May 29, 2026 · ALBANY, NEW YORK · 13,717 words · 17 speakers · 536 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.)
Pastor Teresa A. Darden, of The Upper Room House of Worship, Pomona, New York, will deliver today's invocation. Pastor. PASTOR DARDEN: Good afternoon. Let us pray. Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for this moment of prayer where heaven meets earth, that Your will be done within this Senate chambers and house. May this house not be divided, as a house divided cannot stand. Cause Your laws to be written and values in the hearts of this, Your people and Senate. May they reflect, in their decision-making and actions made here today and always, on a common ground of wisdom, clarity and discernment. We pray for the well-being and safety of our Senators and their families as they strive for the well-beings of us all. May there be a balance in the political climate, fair and free from partisan politics. And may the integrity and the independence of our houses of worship and religious organizations be the thread and lifeline and visible reminder of the God that holds us all together. As one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all, a house that will remain standing, united, and not fall, as it is founded upon the common ground, we the people. Bless us, we pray, in the name of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. In Jesus' name, Amen. (Response of "Amen.") PASTOR DARDEN: God bless you.
Reading of the Journal.
In Senate, Thursday, May 28, 2026, the Senate met pursuant to adjournment. The Journal of Wednesday, May 27, 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 Hinchey moves to discharge, from the Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs, Assembly Bill Number 5578A and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 1788A, Third Reading Calendar 223. Senator Comrie moves to discharge, from the Committee on Energy and Telecommunications, Assembly Bill Number 8151 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 7869, Third Reading Calendar 632. Senator Bailey moves to discharge, from the Committee on Insurance, Assembly Bill Number 6484A and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 5045A, Third Reading Calendar 701. Senator Harckham moves to discharge, from the Committee on Consumer Protection, Assembly Bill Number 3228A and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 6388A, Third Reading Calendar 833. Senator Scarcella-Spanton moves to discharge, from the Committee on Consumer Protection, Assembly Bill Number 8939A and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 9341A, Third Reading Calendar 837. Senator Fahy moves to discharge, from the Committee on Environmental Conservation, Assembly Bill Number 11381 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 10061, Third Reading Calendar 960. Senator Fahy moves to discharge, from the Committee on Environmental Conservation, Assembly Bill Number 11374 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 10062, Third Reading Calendar 961. Senator Stec moves to discharge, from the Committee on Health, Assembly Bill Number 9539 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 8658, Third Reading Calendar 981. Senator Brouk moves to discharge, from the Committee on Labor, Assembly Bill Number 949 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 998, Third Reading Calendar 983. Senator Comrie moves to discharge, from the Committee on Energy and Telecommunications, Assembly Bill Number 10424 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill Number 1236A, Third Reading Calendar 987. Senator Kavanagh moves to discharge, from the Committee on Banks, Assembly Bill Number 9588B and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill Number 9514A, Third Reading Calendar 1032. Senator Scarcella-Spanton moves to discharge, from the Committee on Investigations and Government Operations, Assembly Bill Number 8796 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill Number 10068, Third Reading Calendar 1088. Senator Ashby moves to discharge, from the Committee on Investigations and Government Operations, Assembly Bill Number 11321 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill Number 10162, Third Reading Calendar 1135. Senator Zellner moves to discharge, from the Committee on Civil Service and Pensions, Assembly Bill Number 10293A and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill Number 9350A, Third Reading Calendar 1150. Senator Gonzalez moves to discharge, from the Committee on Internet and Technology, Assembly Bill Number 6347 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 1139, Third Reading Calendar 1194. Senator Ryan moves to discharge, from the Committee on Transportation, Assembly Bill Number 9209A and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 8948A, Third Reading Calendar 1273. Senator Skoufis moves to discharge, from the Committee on Elections, Assembly Bill Number 6741A and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 6253A, Third Reading Calendar 1313.
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. I wish to call up the following bills, which were recalled from the Assembly and are now at the desk: Senate Bills 3819A and 8616A.
The Secretary will read.
Calendar Number 328, Senate Print 3819A, by Senator Rivera, an act to amend the Executive Law. Calendar Number 1009, Senate Print 8616A, by Senator Gianaris, an act to amend the General Business Law.
Move to reconsider the vote by which these bills were passed.
The Secretary will call the roll on reconsideration. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Ayes, 52.
The bills are restored to their place on the Third Reading Calendar.
I offer the following amendments.
The amendments are received.
Amendments are also offered to the following Third Reading Calendar bills: By Senator Cleare, page 17, Calendar 726, Senate Print 9239; And by Senator Martinez, page 52, Calendar 1307, Senate Print 7421A.
The amendments are received, and the bills will retain their place on the Third Reading Calendar. Senator Gianaris.
Please take up previously adopted Resolution 1351, by Senator Oberacker, read its title and call on Senator Oberacker.
The Secretary will read.
Resolution 1351, by Senator Oberacker, congratulating the Tri-Valley Secondary School Girls Cross Country Team and Head Coach Skylar Musa upon the occasion of capturing the 2025 New York State Class D Cross Country Championship.
Senator Oberacker on the resolution.
Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to welcome our Tri-Valley Secondary School Cross Country champions here to the Senate chamber, proudly donning their school's colors of blue, red and white. Their families and friends and the community at large loyally supported the Bears throughout their journey as the team won the OCIAA Division 4, Section 9 Championship and then went on, Madam President, to the New York State Class D Championship, finishing undefeated with a record of 4-0 in their division and 8-0 overall. And I would like to take a moment to personally introduce Addison Dymond -- if you would stand, please -- Anna Furman, Maria Gelsomino, Angelina Hinkley, Kenzie Krier, Mia Murphy, Emma Richardson, Zoey Sullivan, and Coaches Skylar Musa, Tyler Eckhoff, and Travis Wolfe. Madam President, I present to you the Tri-Valley Secondary School Cross Country champions. Please extend to them the courtesies of the house.
Thank you, Senator Oberacker. To our guests, state champions from Tri-Valley Secondary and their coaches and family members who are here, we welcome you on behalf of the Senate. We congratulate you for your great victory. We recognize you and extend the cordialities of the house. So stay standing and we will recognize you. Thank you. (Standing ovation.)
The resolution was previously adopted on January 13th. Senator Gianaris.
Madam President, we are joined today by none other than Miss America, who is a proud resident of the 12th Senate District in Sunnyside, Queens. Cassie Donegan is her name, if I could ask Cassie to rise. She currently serves as the 98th Miss America and is the eighth New Yorker to hold the title, which is the most among all the states in the nation. She's dedicated to advocacy, education and community service across the nation. An Actors' Equity performer, arts educator and COO, she has combined her professional experience in the arts and leadership with a passion for empowering young people. Her National Community Service Initiative focuses on promoting arts education in schools and expanding access to creative opportunities for students of all backgrounds. In an effort to bridge this gap, she is the founder of three arts education scholarships. Throughout her year of service as Miss America, she has represented New York on stages and classrooms and in communities across the country, using her platform to advocate for educational access, heart health awareness and civic engagement. Through her work and service she continues to reflect the talent, resilience and spirit of New York with distinction and pride. And she is joined today by Miss Teen New York, who is a proud Staten Islander. I'm going to ask Senator Scarcella-Spanton to introduce her. And if you could welcome them both after that with the courtesies of the house, I would appreciate it.
Senator Scarcella-Spanton on the introduction.
Thank you, Madam President. And I am so excited to welcome, for the second time, Miss New York Teen, Nadia Anwar, who was here just a few weeks ago in a different seat up in the gallery. We had the privilege of having Nadia come to shadow us for the day. A little about Ms. Nadia Anwar. She is New York's Teen 2025. A student at Sacred Heart University, Nadia is double-majoring in chemistry and music and is the founder of Ready Set Shine, Inc. Through her nonprofit she has inspired more than 2,000 students and raised nearly $10,000 to support arts programs throughout New York State, helping ensure that young people have access to the transformative power of the arts. And she even got to come with us last time she was here to our Committee on Cultural Affairs -- which I hope you enjoyed -- and she got to meet the whole committee. So we'll make sure that we take a look into the work that you're doing more. Please join me in recognizing both of these incredible young women today on the Senate floor. Thank you.
Thank you so much. We are very, very honored to have both of you in our presence: Miss America, Cassie Donegan; Miss Teen New York, Nadia Anwar. We're particularly impressed and appreciative of your advocacy for arts and education. You represent New York very well. We're very proud to have you. We extend the privileges and cordialities of the house. Congratulations. Please rise, my members, and recognize them. (Standing ovation.)
Senator Gianaris.
Madam President, if I can impose on our guests to stick around a few minutes, I think some of the members would like to say hello to them and get some photos. And we appreciate them coming to join us today. Please recognize Senator Hinchey for an introduction.
Senator Hinchey for an introduction.
Thank you, Madam President. I rise today with immense pride to welcome an extraordinary group of athletes to our chamber, the Hudson High School Varsity Boys Basketball Team. This past season the Hudson Blue Hawks did something unprecedented. They rewrote the school record books and lit a fire of excitement across the entire City of Hudson. They tore through their schedule to finish with a spectacular 23-3 overall record, which included being undefeated in the Patroon League to capture the league title. When the stakes were raised in the Section 2 championship, these athletes showed us what they were made of. They battled back from a 12-point deficit, under intense pressure, to pull off a thrilling victory against Lansingburgh. But that didn't stop at sectionals. They kept their composure and pushed forward to earn a spot in the state title game for the very first time in program history. Led by Head Coach Shawn Briscoe --
One minute, Senator Hinchey. One minute. Can we have some order with our guests? Thank you.
Thank you, Madam President. Led by Head Coach Shawn Briscoe, this team embodied unity, showing our community that real success is built on hard work, unselfish teamwork, and mutual respect. While they didn't take home the championship, they won with humility and treated their opponents with the kind of sportsmanship we should expect from all athletes. The relentless dedication these young men poured into their sport inspired everyone across the City of Hudson. The trophy case tells only a fraction of the story. It is the unbreakable solidarity, discipline and perseverance that will guide them to be better teammates and friends as well as leaders in whatever their futures hold. This great team includes Keith Robinson -- feel free to stand -- Keith Robinson, Gannon Logue, Eli Conte, Dante Troy, Jadiel Diaz, Ryan Conte, Elijah Walker, Kameryn Clarke, Deangelo Beebe, Taydence Morrison, Amarion Perry, Markel Johnson, Deandre Campbell, and Capri Whitmore-McGriff. Our coaches include Head Coach Shawn Briscoe, Assistant Coach Tyrone Hedgepeth, who's also a Hudson alum; Assistant Coach Isiah Heard, also a Hudson alum; and Team Manager Cooper Briscoe. And we have to give a great shout-out to all of the parents for their support and their work through the season. It has been an honor to watch you all and to support you. We're so happy to have you here. Thank you for being such incredible leaders in our community and for inspiring the entire city and County of Columbia. Madam President, please welcome our guests and offer them all of the privileges of the chamber.
