2. The Senate then adjourned until Monday, February 9 at 3:00 p.m., with intervening days as legislative days.
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New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Environmental Conservation - 02/04/2026
Environmental Conservation
Summary:
The Environmental Conservation Committee, chaired by Senator Pete Harckham, met with a quorum and took up a 19-bill agenda, largely consisting of repassed environmental measures. Bills discussed included standards for ambient lead in soil, restrictions on false recyclability claims and plastic labeling, environmental restoration projects, commercial fishing and marine licenses, bans on unencapsulated foam flotation on docks and floating structures, indirect source review for warehouse operations, nuisance wildlife operator disclosure requirements, waterfront revitalization for Doodle Town Brook, a ban on fuel oil grade No. 4, renewable energy development rights on reforestation areas, fee exemptions for veterans and active-duty service members, a ban on mercury-added lamps, designation of water development representatives, bans on cleaning products containing triclosan or triclocarban, a composting symbol, bans on paper receipts for certain purchases, climate corporate data accountability, PFAS product restrictions, and prohibitions on tampering with emissions control devices.
Members raised several policy concerns during the meeting. Senator Palumbo questioned the PFAS bill’s inclusion of cookware and suggested an incremental approach, while the sponsor defended keeping cookware in the bill because heating PFAS can increase exposure through food and inhalation. On the renewable energy/reforestation bill, Senator Stec noted implementation concerns about allowing solar development in reforestation areas, and Senator May responded that the bill is intended mainly to facilitate transmission lines across state forest lands. There were also questions about the climate corporate data accountability bill’s scope, including revenue thresholds, overlap with existing DEC greenhouse gas regulations, and the source of fee revenue, with staff explaining it would apply to large companies doing business in New York and use registration fees to cover program costs.
Most bills were advanced either to the calendar or to finance. Bills including the lead standards, marine license changes, foam flotation ban, mercury lamp ban, water development representatives, composting symbol, and emissions tampering restrictions were advanced to the calendar. Several measures, including the recyclability labeling bill, environmental restoration projects, warehouse indirect source review, veterans’ fee exemption, and climate corporate data accountability bill, were referred to finance. The paper receipt bill was advanced to commerce, and the committee concluded after voting to move the final bills, including the PFAS restrictions and emissions tampering measure, with technical date fixes noted for the climate accountability and PFAS bills.
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New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 02/04/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, received messages and substitutions from the Assembly, and welcomed two new members, Senators Erik Bottcher and Jeremy Zellner. The chamber then adopted the resolution calendar and took up a privileged resolution sponsored by Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins memorializing Governor Hochul to proclaim February 2026 as Black History Month in New York. Senators Bailey, Baskin, Sanders, Scarcella-Spanton, Brisport, Parker, Cleare, Comrie, and others spoke in support, emphasizing Black history as American history, the importance of education and remembrance, and the contributions of Black New Yorkers and historical figures. The resolution was adopted, and the leader opened it for co-sponsorship.
The Senate then moved to the bill calendar and passed several measures, including bills on civil procedure, urban development, labor, and public service law. One labor bill was substituted from the Assembly and passed. Several energy and utility-related bills drew debate, with supporters arguing they would improve affordability, utility rate-setting, and consumer protections, while opponents said they would not meaningfully lower costs and instead reflected broader policy choices. Senator Walczyk voted no on one utility bill, and Senators Tedisco and others criticized the package; Senators Mayer and Harckham defended the measures as needed reforms to utility regulation and return-on-equity standards. Most bills were approved by wide margins, including one public service bill that passed 53-9 and another that passed 61-1.
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Summary:
The Judiciary Committee met for its first meeting of the 2026 session and began with congratulatory remarks to the chair and other members. The committee then took up a short agenda of bills, with members repeatedly noting support for the chair’s leadership and for the committee’s work on language access, housing, family court access, and other judiciary issues.
The first bill, Print 338 by Senator Bailey, would require certain New York City Civil Court documents to be provided in parties’ native languages; it was moved, seconded, and reported to the floor, with some members speaking in favor of language access. The committee also advanced Print 874, designating Harriet Tubman Day, and Print 2497 by Senator Gounardes, allowing certain testimony and evidence by agents in discrimination proceedings. Print 2597 by Senator Mayer, establishing standards for public access to family court, was also reported to the floor.
Additional measures approved included Print 3394A on anti-stalking orders, with support noted for updating protections in the digital age; Print 5066 on housing courts; Print 5278 on new fee rates for large estates, which was described as bipartisan; Print 5285 on who may become a voluntary administrator; Print 5286 on prohibiting self-storage lien enforcement during state disaster or health emergencies; and Print 5968 on increasing the homestead exemption from civil judgments. Most bills were approved unanimously or without recorded opposition, and several were reported to the floor while others were referred onward as noted in the meeting.