April 27, 2026 · ALBANY, NEW YORK · 8,297 words · 10 speakers · 236 segments
The Senate will come to order. I ask everyone to please rise and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. (Whereupon, the assemblage recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.)
In the absence of clergy, let us bow our heads in a moment of silent reflection or prayer. (Whereupon, the assemblage respected a moment of silence.)
Reading of the Journal.
In Senate, Friday, April 24, 2026, the Senate met pursuant to adjournment. The Journal of Thursday, April 23, 2026, was read and approved. On motion, the Senate adjourned.
Without objection, the Journal stands approved as read. Presentation of petitions. Messages from the Assembly. The Secretary will read.
Senator Zellner moves to discharge, from the Committee on Local Government, Assembly Bill Number 10201 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 9351, Third Reading Calendar 669.
So ordered. Messages from the Governor. Reports of standing committees. Reports of select committees. Communications and reports from state officers. Motions and resolutions. Senator Gianaris.
Good afternoon, Mr. President. Amendments are offered to the following Third Reading Calendar bills: By Senator Kavanagh, page 16, Calendar 226, Senate Print 2086; By Senator May, page 17, Calendar 257, Senate Print 1129A.
The amendments are received, and the bills will retain their place on the Third Reading Calendar. Senator Gianaris.
I also wish to call up the following bills, which were recalled from the Assembly and are now at the desk: Senate Bills 1633A and 5067A.
The Secretary will read.
Calendar Number 140, Senate Print 1633A, by Senator Fernandez, an act to amend the Public Health Law. Calendar Number 538, Senate Print 5067A, by Senator Sepúlveda, an act to amend the Education Law.
Move to reconsider the votes by which these bills were passed.
The Secretary will call the roll on reconsideration. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Ayes, 57.
The bills are restored to their place on Third Reading Calendar.
I offer the following amendments.
The amendments are received.
There will now be an immediate meeting of the Rules Committee in Room 332.
There will be an immediate meeting of the Rules Committee in Room 332.
The Senate will stand at ease.
The Senate stands at ease. (Whereupon, the Senate stood at ease at 3:39 p.m.) (Whereupon, the Senate reconvened at 3:43 p.m.)
The Senate will return to order. Senator Gianaris.
Mr. President, I believe there's a Rules Committee report at the desk. Can we please take that up.
The Secretary will read.
Senator Stewart-Cousins, from the Committee on Rules, reports the following bill: Senate Print 10060, by Senator Serrano, an act making appropriations for the support of government. The bill reports direct to third reading.
Move to accept the Rules Committee report.
All those in favor of accepting the report of the Rules Committee please signify by saying aye. (Response of "Aye.")
Opposed, nay. (No response.)
The report of the Rules Committee is accepted. Senator Gianaris.
Can we take up the supplemental calendar, please.
The Secretary will read.
Calendar Number 823, Senate Print 10060, by Senator Serrano, an act making appropriations for the support of government.
Is there a message of necessity and appropriation at the desk?
There is a message of necessity and appropriation at the desk.
Move to accept that message.
All those in favor of accepting the message please signify by saying aye. (Response of "Aye.")
Opposed, nay. (Response of "Nay.")
The message is accepted. The bill is before the house.
Lay it aside.
Lay it aside. Senator Gianaris, that completes the reading of the supplemental calendar.
Let's go to the reading of the controversial supplemental calendar.
The Secretary will ring the bell. The Secretary will read.
Calendar Number 823, Senate Print 10060, by Senator Serrano, an act making appropriations for the support of government.
Senator O'Mara, why do you rise?
Mr. President, I was wondering if the sponsor of the budget extender would answer a few questions.
Senator Serrano, do you yield?
Yes.
The sponsor yields.
Thank you, Senator. This is now our seventh budget extender. We are now into April 27th, when the budget was due April 1st. Are we any closer today to having a finalized budget and the remaining nine budget bills to get before us?