Thank you, Senator Hinchey. To our guests, the outstanding Hudson High School Varsity Boys Basketball Team, for your incredible work, all you've accomplished, we are very proud of what you have done. We extend to you the privileges and cordialities of the Senate. So please stay standing and let us recognize you. And to the parents and coaches, thank you as well. (Standing ovation.)
Senator Gianaris.
Let's take up the calendar at this time.
The Secretary will read.
Calendar Number 134, Senate Print 5990C, by Senator Ramos, an act to amend the Labor Law.
Lay it aside for the day.
The bill is laid aside for the day.
Calendar Number 197, Senate Print 6258, by Senator Skoufis, an act to amend the Education 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, 57.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 223, Assembly Bill Number 5578A, by Assemblymember Hunter, an act to amend the Real Property Tax 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, 58.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 488, Senate Print 8097, by Senator Bailey, an act to amend Chapter 394 of the Laws of 2018.
Read the last section.
Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
Ayes, 58.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 495, Senate Print 9091, by Senator Cleare, an act to amend the Elder Law.
Read the last section.
Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 120th day after it shall have become a law.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
Ayes, 58.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 503, Senate Print 8151A, by Senator Martinez, an act to amend the Real Property Tax Law.
Read the last section.
Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
In relation to Calendar 503, voting in the negative are Senators Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan and Rhoads. Ayes, 55. Nays, 3.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 506, Senate Print 8961, by Senator Rhoads, an act authorizing the Merrick Hook & Ladder Co. 1 to receive retroactive real property tax-exempt status.
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 506, voting in the negative: Senator O'Mara. Ayes, 57. Nays, 1.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 548, Senate Print 6442, by Senator Harckham, an act directing the commissioner of the Division of Criminal Justice Services to study gender disparity in extending outcomes.
Read the last section.
Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
In relation to Calendar 548, voting in the negative are Senators Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Murray, O'Mara, Ortt and Walczyk. Ayes, 51. Nays, 7.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 632, Assembly Bill Number 8151, by Assemblymember Barrett, an act to amend the Public Service Law.
Read the last section.
Section 2. 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, 58.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 701, Assembly Bill Number 6484A, by Assemblymember Weprin, an act to amend the Insurance Law.
Read the last section.
Section 6. This act shall take effect January 1, 2027.
Call the roll.
Lay it aside for the day, please.
The bill will be laid aside for the day.
Which calendar was that?
701.
Okay, I'm sorry, continue with that one. I had the wrong number.
Read the last section.
Section 6. This act shall take effect January 1, 2027.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.) (Discussion off the record.)
701. This is Calendar Number 701, Senator Bailey. Announce the results.
Ayes, 58.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 752, Senate Print 9766, by Senator Sepúlveda --
Lay it aside for the day.
The bill will be laid aside for the day.
Calendar Number 796, Senate Print 626, by Senator Stavisky, an act to amend the Penal 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 796, voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Stec, Tedisco and Walczyk. Also Senator Weber. Ayes, 44. Nays, 14.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 827, Senate Print 9557B, by Senator Mayer, an act to amend the Legislative Law.
Read the last section.
Section 3. 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, 58.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 833, Assembly Bill Number 3228A, by Assemblymember Lavine, an act to amend the General Business Law.
Read the last section.
Section 3. This act shall take effect on the 180th day after it shall have become a law.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
This is Calendar 833. Announce the results.
Ayes, 58.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 837, Assembly Bill Number 8939A, by Assemblymember Paulin, an act to amend the General Business Law.
Lay it aside for the day.
The bill will be laid aside for the day.
Calendar Number 940, Senate Print 6256, by Senator Skoufis, an act to amend the Highway Law.
Read the last section.
Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
Ayes, 58.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 941, Senate Print 7928A, by Senator Mayer, an act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
Read the last section.
Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Senator Mayer to explain her vote.
Thank you, Madam President. This bill addresses a serious challenge for particularly veterans and others who participate in our treatment courts. Right now the practice is, at the beginning of their entry into the court, they frequently plead guilty to a charge and have a mandatory license revocation in order to be in the treatment court. Then they successfully complete the treatment court program and they withdraw their prior plea and they plead to a lesser offense. On the plea to the lesser offense, DMV again suspends their license for a period of months. And so even though they've successfully completed the treatment and gone through the program, they then cannot drive even though they want to go back to work and be present in their communities. This was an issue brought to me by our Veterans Advisory Board. I appreciate the support of the Office of Court Administration, the Unified Court System, in recognizing that we want to encourage people to engage in treatment courts, get the treatment they need, without losing their license twice for something that they successfully completed. Thank you for supporting this bill, and thank you for this change in the current policy. I vote aye.
