New York State Senate Session - 03/24/2026

The Senate will come to order. I ask everyone to please rise and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which stands one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. In the absence of clergy, let us bow our heads in a moment of silent reflection or prayer. Reading of the Journal

The Senate adjourned without objection. The Journal stands approved as read Presentation of petitions. Messages from the Assembly Secretary will read.

So ordered. Messages from the Governor. Reports of standing committees, reports of select committees, communications and reports from state officers. Motions and resolutions. Senator Genieres.

The amendments are received and the bill will retain its place in the third reading calendar.

All those in favor of adopting the resolution calendar, please signify by saying aye. Opposed? Nay. The resolution calendar is adopted.

Secretary will read Resolution 1745 by Senator Fernandez memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 22, 2026 as Maritime Day in the State of New York. In conjunction with the observance of National Maritime Day.

Thank you, Madam President. And thank you for allowing me to speak on this exciting resolution. Today I rise in support of the resolution to proclaim May 22, 2026, as Maritime Day in the State of New York. Long before highways and rail lines, it was our waterways that connected us, moved commerce and helped build the economy of this state and this nation. This resolution gives us an opportunity to recognize the merchant mariners and the maritime workers who have served America with distinction throughout our history. Especially in times of war, crisis and national need, their work is essential. They move goods across the world, strengthen our economy and sustain jobs here in New York on ships, tugboats and ports across the state and beyond. And today, we are especially proud to recognize and celebrate SUNY Maritime College. A premier state institution located right under the Throg's Neck bridge in the beautiful borough of the Bronx. An institution with a legacy dating back more than 150 years. Shaping the maritime industry through training, innovation and leadership development. Suny Maritime is the oldest institution of its kind. The campus is remarkable. It is built within and around the historic pre Civil War Fort Schuyler, A coastal defense fort constructed in the mid-1800s to protect our waterways. The federal government purchased the land in throgs Neck in 1826 to revitalize American shipping. And in 1874 the New York Nautical School was established to train merchant mariners. And just under 100 years later, the school incorporated into the SUNY system and became the school we know it today. The institution we know today. Generations of cadets have trained, studied and prepared for careers that extend far beyond the classroom. From its earlier training ship days of the St. Mary to today, Empire State 7 Maritime has provided hands on real world experience that sets its students apart. In fact, it is the number one ranked in return on investment among Sudy's institutions. The combination of engineering science degrees and maritime licenses creates high employability and students who gain their education here, whether you are in the cadet program or not, have all landed in these well paying specialized fields. And to this day it is the number one institution in the country to create new mariners. Also unique to the school is the cadet appointment program which allows elected officials to nominate qualified New York State residents from their district to attend the college on a full time scholarship. I've always been very proud to advocate for the funding of the cadet program in the budget every year and I hope that we continue to support it to create great new more cadets. And on days like today we can see the impact of this funding. I want to take a moment to recognize and thank our cadets who are recipients of the scholarship for joining us in Albany today. You represent the future of the industry and you make our state very proud. I'm going to go one by one. Everyone's cadet is here. Cadet Stephanie Demond from Pleasant Valley in Senator Hinchey's district. Could you stand when I say your name? Thank you. Cadet Petro Lorino from West Nyack from Senator Weber's district. Cadet Samuel Petramale from Poughkeepsie from Senator Rawlinson's district. Cadet James White Wageman from Breezy Point from Senator Sanders district. Cadet Cecilia Dimalli from Naples from Senator Helming's district. Cadet Peter Demontreaux from Staten island from Senator Lanza's District, Cadet Elton Endres from Hamburg. From Senator Galavan's District. Cadet Alexa Heiss from Levittown. From Senator Rhodes. District Cadet Nicholas Lebron from Washingtonville. From Senator Scoufus. District Cadet Garnett Maximilian from Bayside. From Senator Liu's District. Cadet Alexa Nolan from Howard Beach. From Senator Sanders. District Cadet Nicole Oskar Pakowicz. Oscar Povich. Lo Siento from Amityville. From Senator Martinez's District, Cadet Lola Pelayas from Manhattan. In Senator Clear's District, Cadet Joseph Scarraseni from Baldwin. From Senator May's District, Cadet Christopher Taylor from Babylon. From Senator Weeks District. And Cadet Peyton Languth from the Bronx, My district. Thank you for being here. I also want to recognize guests on the floor. Our leaders of this great institution, including Rear Admiral John A. Okun, whose return to lead this institution reflects a deep commitment to its mission and its future. To SUNY Maritime Provost Dr. Todd Leet, Captain Thomas Murphy and Captain Christopher Zola. Thank you for ensuring Suny Maritime College continues to be a point of pride for the Bronx and New York State and their consistent excellence through their mission of loyalty, valor and leadership. It is an honor to highlight SUNY Maritime today and the broader maritime community here in Albany. I thank you for this opportunity and this honor and I proudly vote aye on this resolution.