Through you, Mr. President. We certainly are continuing to move in the right direction. Discussions are ongoing, as you know. But this particular budget extender before us, as you mentioned, is the seventh budget extender. It does provide for the operation of government until Thursday, April 30th, although I suspect we may vote on a new extender on Wednesday. And it does cover $15.2 billion, which includes $2.5 billion in new spending. And it will cover much of the same as I mentioned in our last discussion. However, we will cover payroll cost, which we didn't have in our last extender; general state charges; Department of Health and Medicaid, Special Supplemental Nutrition, the WIC program; the Department of Labor for payments in the Employment Insurance Benefits program; Office of People with Disabilities, Medicaid and non-Medicaid services; and Department of Veterans' Services and homeless veterans' services payments.
Thank you, Senator. Mr. President, if the Senator will continue to yield.
Will the Senator yield?
Yes.
The Senator yields.
So since this extender only takes us to Thursday, and you said we may vote on it Wednesday, we don't anticipate a final budget before Thursday.
Through you, Mr. President, I don't at this point. It's hard to say. But as I mentioned before, we are certainly moving in the right direction. And I really do feel that there is a sense of urgency amongst all parties involved with this budget. And I do -- I do believe that we are certainly -- we will certainly start to close down on some of the remaining issues of policy. But this extender before us doesn't contain any of that. It is just to keep the state budget -- the state government running for the next few days.
Thank you, Senator. Mr. President, if the Senator will continue to yield.
Does the sponsor yield?
Yes.
The sponsor yields.
Through you, Mr. President. Senator, what -- you said we're going to nail down the remaining policy items. What policy items remain to be nailed down?
Through you, Mr. President, there are a number of policy items that have been mentioned the press, and you've mentioned them here on the floor. Again, to -- I don't want to start speculating on the movement on those right now, but I do believe that we are on a course to resolve those and move forward with the budget.
Through you, Mr. President, if the Senator will continue to yield.
Will the sponsor yield?
Yes.
The Senator yields.
What if any of those remaining issues have been closed down in the discussions?
Through you, Mr. President. At this point, none that I know of. However, with a budget of this magnitude, with so many different moving parts and so many priorities that affect New Yorkers across our state, it is certainly a very complex task, and it does take time. It is -- we are beyond our due date. However, I think it's more important to have a budget that reflects those priorities and specifically on the different issues that we are grappling with. I don't have any additional updates.
Through you, Mr. President, if the Senator will continue to yield.
Will the sponsor yield?
Yes.
The sponsor yields.
Senator, there's been some disclosure in the media regarding increased taxes for New York City, mainly the pied-à-terre tax on second homes that has been discussed as the Governor agreeing to do something there. The Mayor of New York City is out saying we are taxing the rich, very forcefully in his social media. What has been agreed to as far as allowing New York City to increase taxes?
Through you, Mr. President. To my knowledge, all of these topics are still open, they're still ongoing. Proposals you'll hear about -- throughout the course of the negotiation you will hear many different proposals, and we will grapple with them as a conference, as a Senate, and all levels of government here. But again, until we have a budget, it is hard to say how any of these things will move forward. But as I mentioned before, I do believe that we are in the process of closing down many of the outstanding issues that are holding us up. But again, it's an important discussion. It's a discussion that has the overarching concern of the people of New York to ensure that we have the things that we need to run a state. And, you know, I feel very confident that in the coming days we will be able to see I think a clearer picture on that issue and many others.
Through you, Mr. President, if the Senator will continue to yield.
Will the sponsor yield?
Yes.
The Senator yields.
Are -- with regards to increased taxes, other than the pied-à-terre tax, what other taxes are still being considered for increases?
Through you, Mr. President. As I mentioned, Senator, the bill before us does not engage in any of those policy issues. We have a very straight what's known as a clean budget extender, which just allows for the functioning of our state government as we continue to grapple with that issue and any other issues before our house or the Governor and the Assembly.
Thank you. Mr. President, if the Senator will continue to yield.
Will the sponsor yield?
Yes.
The sponsor yields.
Senator, with regard to the open issue of the auto insurance reforms, it was reported last week that the Governor had backed away from her position on changes to joint and several liability. Can you tell us where we stand on that issue and the auto insurance reforms altogether?
Through you, Mr. President. No, I don't have any additional update on that issue. But again, that is just one of the several policy issues that we continue to grapple with as we look to shut down this budget. And again, it will be in the best interests of New Yorkers. I don't have any additional updates on than.
Thank you. Mr. President, if the Senator will continue to yield.