Senator Mayer to be recorded in the affirmative. Announce the results.
In relation to Calendar 941, voting in the negative are Senators Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Martins, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rolison, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, Weber and Weik. Ayes, 38. Nays, 20.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 960, Assembly Bill Number 11381, by Assemblymember De Los Santos, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation 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, 58.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 961, Assembly Bill Number 11374, by Assemblymember Septimo, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation 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, 58.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 975, Senate Print 4903B, by Senator Harckham, an act to amend the Public Health Law.
Read the last section.
Section 3. This act shall take effect on the 120th day after it shall have become a law.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
Ayes, 58.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 978, Senate Print 6717A, by Senator Bailey, an act to amend the Public Health Law.
Read the last section.
Section 3. This act shall take effect one year after it shall have become a law.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
Ayes, 58.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 981, Assembly Bill Number 9539, by Assemblymember Cashman, an act to authorize certain healthcare professionals licensed to practice in other jurisdictions to practice in this state.
Read the last section.
Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
Ayes, 58.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 983, Assembly Bill Number 949, by Assemblymember Lunsford, an act to amend the Workers' Compensation 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, 58.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 987, Assembly Bill Number 10424, by Assemblymember Braunstein, an act to amend the Public Service Law.
Read the last section.
Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 120th day after it shall have become a law.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
Ayes, 58.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 997, Senate Print 6573A, 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.)
Announce the results.
Ayes, 58.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1003, Senate Print 10088, by Senator Kavanagh, an act to amend the County Law.
Read the last section.
Section 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
In relation to Calendar 1003, voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Helming, Martinez, Martins, Mattera, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rolison, Walczyk and Weik. Ayes, 43. Nays, 15.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1010, Senate Print 1100A, by Senator May, an act to amend the Education Law.
Read the last section.
Section 4. 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.
In relation to Calendar Number 1010, voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Gallivan, Griffo, Lanza, Martins, Mattera, O'Mara, Ortt, Rhoads, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, Weber and Weik. Ayes, 41. Nays, 17.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1012, Senate Print 6870A, by Senator Comrie, an act to amend the Education 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, 58.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1013, Senate Print 8044A, by Senator Bynoe, an act to amend the Education Law.
Read the last section.
Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
Ayes, 58.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1014, Senate Print 7232, by Senator Gianaris, an act to amend the General Obligations Law.
Read the last section.
Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 60th day after it shall have become a law.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
In relation to Calendar 1014, voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Palumbo, Walczyk and Weik. Ayes, 54. Nays, 4.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1017, Senate Print 7499, by Senator May, an act to amend the Real Property Law.
Read the last section.
Section 2. This act shall take effect one year after it shall have become a law.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
In relation to Calendar 1017, voting in the negative are Senators Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Gallivan, Martins, Mattera, Oberacker, Palumbo and Walczyk. Ayes, 50. Nays, 8.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1020, Senate Print 8927, by Senator Cooney, an act to amend the Domestic Relations 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 1020, voting in the negative: Senator Walczyk. Ayes, 57. Nays, 1.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1032, Assembly Bill Number 9588B, by Assemblymember Torres, an act to amend the Banking 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.
In relation to Calendar 1032, voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Martins, Mattera, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, Rolison, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, Weber and Weik. Ayes, 38. Nays, 20.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1038, Senate Print 520, by Senator Persaud, 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, 58.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1041, Senate Print 1418A, by Senator Liu, an act to amend the Public Officers Law.
Read the last section.
Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
In relation to Calendar 1041, voting in the negative are Senators Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Martinez, Martins, Rhoads and Walczyk. Ayes, 52. Nays, 6.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1052, Senate Print 5142, by Senator Myrie, an act to amend the Tax Law.
Read the last section.
Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
Ayes, 58.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1088, Assembly Bill Number 8796, by Assemblymember Bores, an act to amend the Alcoholic Beverage Control 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 1088, voting in the negative: Senator Martinez. Ayes, 57. Nays, 1.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1095, Senate Print 6758B, by Senator Fernandez, an act to amend the Public Health Law.
Read the last section.
Section 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
Ayes, 58.
The bill is passed. There is a substitution at the desk. The Secretary will read.
Senator Hinchey moves to discharge, from the Committee on Health, Assembly Bill Number 5998B and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 6959A, Third Reading Calendar 1096.
The Secretary will read.
Calendar Number 1096, Assembly Bill Number 5998B, by Assemblymember Simon, an act to amend the Social Services Law.
Read the last section.
Section 2. This act shall take effect on the first of April.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
Ayes, 58.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1104, Senate Print 1172, by Senator Mattera, an act to amend the General Business 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, 58.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1111, Senate Print 3193A, by Senator Persaud, an act to amend the Public Health Law.
Read the last section.
Section 2. 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.
Ayes, 58.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1119, Senate Print 7229, by Senator Gianaris, an act to amend the Public Service Law.
Read the last section.
Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 120th day after it shall have become a law.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
In relation to Calendar 1119, voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Gallivan, Griffo, Martins, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, Weber and Weik. Ayes, 39. Nays, 19.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1135, Assembly Bill Number 11321, by Assemblymember Simpson, an act to amend the Public Officers 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 1135, voting in the negative: Senator Ryan. Ayes, 57. Nays, 1.
