March 24, 2026 · ALBANY, NEW YORK · 6,220 words · 12 speakers · 175 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, Monday, March 23, 2026, the Senate met pursuant to adjournment. The Journal of Friday, March 20, 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 Addabbo moves to discharge, from the Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering, Assembly Bill Number 9234B and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 9183, Third Reading Calendar 552.
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, Madam President. On behalf of Senator Harckham here, on page 22 I offer the following amendments to Calendar 532, Senate Print 9020A, and ask that said bill retain its place on the Third Reading Calendar.
The amendments are received, and the bill will retain its place on the Third Reading Calendar. Senator Gianaris.
I move to adopt the Resolution Calendar.
All those in favor of adopting the Resolution Calendar, please signify by saying aye. (Response of "Aye.")
Opposed, nay. (No response.)
The Resolution Calendar is adopted. Senator Gianaris.
Please take up previously adopted Resolution 1745, by Senator Fernandez, read its title and recognize Senator Fernandez.
The 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.
Senator Fernandez on the resolution.
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 Throgs 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. Just under 100 years later, the school incorporated into the SUNY system and became the school we know today -- the institution we know today. Generations of cadets have trained, studied and prepared for careers that extend far beyond the classroom. From its earliest training ships, like the St. Mary, to the Empire State VII today, Maritime has provided hands-on, real-world experience that sets its students apart. In fact, it is ranked number one in return on investment among SUNY 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 residents from their district to attend the college on a full-tuition scholarship. I've always been very proud to advocate for funding of the CAP program in the budget every year, and I hope that we continue to support it to create more new great 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 DeMan, from Pleasant Valley, in Senator Hinchey's district. Could you stand when I say your name? Thank you. Cadet Pietro Lorino, from West Nyack, from Senator Weber's district. Cadet Samuel Petramale, from Poughkeepsie, from Senator Rolison's district. Cadet James Wageman, from Breezy Point, from Senator Sanders' district. Cadet Cecilia DeMallie, from Naples, from Senator Helming's district. Cadet Peter Demontreux, from Staten Island, from Senator Lanza's district. Cadet Elton Endress, from Hamburg, from Senator Gallivan's district. Cadet Alexa Heise, from Levittown, from Senator Rhoads' district. Cadet Nicholas Lebron, from Washingtonville, from Senator Skoufis's district. Cadet Gurnett Maximillian, from Bayside, from Senator Liu's district. Cadet Alexa Nolan, from Howard Beach, from Senator Sanders' district. Cadet Nicole Ostapakowitz --
Ostapowicz.
-- Ostapowicz, lo siento -- (Laughter.)
-- from Amityville, from Senator Martinez's district. Cadet Lola Palaez, from Manhattan, in Senator Cleare's district. Cadet Joseph Saraceni, from Baldwinsville, from Senator May's district. Cadet Christopher Taylor, from Babylon, from Senator Weik's district. And Cadet Peyton Langguth, from the Bronx, from 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. Okon, whose return to lead this institution reflects a deep commitment to its mission and its future. Also SUNY Maritime Provost Dr. Todd Lidh; 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 for 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, Senator Fernandez. Senator Helming on the 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 Okon, and Dr. Todd Lidh, 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 Senator Weik's district, Senate District 8, is Christopher Taylor, from Babylon. And I mention Senator Weik's district because the 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 DeMallie, 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 is 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 3rd Mate's license with unlimited tonnage through rigorous U.S. 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.
Thank you, Senator Helming. To our guests, the cadets from SUNY Maritime College, and the distinguished leadership of the college, we welcome you to the Senate on behalf of all the members. You are entitled to the privileges and cordialities of the house. Please rise and be recognized. (Standing ovation.)
The resolution was adopted on March 17th. Senator Gianaris.
Madam President, Senator Fernandez 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 recognize Senator Webb for an introduction.
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 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've been working very closely with my office on, and that is the Lethality Assessment bill. And I also want to 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 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 Hysmith, Micah Schuchman, Sunni Horton, Emily Mercer, and Emily Kolodner. And, Madam President, I ask that you join me in welcoming the students to our chamber and extend them the privileges of the floor. Thank you.
Thank you, Senator Webb. To our guests from the State Policy Advocacy Clinic at Cornell University, thank you for joining us here today. Thank you for your work. You're entitled to the privileges and cordialities of the house. Please rise and be recognized. (Standing ovation.)
Senator Gianaris.
At this time recognize Senator Chan for an introduction.
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. Paddy'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. (Laughter.)
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 No. 3, Best Public Schools in New York State, out of 1,269, on niche.com, and ranked No. 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 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 Novakhov. She is the daughter of Assemblyman Michael Novakhov, just 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 a 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 the courtesies of the Senate to these young people right here. Thank you.
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. (Standing ovation.)
Senator Gianaris.
Madam President, please take up the reading of the calendar.
The Secretary will read.
Calendar Number 215, Senate Print 7618A, by Senator Hinchey, an act to amend the Agriculture and Markets 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.)
Senator Borrello to explain his vote.
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 costs 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 commonsense 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. Thank you.
Senator Borrello to be recorded in the negative. Announce the results.
In relation to Calendar 215, voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Helming, O'Mara, Ortt, Stec, Walczyk and Weik. Ayes, 53. Nays, 8.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 296, Senate Print 438A, by Senator Myrie, an act to amend the Insurance Law.
Read the last section.