Thank you Madam President. And thank you, Senator Fernandez for this resolution. Today I rise to welcome and recognize SUNY Maritime to the chamber. SUNY Maritime, as Senator Fernandez shared with us, is an outstanding institution providing a rigorous hands on educational experience and preparing cadets for careers of service, leadership and responsibility. SUNY Maritime instills discipline, technical skills and a strong sense of purpose, equipping all of these young men and women to meet the demands of critical industries and to serve our nation with distinction. I too would like to thank the leaders, the instructors and the mentors whose guidance and support make this possible. A special thank you to Rear Admiral and President John Ocon and Dr. Todd Lid. Provost. Today I'd also like to offer a special congratulations to the cadets who have committed themselves to this path. Their dedication, perseverance and willingness to take on challenging coursework and training speaks volumes about their character. It is especially my honor to recognize two cadets from from Senator Wyke's district. Senate District 8 is Christopher Taylor from Babylon. And I mention Senator Wyke's district because Senator has proclaimed her district as the district that is churning out great Americans. So congratulations to you, Christopher. I also want to recognize Cecilia Demale, a Third year cadet and proud graduate of Naples Central School District. I was so honored to nominate Cecilia as a senior in high school. It's exciting to see how she's continuing to build on the strong foundation that she developed at Naples. Like her fellow cadets, she's distinguishing herself through her hard work, discipline and commitment to her future. Cecilia is majoring in Marine Environmental Science and is a member of the sailing team while also participating in the rock climbing club. She's pursuing her third mate's license with unlimited tonnage through rigorous US Coast Guard training. I had the opportunity to speak with her earlier today and I asked her to share with me one of her most memorable experiences. And what she shared with me was that so far, her cadet shipping assignment aboard a research vessel on the west coast this past summer was one of the most invaluable experiences. She's had so much hands on learning and she's earned significant academic credit toward her degree. Cecilia and her classmates represent the very best of our region, the very best of our state and the next generation of leaders. To all of the cadets who are here, your commitment to excellence, service and leadership inspires confidence in your future. Thank you for stepping forward to take on responsibility at a time when it matters most. Our state and our nation will be stronger because of you. Congratulations and thank you for choosing a path of purpose and service. I vote yes, Madam President.

Madam President, Senator Fernandez would like to open that resolution for CO sponsorship.

Senator Geneiros, please recognize Senator Webb for an introduction.

Thank you. Madam President, I rise today to introduce some pretty distinguished guests who are here in our chamber today. You know, I get the pleasure to represent a number of colleges and universities in Senate District 52. And we are joined today by students from the State Policy Advocacy Clinic at the Brooks School of Public Policy at the Cornell University. They provide both undergraduate and second year MPA students with the opportunity to work with us as legislators and others, along with academics and community members and organizations on state level policy initiatives. It has been my pleasure to work with these incredible students who I am certain will advocate for a number of issues that we talk about here in this chamber, But I'm going to lift up one in particular that they have been working very closely with my office on, and that is the lethality assessment bill. And I want to also give a shout out to senator rolison for his support on this bill as well. We had a press conference earlier and of course, a number of colleagues as well. This bill passed our chamber. And the reason why I lift this up is because these students have done an incredible job of not only looking at national data, looking at case studies that are really helping to shape and mold policy that's literally helping to save people's lives. And. And so their work, through research, of course, design and pushing for solutions to some of our most pressing policy issues. I'm truly delighted that they are here with us today, Madam president. I want to introduce them by name. We are joined today by Azaria highsmith, Micah skookman, Sunny Horton, Emily Mercer, and Emily coldiner. And madam president, I ask that you join me in welcoming these students to our chamber and extend them the privileges of the floor. Thank you.

At this time, recognize senator Chan for an introduction.

Thank you. Madam president. Today I rise to ask my colleagues to join me in welcoming a bunch of very special kids. It's the Staten island technical high school ensemble, the wind ensemble. I'm sorry. Led by conductor Mr. Robert Rams. Just a couple of days ago, this ensemble here marched in the St Patty's Day parade in bay ridge, Brooklyn. And yet today, they rose to the occasion once again performing in the concourse. Just an hour ago. Man, you guys are like the marines of bands. And that's one of the reasons why this ensemble is honored with the gold distinction from the New York state school music association, which is their most prestigious honor given to a high school band. Staten island technical high school is one of the eight specialized high schools in New York city. Currently ranked number three best public schools in. In New York state out of 1,269 on niche.com and ranked number 25 best public high schools in America. That's out of 20,162 schools. I think that speaks volumes for itself. It's not a study course, folks, that get these kids into that school. It's years of hard work for a student to get to this school. And I personally know of a middle class student who did exactly that. That's my daughter, Elizabeth. She is a member of that band. And she couldn't be here today because she's studying for the SAT tomorrow. So many others from everywhere in the city, especially from my district in Brooklyn, just across the bridge, travel every day, often braving the wind and the rain, snow and sleet just to hop on that bus, just to attend this school. My own daughter included. And one of her best friends, Marsha Novikova. She's the daughter of Assemblyman Michael Novikov, just down the hall from down the hall in the Assembly. And coincidentally, one of their teachers is Ms. Abby Lanza. Does that ring a bell? Sounds familiar. Ms. Abby Lanza is the daughter of Senator Andrew Lanza, our Deputy Minority Leader. Talk about small world, right? So please join me in welcoming these wonderful studious go getters to our Senate chambers in Albany today. Welcome and let's see how far you can go. Madam President, I ask that we extend courtesies of the Senate to these young people right here.