The bill is passed. There's a substitution at the desk. The Secretary will read.
Senator Scarcella-Spanton moves to discharge, from the Committee on Codes, Assembly Bill Number 1838C and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 4922C, Third Reading Calendar 1138.
The Secretary will read.
Calendar Number 1138, Assembly Bill Number 1838C, by Assemblymember Eachus, an act to amend the Penal Law.
Read the last section.
Section 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
Ayes, 58.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1146, Senate Print 9616, by Senator Ryan, an act to amend the Penal Law.
Read the last section.
Section 2. This act shall take effect on the first of November.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Senator Ryan to explain his vote.
Thank you. Thank you, Madam President. I rise today in support of this bill, this legislation that I was very proud to take over from our former colleague Senator Hoylman-Sigal, which strengthens the accountability for repeat sexual offenders in New York State. Under current law, prosecutors are limited to looking back just 10 years when determining whether someone can be charged with persistent sexual abuse. That means that prior convictions outside that arbitrary window may not be considered, even when there is a very clear pattern of predatory behavior. This bill removes that limitation. Sexual abuse leaves lasting trauma for survivors and for entire communities. When someone repeatedly commits these offenses over the course of a lifetime, we should not ignore that history just because time has passed. A pattern of abuse is still a pattern of abuse. This legislation gives prosecutors the ability to review a person's full criminal history of sexual offenses when determining whether enhanced charges are appropriate. It ensures that repeat offenders are treated as repeat offenders, regardless of when those prior crimes were committed. I believe that this bill is a commonsense update to our laws that prioritizes safety, survivor protection, and accountability. Because at the end of the day, that is our responsibility here in state government. And I proudly vote aye. Thank you.
Senator Ryan to be recorded in the affirmative. Announce the results.
Ayes, 58.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1147, Senate Print 9822, by Senator Salazar, an act to repeal Section 2307 of the Public Health Law.
Read the last section.
Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Senator Borrello to explain his vote.
Thank you, Madam President. This bill will decriminalize someone knowingly spreading a sexually transmitted disease. Let me tell you a story about what happened in Chautauqua County, which is where I live, back in the nineties. Nushawn Williams, who was -- knew he became infected with HIV, knowingly went out and had sex with multiple partners, as many as 300 women in Chautauqua County and New York City. His sexual conduct was intentional, to infect more and more women. That's what he did. He was finally convicted, but he created a public health crisis -- one man created a public health crisis in Chautauqua County. He went to prison for his actions. But this bill would no longer find him guilty. This bill would let someone like Nushawn Williams continue to walk the streets of New York State. That's what this bill does. This is a pro-sexual-predator bill, an anti-woman bill, and I cannot believe that something like this actually exists. Literally one calendar earlier we're talking about multiple repeat offenders. This guy intentionally infected hundreds of women. That's what this bill does. It should be voted down. And I'll be voting no. Thank you.
Senator Borrello to be recorded in the negative. Senator Salazar to explain her vote.
Thank you, Madam President. You know, we've heard many times appeals to false hypotheticals in arguments made in this chamber. But I've got to say the idea that any person would intentionally, deliberately seek to hurt another person solely by attempting to spread an STI strains credulity. It is absurd. But worse, it is cruelty toward individuals living with an STI to suggest this. It is not actually possible, any more than it would be for me, if I were to contract COVID-19, to deliberately direct that virus to attack another person. It is not possible for someone to actually direct a virus from their body to infect another person, first of all. But additionally, we know that this cruel law harms women, particularly survivors of intimate partner abuse. Abusers frequently weaponize HIV criminal laws, like this existing law that we are repealing, by threatening false exposure claims to control or punish their partners. This is well-documented. Criminalization traps survivors in cycles of abuse and deters them from seeking care or support. Ending HIV criminalization is essential to these individuals' dignity, autonomy, and safety. Furthermore, this is essential for public health, more broadly, and ending the anti-LGBTQ stigma against individuals living with HIV or other STIs. And I'm proud to vote aye. Thank you.
Senator Salazar to be recorded in the affirmative. Senator Chan to explain his vote.
Thank you, Madam President. So in 1996 my partner and I personally arrested a Mr. Jose Arocho, who just got let out of jail after doing 17 years for manslaughter. We arrested him for rape 1. On the way back to the stationhouse, in the police car, he had mentioned that not only did he just get released from jail and that he was HIV-positive. In fact, he said "I have AIDS." Subsequently, he was convicted of rape 1, and the judge did make him get an AIDS test, a test for HIV. He is in fact positive for HIV and AIDS. So currently Mr. Arocho -- I just checked him not long ago -- he is serving 52 years to life in upstate New York. So yes, the notion of somebody that wants to intentionally give someone this -- these sexually transmitted diseases are real. And I'll be voting down on this bill.
Senator Chan to be recorded in the negative. Senator Martins? No. Announce the results.
In relation to Calendar 1147, voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, 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, 36. Nays, 22.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1150, Assembly Bill Number 10293A, by Assemblymember McMahon, an act in relation to authorizing Michael O'Brien to take the competitive civil service examination.
