May 7, 2026 · ALBANY, NEW YORK · 10,364 words · 15 speakers · 273 segments
The Senate will come to order. I ask everyone present 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, Wednesday, May 6, 2026, the Senate met pursuant to adjournment. The Journal of Tuesday, May 5, 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 Finance, Assembly Bill Number 1740A and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill Number 3866B, Third Reading Calendar 846.
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 morning, Mr. President.
Good morning.
Let's begin today with a little bit of good news. Our colleague Senator Weik has just become a grandmother for the second time, 10 minutes ago. (Applause; cheers.)
Congratulations, Senator Weik. Senator Gianaris.
Now on to the work of the day. Let us call an immediate meeting of the Rules Committee in Room 332.
There will be an immediate meeting of the Rules Committee in Room 332.
The Senate will stand at ease.
The Senate will stand at ease. (Whereupon, the Senate stood at ease at 11:20 a.m.) (Whereupon, the Senate reconvened at 11:24 a.m.)
The Senate will return to order. Senator Gianaris.
There's a report of the Rules Committee at the desk. Let's take that up, please.
The Secretary will read.
Senator Stewart-Cousins, from the Committee on Rules, reports the following bill: Senate Print 10221, by Senator Serrano, an act making appropriations for the support of government. The bill reports direct to third reading.
Move to accept the report of the Rules Committee.
All those in favor of accepting the report of the Rules Committee please signify by saying aye. (Response of "Aye.")
Opposed, nay. (No response.)
The report of the Rules Committee is accepted. Senator Gianaris.
Please take up the supplemental calendar.
The Secretary will read.
Calendar Number 991, Senate Print 10221, by Senator Serrano, an act making appropriations for the support of government.
Is there a message of necessity and appropriation at the desk?
There is a message of necessity and appropriation at the desk.
Move to accept the message.
Those in favor of accepting the message please signify by saying aye. (Response of "Aye.")
Opposed, nay. (Response of "Nay.")
The message is accepted, and the bill is before the house.
Lay it aside.
The bill is laid aside. Senator Gianaris.
Let's now move on to the supplemental controversial calendar.
Senator Gianaris, that completes the reading of the supplemental calendar. The Secretary will ring the bill. The Secretary will read.
Calendar Number 991, Senate Print 10221, by Senator Serrano, an act making appropriations for the support of government.
Senator O'Mara, why do you rise?
Yes, thank you, Mr. President. Will the Senator yield for some questions?
Senator Serrano, do you yield?
Yes.
The Senator yields.
Good morning, Senator. The Governor has informed us all today that there's a final budget deal. Do you have any of the details you can share with us? And have any of the nine remaining budget bills been put to print yet?
Through you, Mr. President. Senator O'Mara, the bill before us indeed is our tenth budget extender. It will take us through Monday, May 11th. It has -- it contains $482 million in new spending, which brings us to a total of $20.3 billion in all of these extenders. It covers some really important funding that allows for the continuation of state government until we have a final budget that we are voting on. And in this budget bill -- this extender bill we have WIC payments, workers' comp, unemployment insurance, mass transit operating funds, funding for developmental disabilities, and homeless veterans' housing payments, among other payments.
Thank you, Senator. Mr. President, if the Senator will continue to yield.
Will the sponsor yield?
Yes.
The Senator yields.
Well, Senator, since the Governor's come out and announced this morning a budget deal at $268 billion, 15 billion more than last year, every extender we've gone through now -- this is the tenth one -- these major policy issues are out there. Where did we end up? Where do we end up on CLCPA?
Through you, Mr. President. Senator O'Mara, talks continue to happen. We are certainly moving closer to a set of budget bills that we can vote on and come forward with a final enacted budget. But right now the bill before the house is another extender, as -- you are correct, our tenth extender, so quite a few. But again, we are getting extremely close to having those bills before us. And until we have those bills before us in print, it is very difficult to speculate on where we landed on all of the policy issues.
Thank you, Senator. Mr. President, if the Senator will continue to yield.
Will the sponsor yield?
Yes.
The sponsor yields.