Thank you, Senator Chan. To our guests from the Staten Island Technical High School Wind Ensemble and marching Band. Welcome to the Senate chambers. We extend to you the privileges and cordialities of the House. Please rise and be recognized. Senator Genieres.

The secretary will read calendar number 215. Senate print 7618A by Senator Hinchey. Enact to agricultural markets law.

Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 180th day it shall become a law.

Adabo Leonardo Kruger Ort Stewart Cuttings Zellner.

Thank you, Madam President. While I understand the purpose of this is to try to reduce food waste, which is certainly a challenge. However, I think this is a very onerous and difficult way to go about it. First of all, making a unique requirement mandate for food suppliers that only applies to New York State is going to increase cost and reduce supply. And on top of that, there's really no protections in this bill in the event that the dates that are chosen by New York State end up becoming a liability for those folks that produce the food and make sure it's on our store shelves. And I'm afraid in a state like New York, litigiousness is a common thing. So I'm going to be voting no on this bill and looking forward to a common sense federal standard that will set the same standard for Every state and make it easier for food manufacturers to comply. I don't think we should be messing with our food supply no matter how I guess honorable the idea may be so I'm voting no.

Announced results in relation to counter 215 voted in the negative. R Senators Ashby, Barrello, Helmy, O', Meara, Ort, Steck, Walzig and White, Oz. 53 nays 8 bills passed. Counter number 296 Senate print 438A by Senator Myrie Enactment the insurance law.

This action take effect on the 150th day shall become a law.

Adabo Jr. Or Su cut Wife. Announce the result in relation to calendar 296 voted in negative. R Senators Oberacker, Stack, Wick and White Eyes 57A4 bill is passed. Calendar number 326, Senator. Print 3689 by Senator Sanders Enactment of real property action and proceedings law.

Section 2. This action take effect immediately.

Adabo, Ginar, Scruger or Sir Cousins, Zell,

Announce the result in relation to counted. 326 voted in a negative. R Senators Morello, Kansasi, Fitzpatrick, Chan, Griffo, Lanza, Martin, Botera, Murray, Oberack, Omira or Palumbo, Rhodes, Ros And Stack, Tedisco, Walzet, Weapon, White, Oz. 42 nays 19.

Column number 405 sender print 6718B by Senator Jackson Enact to amend the administrative code of the City of New York.

This act shall take effect immediately.

Adabo, GNR's Kruger, Ortsu, cousin Zone it. In relation to calendar 405 voted in a negative. R Senators Ashby, Barrello, Bino, Kansas, Fitzpatrick, Chan, Gallivant, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Martins, Matera, Murray, Oberack, o' Meara or Palumbo, Rhodes, Ros And Sec. Tedisco, Walzig, weber and White Eyes 38 and Ace 23 millis press counter number 408. Senate Print 7731 by Senator Webb Enact to amend the insurance law.

This action of the Confederate 120th day shall become a law.

Adabo Gnr Scoop reporting Zellner Senator Webb

Thank you, Madam President. You know, the birth of a child is one of the most profound and joyful moments in a parent's life, but it can also involve worry, fear and stress. In the terrible event that complications arise, families and healthcare professionals must act quickly. Occasionally, an infant must be immediately transferred to a hospital that is able to provide the type of specialized care that the child needs. Despite the obvious importance of a birthing parent being near a newborn during this time, insurance coverage for the transfer of hospitalized birth birthing parents is not guaranteed. Physicians who provide maternity care must receive approval from an insurance company for the transfer to be covered. Waiting for approval and potentially being denied coverage for the transfer creates time consuming barriers that impede care. This legislation amends the insurance law to ensure that a birthing parent and their infant are not separated in the event that a newborn infant requires transportation to special care. Madam President, no parent should be separated from their infant because an insurer simply has not gotten back to them. The science is clear. Early bonding and physical contact are critical to a newborn's health development and every hour apart has consequences. This legislation is straightforward and will ensure that when a newborn must be transferred for specialized care, the birthing parent can go with them. I proudly vote aye and I encourage my colleagues to do the same.