There is a home-rule message at the desk. The Secretary will read. 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 1150, voting in the negative: Senator Brisport. Ayes, 57. Nays, 1.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1157, Senate Print Number 2069, by Senator Scarcella-Spanton, an act to amend the Executive Law.
Read the last section.
Section 2. This act shall take effect on the 120th day after it shall have become a law.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
Ayes, 58.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1187, Senate Print 9772, by Senator Sepúlveda, an act to amend the New York City Civil Court Act.
Read the last section.
Section 3. 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 1187, voting in the negative are Senators Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Martins, Mattera, Murray, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, Rolison, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, Weber and Weik. Ayes, 38. Nays, 20.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1192, Senate Print 1075, by Senator Serrano, an act to create a temporary commission to study and make recommendations concerning the incidence of asthma in the Borough of the Bronx.
Read the last section.
Section 6. This act shall take effect immediately.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
Ayes, 58.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1194, Assembly Bill Number 6347, by Assemblymember Otis, an act to amend the State Technology Law.
Read the last section.
Section 3. This act shall take effect one year after it shall have become a law.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
In relation to Calendar 1194, voting in the negative are Senators Hinchey and Walczyk. Also Senator Borrello. Also Senator Ryan. Ayes, 54. Nays, 4.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1200, Senate Print 1692B, by Senator Ramos, 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 1200, voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, 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, 36. Nays, 22.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1206, Senate Print 4850, by Senator Ryan, an act to amend the Insurance Law.
Read the last section.
Section 4. This act shall take effect on the 60th day after it shall have become a law.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
Ayes, 58.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1208, Senate Print 6626A, by Senator Baskin, an act to amend the Economic Development 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, 58.
The bill is passed. There's a substitution at the desk. The Secretary will read.
Senator Martinez moves to discharge, from the Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions, Assembly Bill Number 11390 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 8397, Third Reading Calendar 1224.
The Secretary will read.
Calendar Number 1224, Assembly Bill Number 11390, by Assemblymember Bronson, an act to amend the Business Corporation Law.
Read the last section.
Section 8. 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, 58.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1226, Senate Print 8953, by Senator Gallivan, an act in relation to establishing the Clarence Center Volunteer Exempt Firefighter's Benevolent Association.
Read the last section.
Section 8. This act shall take effect immediately.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
Ayes, 58.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1232, Senate Print 3050A, by Senator Stec, an act to authorize an expedited application review process for certain healthcare professionals.
Read the last section.
Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
Ayes, 58.
The bill is passed. There's a substitution at the desk. The Secretary will read.
Senator Palumbo moves to discharge, from the Committee on Local Government, Assembly Bill Number 10998 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 10155, Third Reading Calendar 1254.
The Secretary will read.
Calendar Number 1254, Assembly Bill Number 10998, by Assemblymember Schiavoni, an act to amend Chapter 492 of the Laws of 1981.
Read the last section.
Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
Ayes, 58.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1256, Senate Print 10182A, by Senator Helming, an act to amend Chapter 117 of the Laws of 1983.
Read the last section.
Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
Ayes, 58.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1258, Senate Print 10244, by Senator Martinez, an act to amend Chapter 459 of the Laws of 1962.
Read the last section.
Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
Ayes, 58.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1259, Senate Print 10250, by Senator Martinez, an act in relation to authorizing Christian Congregation of Long Island to receive retroactive real property tax-exempt status.
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 1259, voting in the negative are Senators O'Mara and Skoufis. Ayes, 56. Nays, 2.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1289, Senate Print 4612, by Senator Ramos, an act to amend the Workers' Compensation Law. (Off the record.)
The Secretary will read Calendar 1273.
Excuse me. Calendar Number 1273, Assembly Bill Number 9209A, by Assemblymember Conrad, an act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
Read the last section.
Section 3. This act shall take effect one year after it shall have become a law.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
Ayes, 58.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1289, Senate Print 4612, by Senator Ramos, an act to amend the Workers' Compensation 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.
In relation to Calendar 1289, voting in the negative are Senators Lanza and Ortt. Ayes, 56. Nays, 2.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1313, Assembly Bill Number 6741A, by Assemblymember Simone, an act to amend the Election Law.
Read the last section.
Section 3. This act shall take effect on the 90th day after it shall have become a law.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick to explain her vote.
Thank you, Madam President. I'm rising to just explain my vote. I'm all for transparency. I couldn't help but chuckle when I saw in the sponsor's memo that it was stated, in order to encourage informed voter participation and reduce down-ballot drop-off was one of the reasons why we were passing this bill. But I can't help but chuckle that it's a result of passing other legislation in this body, moving our local elections from odd years to even years that may be resulting in the down-ballot drop-off. So I'm glad that the sponsor realizes that this is an issue. I proudly vote aye. Thank you, Madam President.
Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick to be recorded in the affirmative. Announce the results.
In relation to Calendar 1313, voting in the negative are Senators O'Mara, Rhoads and Walczyk. Ayes, 55. Nays, 3.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 1315, Senate Print 7689B, by Senator Skoufis, an act to amend the Election Law.
Read the last section.
Section 14. This act shall take effect on the 30th day after it shall have become a law.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Senator Walczyk to explain his vote.
