Bills: HR249 , HCR30 , HB2215 , HB2492 , HR952 , HR618 , HR531 , HB1829 , HB1550 , HR677 , HR1001 , HR167 , HR331 , HB1612 , HB1682 , HR364 , HR353

Keywords: Greece, Greek Independence Day, War of Greek Independence, philhellene, Greek-American, Hellenic, foreign affairs, bipartisan resolution, NATO, Eastern Mediterranean, Balkans, energy security, defense cooperation, Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement, 3+1 partnership, Israel, Cyprus, Alexandroupolis, human rights, democracy

Transcript Highlights:

• 2,500 years, and the collective impact of that history on our world today that gives Greeks and Philhellenes
• AND THE COLLECTIVE IMPACT OF THAT HISTORY ON OUR WORLD TODAY THAT GIVES GREEKS AND PHILHELLENES A SWELL

Summary: The Senate convened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the prior journal and took up motions and resolutions. Senator Gianaris moved to reconsider and restore Senate Print 3179A, an Environmental Conservation Law bill, to the third reading calendar, and amendments were also received on Senate Print 8491. The chamber then considered and adopted Resolution 1716, designating March 2026 as Greek History Month in New York, with remarks from several senators about Greek heritage, Greek independence, immigration, and the contributions of Greek Americans. The Senate also adopted Resolution 1607, proclaiming March 2026 as American Red Cross Month, with extensive testimony praising Red Cross disaster relief, blood donation, preparedness work, and volunteers; several senators highlighted local volunteers and urged greater support for the organization, including budget resources. The Senate welcomed guests, including Red Cross representatives and students from Brooklyn, and later opened the resolutions for co-sponsorship. The chamber then moved through the calendar and passed multiple bills, including measures affecting mental hygiene, elder law, penal law, public authorities, labor, public service, correction, education, election law, alcoholic beverage control, and state administrative procedure. Most bills passed by wide margins, though some drew recorded opposition, including the public authorities bill and several election, public service, and correction measures. Senator Ramos explained her support for the labor bill as a workplace dignity and anti-bullying measure, and Senator Ryan explained his support for the small-business regulatory website bill as a way to simplify access to agency rules and guidance. Senator Skoufis’s Public Health Law bill was also recalled from the Assembly, restored to the third reading calendar, and amended. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, March 12 at 11:00 a.m.