the bill is passed Calendar number 409 Senate Print 8542 by Senator Webb Enactment of the Public Health Law Read the last section section 2 this actual effect immediately Call the roll Adabo Gnrs Cooper ort Sukan zone announced results I61 the bill is passed Calendar number 415 Senate print 7821A by Senator May enact him in the General Business Law Read the last section section 2 this actual taking faith January 1, 2026 call the roll Adabo Gina, Cougar Ort Suka and Zelda announce the results in relation to calendar 415 voted in a negative R Senators Lanza and Walzig i59 n2 bills passed calendar number 451 center print 4039 A by center school for an act of

section 5 this actual effect immediately roll the roll dabo t NRS Krueger or Sukan Z.

In relation to calendar 451 voted in a negative are Senators Borrello, Kansas, Fitzpatrick, Chan, Gallivan, Griffel, Hellman, Lanza, Martin, Zitera, Murray, Oberacher, o' Malora or Colombo, Rhodes, Ross and Steck, Disco, Walzig, weberton, white eyes 49th 21 bill is passed. Counterman number 509, Senate 766681 by Senator Comrie enactment of public authorities law.

This action will take effect immediately. Call the roll Adabo, Ginars, Krueger or Sulkhuttens Zellner announced results. Ayes 61 bills passed. Calendar number 538, Senator. Print 5067A by Senator Sepulveda and that determine the education law.

Section 33. This actual take effect on the 90th date and shall become a law. Call to roll Adabo, Giannara, Sprue or Suitcase Zellner Announce the result in relation to count of 538 voted in a negative. R. Senator Scoofis and Walzig. I59A2 bill is passed. Calendar number 547, Senator for 6365 by Senator Salazar enacting the correction law.

This actual effect immediately. Call the roll Adabo Gnr, Scruger or Sukha and Zeln. Announce the result in relation to calendar. 547 voted in a negative. R. Senators Borrello, Chan, Oberako, Omara, Ste, Wozick, Weberton, White Ox. 53 nays 8 bills passed. Counter number 552. Assembly number 9234B by assembly member Werner in act to win the racing paramutual wagering in brief reading law.

This actual effect immediately. Call the roll Adabo Gianr, Krueger or Sue Cousins Zo Announce the result. In relation to counter 552 voted in the negative. R. Senators Brisport and Martinez I 59. Next two.

Counter number 563, Senator 1388 by Senator Serrano inactive in the Parks, Recreation and Historic preservation law. The bill is laid aside counter number 564. Senate 5400 by Senator Scarcella Spanton Enacted in the navigation law.

This action took effect immediately. Call the roll ADABO Ginars Krueger Ort Suka and Zellner

Ayes61.

Let's continue on to the controversial calendar, please.

The secretary will read calendar number 563. Senate 1380 A by Senator Serrano, an active in the parks for creation in the store preservation law.

Thank you, Madam President. Would the sponsor yield for a Few questions.

Thank you, Madam President. So, Senator, first, let me be perfectly clear. I do not want children playing on equipment that is covered in pesticides. So let's be clear about that. But I do just have some questions about, I guess, operationally about this. And we've talked before. So the under line six on the bill, it says municipality shall mean a city, county, town or village or an improvement district within a city, county, town or village, or any combination thereof. First, can you explain what you mean by any combination thereof?

With sponsor continue to yield.

Yes.

Thank you. I'm going to lay a scenario out because I think this is the best way to maybe wrap my head around this. So where I live, we have Belport Village, and about six miles to the west is Patchok Village. In between is the jurisdiction of the town of Brookhaven. Within that, there's a private community with a playground. So Suffolk county does vector spraying for mosquitoes in the spring and summer, particularly the summer, especially along the south shore, where these communities are. If Suffolk county were to do some vector spraying on a Friday and go across that area, covering Belport Village, Brookhaven Town, and into Patchogue Village, affecting several different playgrounds, who would be responsible for the cleaning and how would that get done? Within 24 hours, when 24 hours would put it into Saturday.

Would the sponsor continue to yield?

Yes.

Thank you. So in that scenario, here's the problem. Neither village or town requested it. The county does it upon themselves. But they do cover those jurisdictions with the spraying. That's where the confusion lies. Under who would be respons

Madam President.

Thank you, Senator Serrano. Actually, you answered my questions and convinced me now. So I literally did. I was trying to get clarification and understand. And I think I do now. Thank you very much. I appreciate that.

We've agreed to restore this bill to the non controversial calendar.

Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 180th day it shall become a law.

Adabo genres Krueger or Sukhatan Zellner Announce results. Ayes. In relation to calendar. 563 voted negative, Senator. ORT Aye. 16 days one.

Is there any further business at the desk?

I move to adjourn until tomorrow. Wednesday, March 25. Greek Independence Day at 3pm on motion