Will the sponsor yield?
Yes.
The sponsor yields.
If the Governor is backing away from the joint and several liability aspect of the insurance reform, that seems to me to be the -- the biggest impact of that was going to be to lower costs for municipalities, for -- the MTA in particular has been discussed that that was going to be significant relief for them. So, I mean, can you tell us is there an agreement to not do anything on joint and several liability at this point?
Through you, Mr. President. As I've mentioned before, Senator O'Mara, the bill before us does not cover any of those policy issues. So I would be speaking out of turn if I was to try to speculate and give you any additional data, because it -- it could be different later today. So I really would refrain from that level of speculation for myself, and ensuring that we sort of stick to the issue at hand, which is the seventh budget extender, which will bring us through April 30th.
Thank you, Senator. Mr. President, if the Senator will continue to yield.
Will the sponsor yield?
Yes.
The sponsor yields.
So, Senator, would you say that the Mayor of New York City is ahead of himself when he's out there saying we are increasing taxes on the rich?
Through you, Mr. President. As I mentioned before, the bill before us deals with the budget extender. I certainly will not speculate on the other moving parts and components of the negotiation for the state budget. As I've mentioned several times, this is a very complex ordeal, and certainly everyone has a -- I think the best interests of all New Yorkers at heart, and they're fighting for those points of view. And I think that's a wonderful thing. And as we continue to grapple with that, and before we get into those further discussions, I certainly would love for us to vote on this extender that we have in front of us.
Through you, Mr. President, if the Senator will continue to yield.
Will the sponsor yield?
Yes.
The sponsor yields.
We'll get to voting on this at some point, Senator. But, you know, I continue to stress the importance of informing the public, informing the citizens of New York of where this budget stands and what progress is being made, what issues are being discussed, and what aspects of those issues have been agreed to or not agreed to. So don't you think it's important as part of this process that we inform the public where we are on these issues?
Through you, Mr. President. Yes, Senator, I do. I certainly believe in that, and I think that that is happening. The leaders involved with this budget have been very open and transparent about where they are on different issues. And I certainly have been hearing about them in the press, and we've been talking about them as a conference. And we have been conveying those to our constituents when we go back home. And that is certainly part of this process, and it is part of how our democracy works here in the State of New York. However, before I was to get into a deeper speculation on some of these issues that we don't have any final concrete language on, I would prefer to talk about what's in this extender, which I think provides for a good amount of funding that is necessary to ensure for payroll and for veterans' services and so on. And I think that is pretty much all I can give you right now that's concrete.
Thank you, Senator. Mr. President, if the Senator will continue to yield.
Will the sponsor yield?
Yes.
The sponsor yields.
Senator, let's move on from the policy issues to dollars, which is really what this budget is about, some 260-billion-plus of taxpayer dollars we're talking about. Have there been -- has there been a final agreement on how large this budget is going to be? And are there table targets for our budget conference committees to get back together and work on?
Through you, Mr. President. No, Senator, unfortunately we don't have that at this time. But we are continuing to move in that direction.
Thank you, Senator. On the bill, Mr. President.
Senator O'Mara on the bill.
I certainly concur with the Senator that these are important issues that we need to work out. But I believe it's equally important, as I continue to say on these budget extenders, that the public be engaged, the public be made aware of what's going on. And despite the assertions that have been made, there is no clarity on these very significant issues of increasing taxes, the CLCPA, auto insurance reform, streamlining SEQR, the New York for All -- issues that nobody knows where they stand. There's been nothing clear in the media. There's been nothing clear or anything at all given to us here in any of these budget-extender discussions we've had. And that's -- it's no way to run a government. The citizens of New York deserve better. They deserve clarity. They deserve time to digest and provide us with input on these issues as these matters progress, as they get nailed down, as I'm sure one or two of these probably are. What's wrong with letting the public know where we are on that so that they can let us know what they think about it, so that we will then know how to vote on it? Thank you, Mr. President.
Are there any other Senators wishing to be heard? Seeing and hearing none, debate is now closed. Senator Gianaris.
Mr. President, we've agreed to restore this bill to the noncontroversial calendar.
The bill has been restored to the noncontroversial calendar. The Secretary will read the last section.