Thank you, Madam President. So I had the opportunity to vote overseas in 2024, and I think we have a lot of progress to make in the way that we handle overseas balloting. I was actually concerned that my absentee ballot wouldn't show up on the time it was supposed to come. There's a way that you can track the paper. I was so fortunate, when I was deployed, to actually have a computer and a printer not too far off. But if you know anything about a deployment environment in our modern military, printers are pretty secure and computers are pretty few across the whole formation. So the expectation that every soldier is going to be getting onto an online portal and then printing ballots out or dealing with the Board of Elections through email isn't really the right route to go. I share these concerns. I think we have a lot of progress to make when it comes to overseas military ballots. I'll be a no on this bill today because I think it's the wrong direction. We really need to focus on getting the paper right and following the timelines through the federal system that exists now. So I'll be a no. Thank you, Madam President.
Senator Walczyk to be recorded in the negative. Senator Skoufis to explain his vote.
Thank you very much, Madam President. I'm glad my colleague voted in the 2024 election. There were only 11 percent of eligible overseas voters who participated in that 2024 election, and that's relative to, domestically, a 64 percent national voter turnout. In 2022, a midterm, it was even worse: A mere 3.4 percent of eligible overseas voters participated in the 2022 election. And yes, these are servicemen and -women. They're also individuals who are overseas for work. They're students, study-abroad participants. They're expats. There are many, many types of individuals who -- millions of individuals who are eligible but do not participate in our elections. And it's our own federal government -- that administers what's called the FPCA, the Federal Post Card Application -- that highlights barriers like the ones we are looking to remove in this bill as one of the primary reasons why those participation rates are so low. There is nothing -- just to respond to one point, there is nothing in this bill that requires electronic delivery of requests. People can still mail if they so choose. But we are one of the few states in the country, very few states, that prohibits individuals overseas from sending an email back to the Board of Elections in New York to complete their FPCA process. And so whether it's that, whether it's requiring colleges to advise study-abroad students in advance of this particular process to vote from overseas, there are many measures in this bill that will facilitate higher participation rates. And I vote yes for those reasons.
Senator Skoufis to be recorded in the affirmative. Announce the results.
In relation to Calendar 1315, voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Martins, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, Rolison, Stec, Walczyk, Weber and Weik. Ayes, 37. Nays, 21.
The bill is passed. Senator Gianaris, that completes the reading of today's calendar.
Madam President, let's return to resolutions for a moment and take up previously adopted Resolution 2163, by Senator Brouk, read its title and recognize Senator Webb on the resolution, please.
The Secretary will read.
Calendar Number 2163, by Senator Brouk, memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2026 as Maternal Mental Health Month in the State of New York.
Senator Webb on the resolution.
Thank you, Madam President. I want to of course thank our colleague Senator Brouk for introducing this important resolution, and of course our Majority Leader for continuing to lift up these important issues related to maternal mental health. So maternal mental health issues, known as MMH, are the leading complication of childbirth. Over the last decade, the mental health of U.S. mothers has worsened. Increasing amounts of women show signs of anxiety, depression and OCD during or after their pregnancy. Preexisting mental health conditions like bipolar spectrum disorder or premenstrual conditions like PMS or PMDD can often be exacerbated during pregnancy. Every year more than 800,000 families -- that's one in every five families in our country -- are impacted by MMH disorders. And we know this statistic is even more disparaging for Black and brown mothers. Black mothers are 40 percent more likely to experience MMH, at nearly twice the rate of all women combined. These disparities are due to systemic issues like racism in our healthcare systems, underrepresentation of people of color in the medical field, and higher levels of chronic long-term stress for Black and brown women. Rural families have their own systemic barriers, such as the lack of access to healthcare in low-income and rural areas and the compounded effects of poverty. We must do better for our mothers and our families. They deserve peace and good health. The stigma around MMH means that many women do not seek out the help they need and deserve. Mothers are often expected to show up, to be strong, to prioritize their children and their families before thinking about themselves. But we want every mother that is listening today, and most certainly beyond today, to know that you cannot take care of others unless you take care of yourself first. And there is nothing, nothing wrong with speaking to someone about your mental health challenges and struggles. The strongest thing that any of us can do is admit that we are struggling. I want to again thank Senator Brouk for uplifting this issue, and of course our Majority Leader for her support. By bringing light to this issue, it is my sincere hope that more women are encouraged to seek the mental health support they deserve, and that we in this chamber continue to make strides in making sure more investments are made through our state budget process to support mental health services. I proudly vote aye, and I encourage my colleagues to do the same. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you, Senator Webb. Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick on the resolution.
Thank you, Madam President. I want to thank the sponsor and thank Senator Webb for bringing this resolution to the floor. My understanding is that Senator Brouk is actually out on maternity leave, so I hope she's doing well and watching this. As a mom of three daughters and a mother of four kids, it is very important that we support mothers as they transition after birth to being a mom and taking care of a little one. It is extremely important that the men in our lives listen and know that when they see a woman who is a new mom, they may not be able to ask for help. They may think, I'm just a little overwhelmed, there's a lot of change in my life. And it's hopeful that the men in our lives support us and know that maybe you're struggling a little too much. Maybe you need a little extra help. And that's what today is about, bringing awareness to that and making sure that we all realize that a new mom goes through an awful lot -- lack of sleep, hormonal changes. And there's so much that we don't understand about it, and that's why it's important that we bring awareness, do more research and find out what we can do to support those new moms in our communities. Thank you, Madam President. I proudly vote aye.