Section 4. This act shall take effect on the 150th day after it shall have become a law.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
In relation to Calendar 296, voting in the negative are Senators Oberacker, Stec, Walczyk and Weik. Ayes, 57. Nays, 4.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 326, Senate Print 3689, by Senator Sanders, 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 326, voting in the negative are Senators Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Griffo, Lanza, Martins, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, Rolison, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, Weber and Weik. Ayes, 42. Nays, 19.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 405, Senate Print 6718B, by Senator Jackson, an act to amend the Administrative Code of the City of New York.
Read the last section.
Section 5. This act shall take effect immediately.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
In relation to Calendar 405, voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Bynoe, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Martins, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, Rolison, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, Weber and Weik. Ayes, 38. Nays, 23.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 408, Senate Print 7731, by Senator Webb, an act to amend the Insurance Law.
Read the last section.
Section 4. This act shall take effect on the 120th day after it shall have become a law.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Senator Webb to explain her vote.
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 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. Thank you.
Senator Webb to be recorded in the affirmative. Announce the results.
Ayes, 61.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 409, Senate Print 8542, by Senator Webb, an act to amend the Public Health 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, 61.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 415, Senate Print 7821A, by Senator May, an act to amend the General Business Law.
Read the last section.
Section 2. This act shall take effect January 1, 2026.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
In relation to Calendar 415, voting in the negative are Senators Lanza and Walczyk. Ayes, 59. Nays, 2.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 451, Senate Print 4039A, by Senator Skoufis, an act to amend the Public Officers Law.
Read the last section.
Section 5. This act shall take effect immediately.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
In relation to Calendar 451, voting in the negative are Senators Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Martins, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, Rolison, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, Weber and Weik. Ayes, 40. Nays, 21.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 509, Senate Print 7681, by Senator Comrie, an act to amend the Public Authorities 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, 61.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 538, Senate Print 5067A, by Senator Sepúlveda, an act to amend the Education Law.
Read the last section.
Section 33. This act shall take effect on the 90th day after it shall have become a law.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
In relation to Calendar 538, voting in the negative are Senators Skoufis and Walczyk. Ayes, 59. Nays, 2.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 547, Senate Print 6365, by Senator Salazar, an act to amend the Correction 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 547, voting in the negative are Senators Borrello, Chan, Oberacker, O'Mara, Stec, Walczyk, Weber and Weik. Ayes, 53. Nays, 8.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 552, Assembly Bill Number 9234B, by Assemblymember Woerner, an act to amend the Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding 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 552, voting in the negative are Senators Brisport and Martinez. Ayes, 59. Nays, 2.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 563, Senate Print 1380A, by Senator Serrano, an act to amend the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law.
Lay it aside.
The bill is laid aside.
Calendar Number 564, Senate Print Number 5400, by Senator Scarcella-Spanton, an act to amend the Navigation 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, 61.
The bill is passed. Senator Gianaris, that completes the reading of today's calendar.
Let's continue on to the controversial calendar, please.
The Secretary will ring the bell. The Secretary will read.
Calendar Number 563, Senate Print 1380A, by Senator Serrano, an act to amend the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law.
Senator Murray, why do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. Would the sponsor yield for a few questions?
Senator Serrano, do you yield?
Sure.
The Senator yields.
Thank you, Madam President. 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 6 on the bill it says "municipalities 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"?
Thank you. Through you, Madam President. The bill here states that it would be the municipality that would be responsible for providing this service and this cleaning. And that could be within the jurisdiction of any of these entities that you just listed here. So to answer your question, it would be the local town or village -- I'm not sure if this is answering your question, but the local town or village or any of those within that jurisdiction.
Madam President, would the sponsor continue to yield.
Do you continue to yield?
Yes.
The sponsor yields.
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 Bellport Village, and about 6 miles to the west is Patchogue 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 mosquitos in the spring and summer, particularly in 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 Bellport 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? (Pause.)
Through you, Madam President. Senator, they would -- it would be the responsibility of whoever authorized the spraying or whoever requested the spraying. So if a town or village is requesting that vector spraying as you're mentioning, that individual town or village would be responsible for the cleaning, if indeed it did go beyond the buffer zone, which has not been set. Because as is stated in the bill, this would be contingent upon regulations that are going to be put forth by DEC or DOH, so we haven't gotten to that part yet.
Madam President, would the sponsor continue to yield.
Does the sponsor yield?
Yes.
The sponsor yields.
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 responsible.
Through you, Madam President. In this case, Senator, it would be the jurisdiction of the county, and it would be their responsibility. And -- so again, it is whoever is the issuing entity, whoever the entity -- the town, the village, the municipality -- that authorized or requested the spraying, they would be the ones ultimately responsible for the cleanup. And again, it would be only if it was close enough to the equipment that it would require the cleaning, and of course that would have to be set up by the state departments.
On the bill, Madam President.
Senator Murray on the bill.
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.
Are there any other Senators wishing to be heard? Seeing and hearing none, debate is closed. Senator Gianaris.
Madam President, we've agreed to restore this bill to the noncontroversial calendar.
The bill has been restored to the noncontroversial calendar. 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.
In relation to Calendar 563, voting in the negative: Senator Ortt. Ayes, 60. Nays, 1.
The bill is passed. Senator Gianaris, that completes the reading of today's calendar.
Is there any further business at the desk?
There is no further business at the desk.
I move to adjourn until tomorrow, Wednesday, March 25th -- Greek Independence Day! -- at 3:00 p.m. (Laughter.)
On motion, the Senate stands adjourned until Wednesday, March 25th, Greek Independence Day, at 3:00 p.m. (Whereupon, at 4:04 p.m., the Senate adjourned.)