Section 15. This act shall take effect immediately.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
In relation to Calendar 823, voting in the negative: Senator Weik. Ayes, 56. Nays, 1.
The bill is passed. Senator Gianaris.
Let's at this time recognize Senator Hinchey for an introduction, please.
Senator Hinchey for an introduction.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have moved, surprise! But that's because the group of students who are here today are incredibly important and I want to make sure I can see them while I speak to them. Mr. President, I proudly rise to recognize a remarkable group of students from my district who are here representing the Catskills Teen Suicide Prevention Team. Our country is facing a profound youth mental health crisis. Today, about one in five adolescents has a diagnosed mental or behavioral health condition, and suicide is the second-leading cause of death for teens. In the second year of the pandemic, ER visits for mental health issues rose 7 percent overall, and 22 percent for teen girls. And in communities like ours, especially rural areas like Greene County, accessing the help and care you need can be incredibly difficult. The magnitude of this crisis, however, has not intimidated these students. Instead, it's inspired them to step up for their peers and show a level of compassion and support that can genuinely save a person's life. The Catskills Teen Suicide Prevention Team uses educational and interactive lessons that help fellow students recognize warning signs of distress and know where to turn for help. Their impact has stretched beyond their school. They've presented at state conferences, launched support programs in other schools, and come here to the Capitol to advocate directly with their representatives about why mental health support is so critical. They were invited by the Greene County Department of Health and Columbia Memorial Hospital to participate in a suicide prevention workgroup. A few weeks ago I had a great meeting with these students, and I was struck by their clarity and their wisdom. They came with concrete solutions. They talked about the need for supplemental training for teachers and school staff so they can recognize signs of emotional distress in students before they even enter a classroom; expanding school-based mental health training programs that empower students to help one another; and investing in first responder mental health, because they recognize that the safety of our communities depends on the wellness of those who protect it. In this chamber we know that mental health is healthcare. And for the first time, that fact is finally breaking through into the broader public conversation. That shift is a product of advocates like these students from Catskills who refuse to let this crisis remain in the shadows. To the students who are joining us today -- Iana Browne, Aaron Cousins, Bella Kenny, Abby Meyers, Ella Near, Matigan Cramer, Louise Kieraldo, Zoey Osterhoudt, Nathaly Santos -- and their chaperones, Colleen Clancy and Stacy Collier -- thank you for fighting for this issue. It is so important, and it needs to be heard. Your voices are a powerful force for positive change, and it's making a bigger difference than you may even know. So, Mr. President, please welcome our guests and extend them all the courtesies and privileges of this chamber. We are so proud of you. Thank you so much.
Thank you, Senator Hinchey. To our guests, I welcome you on behalf of the Senate. We extend to you the privileges and courtesies of this house. Please rise and be recognized. (Standing ovation.)
Now please recognize Senator Scarcella-Spanton for another introduction.
Senator Scarcella-Spanton for an introduction.
Thank you, Mr. President. And it is my honor to have such truly wonderful guests here with us today. I will start with our amazing Commissioner of the New York City Department of Veterans' Services, and my constituent and fellow Staten Islander, Commissioner Yesenia Mata, as well as Nicole Orlando, from her team, who make sure that veterans are transitioning and getting their benefits that they need when they get out of service. And also it is my pleasure and most important to have the commissioner here to witness and hear about the amazing work that the Blue Star Families do. Today we have Erica Newhouse, the executive director of the nonprofit New York State Chapter of Blue Star Families, as well as Darlene O'Rourke, here with us today. Across New York and the nation, Blue Star Families has become one of the most trusted voices for servicemembers, veterans and their loved ones, continuing to raise awareness of the challenges that servicemembers and their families face. In November, I had the great privilege of being invited to one of the events that Blue Star Families puts together. They actually took a bunch of spouses to New York City to take them out to lunch and treat them to a movie premiere for a Lifetime movie, which was one of my favorite events to take part in. They do this across the district. I have the privilege and honor of representing both Fort Hamilton and Fort Wadsworth. I think of my own time as a military spouse back in 2011, 2012; I was in Fort Carson. And to see the work that is now being done for these families really touches my heart. And I can say it's so important. They make sure that these spouses and their families have their food needs taken care of. They connect them with resources for childcare. They make sure that they have events for the families and make sure that those spouses are never forgotten. Between navigating access to social services, they also get them job opportunities and assistance for the whole family. And I am so grateful that the Blue Star Families has a presence in both of the areas of my district. And they were even up in Fort Drum today, listening to those military families. So they really do do it all. It's especially meaningful to have them here today in April, which is both Yellow Ribbon Month and the Month of the Military Child. So to Erica and the entire Blue Star Families team, on behalf of myself and all of our state's military families, thank you so much for the work that you do. And to Commissioner Mata and her team, thank you so much for the work that you do as well. It is truly my pleasure to welcome you to our state's Capitol. Mr. President, if you could welcome our guests.