Thank you, Senator. Senator Bailey on the resolution.
Thank you, Madam President. Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, you took the words out of my mouth. I think this is a really important call to action. I thank Senator Brouk and hope that she is doing well. I hope that she's, frankly, not watching this and she's getting some rest and some bonding time with her incredible children and her great husband Brian. A shout out to Brian, a very supportive gentleman, by the way. And I think that's what we need more of. We need more men to make sure that we support the women in our lives. Giving birth is no walk in the park. There's a lot of debate about cesarean sections versus different types of birth. And my wife might yell at me for this, but I want to say it anyway. She had three C-sections. And a C-section is not a minor surgery by any stretch of the imagination. And so not only do you have to carry a child, the greatest thing in the world, but you're carrying a child -- she did it three times. And to do so in all types of temperatures, in the rain, in the snow, the sun. You don't get a day off. You don't get to be unpregnant when it's hot. You don't get to be unpregnant when it's cold or when it's snowing. You have to worry about slipping and falling on snow. There's so many different things that you don't really think about, that I know women think about when they're pregnant. And they think about it not just when they're pregnant, but after they give birth. And then there are the added societal pressures of returning to the workforce. Right? And making sure that, Hey, I am a skilled worker, how do I not lose my spot, lose my space in the shuffle. So as people, as a society, whether you have children or not, whether you're planning to have children or not, this is something that we should all be incredibly aware of. I'm incredibly appreciative of my wife all the time. But in reflection, when you've given three kids and you're still able to be an incredible role model and somebody that for our daughters and son to look up to, you know, I salute her even more. Senator Webb, thank you for standing in stead and delivering the word, as they say, on behalf of Senator Brouk and our Majority Leader. All the women of our conference who have given birth, haven't given birth, thinking about giving birth -- we salute you, we appreciate you, and we thank you. And I vote aye. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. Senator Scarcella-Spanton on the resolution.
Thank you, Madam President. And thank you, Senator Brouk, if you are watching, for introducing this really important resolution on maternal mental health -- and also Senator Webb for speaking on it today. This is such an important issue for women. I have the privilege of representing an amazing constituent, Alexsis Gilles, who had a traumatic birth herself. She's a resident on Staten Island, and she started an organization called The Post Care, which is simply just for moms to get together and have conversations on a weekly basis. And it really turned into such a bigger thing. She just got her nonprofit status, and she's trying to raise the importance of allowing women to have an outlet to talk about these experiences. I think there sometimes is so much guilt associated with any sort of issue you're having, whether you're depressed or you're feeling more anxious, whatever comes along with it, and actually talking about those things. Because sometimes moms are expected to be moms and shoulder the brunt and the burden of everything. But there are people who really go through a lot. And for each cohort that Alexsis has, I have the privilege of actually going in and speaking to these women. And I see them, and I see so much of myself. Early on -- my kids are bigger now, they're 10 and 12, but I see so much of myself early on. When I was pregnant with my daughter, I was young, I was 24 years old, and I was in labor for 36 hours. I also had false labor the first time, too, which I did not know was a thing that could happen. But I didn't have that type of support or that type of group around me. So when I speak to these young women who just have newborns and they have each other, it's so critically important to have that outlet for each other. So her organization is called The Post Care. It's Alexsis Gilles. I'm very proud to have her in my district. And I thank her for the work that she's doing around maternal mental health. And to Senator Brouk, if you're watching this: Hello. We miss you. And I hope you're enjoying every minute with your new baby. Thank you.
Thank you. Senator Salazar to explain her vote.
Thank you, Madam President. It is amazing to have the opportunity to recognize Maternal Mental Health Month in the State of New York and recognize the leadership of Senator Webb and of Senator Brouk in bringing this to the floor and highlighting this important issue for all of us. It is an opportunity for us to recommit our efforts to reduce maternal mortality as well, and improve mental health care in our state in addition to eliminating stigma about mental health conditions. We also raise awareness about mental health disorders that particularly impact pregnant and postpartum New Yorkers who may be struggling in silence. Individuals who are battling postpartum depression or other mental health conditions should not face stigma instead of care and treatment. And so I just want to show my gratitude to Senator Webb, Senator Brouk, to our Majority Leader, for always emphasizing this issue and raising awareness about it so that we can continue to responsibly address a maternal health crisis in our state, and not least with mental health care. I vote aye.
Thank you. The resolution was previously adopted on May 27th. Senator Gianaris.
Madam President, the sponsors of all of today's resolutions would like to open them for cosponsorship.
The resolutions are open for cosponsorship. Should you choose not to be a cosponsor, please notify the desk. Senator Gianaris.
Is there any further business at the desk?
There is no further business at the desk.
I move to adjourn until Monday, June 1st, at 12:00 noon, with the intervening days being legislative days.
On motion, the Senate stands adjourned until Monday, June 1st, at 12:00 noon, with the intervening days being legislative days. (Whereupon, at 1:58 p.m., the Senate adjourned.)