Thank you, Senator. To our guests, I welcome you on behalf of the Senate. We extend to you the privileges and courtesies of this house. Please rise and be recognized. (Standing ovation.)
Senator Gianaris.
At this time let's take up previously adopted Resolution 1293, by Senator Mayer, read that resolution's title and call on Senator Mayer, please.
The Secretary will read.
Resolution 1293, by Senator Mayer, commending Armando Gramajo and Shayla Gramajo upon the occasion of their designation as recipients of the Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon individuals by the State of New York.
Senator Mayer on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise today with great humility to introduce two incredibly brave and inspiring people from my district, in the City of White Plains, whom I am deeply proud to have here in Albany and to award them with our highest medal, the New York State Liberty Medal, the first time in my Senate career to be able to acknowledge such extraordinary heroes. It is my honor to introduce them: Armando Gramajo and his daughter Shayla Gramajo, who were presented with the medals earlier today, with the leader, here in the chamber. In May of 2024, Armando Gramajo was in his driveway working on his car when he heard a woman screaming for help. When he went to see what was happening, he saw a man attacking her with a knife. Armando, a Guatemalan army veteran, called out a command for the man to stop. Fortunately, the attacker did. Armando ran to get his daughter, Shayla, who was a physician assistant student at the time. Shayla rushed to the woman, who we now know was Carolina, who is joining us here today, and began providing lifesaving aid. The attack had begun a few blocks away inside Carolina's home. After returning home from work, Carolina's husband became enraged that she was texting a male colleague. He went to the kitchen, retrieved a knife, and began attacking her. During the struggle, Carolina was stabbed several times, including in her hands, as she tried to defend herself. Her brave daughter, Mariana, who is also here with us, began jumping on her father's back to try to get him to stop. When her attacker went to find another weapon, Carolina was able to use that moment to escape. As Shayla provided aid, emergency responders arrived and rushed Carolina into surgery. She sustained 35 stab wounds, but miraculously and thankfully survived. The man was arrested, convicted of attempted murder, and was sentenced in State Supreme Court and is serving time. Throughout the legal process, Carolina demonstrated extraordinary courage and testified against her attacker. The case was investigated by the White Plains Police Department, prosecuted by two prosecutors here today, the Domestic Violence Bureau Chief of the Westchester County DA's Office, Joyce Miller, and Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Kontos, under the direction of Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace, who joined us earlier today. I am deeply grateful and quite awed for the heroism, quick thinking, kindness and fearlessness of Armando and Shayla that allowed Carolina to survive and to thrive. I thank you all, Armando, Shayla, Carolina and Mariana, for your immense and unimaginable bravery. I would also like to thank the Westchester County DA's office for trying this case and ensuring justice was served. Special thanks to Hannah Kirk of my staff for helping coordinate this extraordinary opportunity for them to join us, and their entire family. Please join me in recognizing the family as well. Our grandmother, Antonia Gramajo, who is here with us -- might I say, age 95, who came here today to celebrate this beautiful honor. The family: Sheny Gramajo, Jimmy Gramajo, Anthony Barrios, Brendi Gramajo, Yurini Gramajo, Olmitan Gramajo, and of course our Liberty Medal recipients -- Armando Gramajo, Shayla Gramajo -- Carolina Osorno, Mariana Osorno, as I mentioned, and Assistant DA Alexandra Kontos and Joyce Miller. Please acknowledge all of them that are here today. Please extend to them the cordialities of the house. We're deeply, deeply grateful to have them and to honor them and to ensure that they get the recognition they deserve for their acts of bravery. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Senator Mayer. On behalf of a grateful state, I welcome you on behalf of the State Senate. We extend to you the privileges and courtesies of this house. Please rise and be recognized. (Extended standing ovation.)
The resolution was adopted on January 13th. Senator Gianaris.
Mr. President, Senator Mayer would like to open that resolution for cosponsorship.
The resolution is open for cosponsorship. Should you choose not to be a cosponsor, please notify the desk. Senator Gianaris.
Please take up the reading of the calendar at this time.
The Secretary will read.
Calendar Number 124, Senate Print 4576A, by Senator Skoufis, an act to amend the New York State Urban Development Corporation Act.
Before we proceed, just a little order in the house, please. Thank you. Read the last section.
Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
In relation to Calendar 124, voting in the negative are Senators Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Martins and Palumbo. Ayes, 53. Nays, 4.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 275, Senate Print 4470C, by Senator Mayer, an act to amend the Executive Law.
Read the last section.
Section 4. This act shall take effect on the 180th day after it shall have become a law.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
In relation to Calendar 275, voting in the negative are Senators Brisport, Griffo, Oberacker, Ortt and Weik. Ayes, 52. Nays, 5.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 381, Senate Print 7718A, by Senator Harckham, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law.
Read the last section.
Section 5. This act shall take effect on the 180th day after it shall have become a law.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
In relation to Calendar 381, voting in the negative are Senators Gallivan, Griffo and Oberacker. Ayes, 54. Nays, 3.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 460, Senate Print Number 2070, by Senator Scarcella-Spanton, an act to amend the Veterans' Services Law.
Read the last section.
Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 180th day after it shall have become a law.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
Ayes, 57.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 468, Senate Print 5177, by Senator Comrie, an act to amend the Executive Law.
Read the last section.
Section 6. This act shall take effect immediately.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
In relation to Calendar 468, voting in the negative are Senators Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Gallivan, Griffo, Oberacker, Rhoads, Tedisco and Walczyk. Ayes, 50. Nays, 7.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 575, Senate Print 2122A, by Senator Fahy, an act to amend the Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law.
Read the last section.
Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
In relation to Calendar 575, voting in the negative are Senators Chan and Oberacker. Ayes, 55. Nays, 2.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 641, Senate Print 8622, by Senator Brouk, an act to amend the Public Health Law.
Read the last section.
Section 3. This act shall take effect on the 30th day after it shall have become a law.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
Ayes, 57.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 669, Senate Print Number 10201, by Assemblymember McMahon, an act to amend the Village Law.
Read the last section.
Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
Ayes, 59.
Senator Gianaris.
Mr. President, let's put our hands together for Senator Zellner's first bill to pass the Senate. (Standing ovation.)
Congratulations, Senator Jeremy Zellner. The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 708, Senate Print 913, by Senator Kavanagh, an act to amend the Social Services Law.
Read the last section.
Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
In relation to Calendar 708, voting in the negative: Senator Walczyk. Ayes, 58. Nays, 1.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 709, Senate Print 2022, by Senator Cooney, an act to amend the Social Services Law.
Read the last section.
Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
Ayes, 59.
The bill is passed. Senator Gianaris, that completes the reading of today's calendar.
Mr. President, we neglected to call on Senator Mayer to explain her vote on Calendar 275. By consent, if we could just give her that opportunity now, please.
Senator Mayer to explain her vote.
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise on S4470C, DJ's Law. DJ's Law, which requires training for police officers on discharging a firearm at a moving vehicle and requires the Municipal Police Training Council to develop and disseminate written policies and procedures for the use of force. This bill was prompted because on October 7, 2010, Danroy "DJ" Henry, a 20-year-old from Massachusetts who played football for Pace University in Westchester, was shot and killed by a Pleasantville police officer as he drove through a parking lot after Pace University's homecoming football game. DJ was out celebrating with his teammates after the game when a fight, unrelated to him and his friends, broke out in a bar. Police asked DJ, who was parked in a fire lane out front, to move his car. As directed, he began to drive away when an officer shot DJ through the windshield, saying later he feared for his life. DJ's friends and witnesses said he wasn't trying to hit the officer but was just trying to leave as directed. After he was shot, DJ was pulled from his car, and he and his friends were put in handcuffs. He died en route to the hospital. DJ's parents, Dan and Angela Henry, who had come down to watch him play and then headed back to Massachusetts after the game, got a phone call that night with the worst message, that their son had been shot and killed. His family searched for answers and for justice for their son. In 2023, the Westchester County District Attorney released a report on the police shooting of Danroy Henry and concluded that DJ's death could have been avoided if better protocols were in place. Then-DA Mimi Rocah called on state and county lawmakers to propose legislation like this requiring specific training for law enforcement about best practices in different moving vehicle situations. The U.S. Department of Justice and the New York City Police Department both have use-of-force policies that specifically address the discharge of firearms in moving vehicles. New York State's model policy on the use of force does not. This bill would require New York's policy to include best practices and guidance, ensuring that departments have consistent policies and officers are fully and consistently trained on how to handle incidents involving moving vehicles. I'd like to particularly thank Jay Gerace, chief of the Colonie Police Department, who reached out to me and provided thoughtful feedback on the bill. This bill is supported by DJ Henry's parents, Angela and Danroy Henry, Sr., and the foundation they began to honor his life. It is also supported by Roc Nation and its philanthropic and social impact division Team Roc, which wrote that the bill represents a meaningful and necessary step forward, ensuring that New York's law enforcement officers are equipped with the training, policies, and best practices needed for greater public safety. Passing this bill would serve as a direct and meaningful tribute to DJ Henry. This bill will protect the safety of drivers, passengers, bystanders, and officers in circumstances such as the one that resulted in the terrible death of DJ Henry. I thank my colleagues for cosponsoring this bill, which is passing in the Assembly as well. I urge my colleagues to vote yes. And thank you for honoring DJ's memory by passing this bill. I vote aye.
Senator Mayer to be to be recorded in the affirmative. Senator Gianaris.
At this point let's take up the report of the Finance Committee which is at the desk.
The Secretary will read.
Senator Krueger, from the Committee on Finance, reports the following nomination. As a member of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority: Blanca Lopez.
Move to accept the report of the Finance Committee and ask that you then recognize Senator Mayer to speak on the nomination.
All those in favor of accepting the report of the Finance Committee, please signify by saying aye. (Response of "Aye.")
Opposed, nay. (Response of "Nay.")
The report of the Finance Committee is accepted. Senator Mayer on the nomination.
Thank you, Mr. President. I proudly rise to support the nomination of Blanca P. Lopez, on the recommendation of Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, to continue to fill a seat on the MTA Board. Ms. Lopez has served with distinction on the board already, as the nominee of the prior county executive, George Latimer. And we had the opportunity to have a fulsome discussion with her about her role as an MTA trustee. She is taking it extremely seriously. She is greatly knowledgeable on the substance. I know you were there, Mr. President. Everyone was very impressed with her ability to articulate the challenging circumstances that confront the MTA, to be an advocate for riders, workers and the system itself, and to understand the MTA continues to be the lifeblood of not only New York City but the suburbs. Ms. Lopez lives in Port Chester, part of my district. She's been an active participant in community life for many years, both as a member of the PTA, as an assistant to the county executive, serving on volunteer boards. She's exactly the kind of person that we want to represent us on the MTA. She already co-chairs several important committees of the MTA Board. I urge my colleagues to vote again for her to serve on the board. She will do us proud. And we are very, very proud to support her nomination. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Senator Mayer. Senator Harckham on the nomination.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. I rise because I have worked with Ms. Lopez for two decades, and she has been nothing short of a consummate professional and dynamic leader at every opportunity that we have worked together. I could not recommend her nomination strongly enough. I'm proud to vote aye.
Thank you, Senator Harckham. The question is on the nomination. Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
In relation to the nomination, voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Martinez, Martins, Mattera, Murray, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, Rolison, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk and Weber. Ayes, 38. Nays, 21.
The nominee is confirmed. Senator Gianaris.
Is there any further business at the desk?
There is no further business at the desk.
Move to adjourn until tomorrow, Tuesday, April 28th, at 3:00 p.m.
On motion, the Senate stands adjourned until Tuesday, April 28th, at 3:00 p.m. (Whereupon, at 4:25 p.m., the Senate adjourned.)