Speaker Heastie in the Assembly has just recently stated to the media that there is no budget deal, while the Governor came out a couple of hours ago and said there is. What is the Senate Majority's perspective on -- is there a budget deal or not?
Through you, Mr. President. The bill before us is a budget extender. Clearly, we do not have budget bills, final budget bills in print before us. I believe we're getting very close. I think -- I am unable to give you much more information beyond that, other than the fact that we are extremely close and hopefully we will be in this chamber voting on our final enacted budget.
Thank you. Mr. President, if the Senator will continue to yield.
Will the sponsor yield?
Yes.
The sponsor yields.
Thank you, Senator. The Governor has stated this morning that the budget total is going to be $268 billion. Are you in agreement with that final number?
Through you, Mr. President. Without budget bills in print, it's hard for me to speculate on what the final numbers are. But I can tell you that the things that we have been fighting for as a conference, as a legislative body -- indeed, all parties involved -- are for things to ensure that we have a functioning state government, that we account for things like economic development, funding for parks and arts and culture and different things that are extremely important for our social safety net. Whatever that final number winds up being, I am pretty confident that it will hopefully address all of the different needs that we have as a state.
Thank you. Mr. President, if the Senator would continue to yield.
Will the sponsor yield?
Yes.
The sponsor yields.
From the additional $15 billion increase from last year's budget that the Governor has stated, can you tell us how much of that is earmarked to New York State?
Through you, Mr. President. I'm unable to do that. I don't have that information.
Mr. President, if the Senator will continue to yield.
Will the sponsor yield?
Yes.
The sponsor yields.
Senator, do you expect that we're going to have budget bills in print over this weekend and we'll be taking them up on Monday?
Through you, Mr. President. It's hard to say. I really can't give you a definitive answer. I don't want to give an incorrect answer. But again, I feel that we are getting extremely close to that moment. We -- you know, we have been working diligently, all parties involved, to close down on a number of policy issues, ensuring that we have the best product, the best work product this budget can be. And I do feel very confident that we are getting to that point, but I can't give you an exact time frame of when we will start voting.
Thank you, Senator. Mr. President, if the Senator will continue to yield.
Will the sponsor yield?
Yes.
The sponsor yields.
Senator, what tax increases or revenue raisers are in this proposal to get us up to an increased spending amount of 268 billion?
Through you, Mr. President. In the bill before us, we don't have any of those issues outlined here. Again, as I mentioned in the beginning of our conversation, there are a number of different funding items that are here, as well as some local government assistance payments for the City of Yonkers. But beyond that, there's no additional revenue raisers in the bill before us.
Thank you. Mr. President, if the Senator will continue to yield.
Will the sponsor yield?
Yes.
The sponsor yields.
Senator, would you agree that it's important that we have an open and robust discussion of this budget and have an understanding of what is going to be in this budget before we actually vote on it in the State Legislature?
Through you, Mr. President, of course. I do believe that that is important, and we all endeavor to ensure that we have those discussions both here as a body and back at home in our districts. And I've been trying to do the best that I can to convey the different machinations of this budget process throughout with my constituents, and soliciting that sort of feedback has been very important. But as we get closer to the end, I believe it will be widely reported, a lot of the different issues that this budget will contain. And I feel confident that the public will have a good idea of what we're voting on.
Through you, Mr. President, if the Senator will continue to yield.
Will the sponsor yield?
Yes.
The sponsor yields.
When do you expect that we're going to have these budget bills in place that we can review and prepare for a debate on the budget?
Through you, Mr. President. It's hard to give you an exact time frame at this moment. But I feel that through what we're seeing in news reports and what we're hearing as a legislative body, we are getting closer to that moment. I can't give you an exact time frame, though.
Thank you. On the bill, Mr. President. Thank you, Senator Serrano.
Senator O'Mara on the bill.
I appreciate that, I suppose, although it gives us absolutely no information whatsoever on where we stand on this budget. And I do find it alarming that the Governor was out two hours ago stating there's a budget deal, that we're going to spend $268 billion, another $15 billion than last year, yet there apparently is no agreement. Speaker Heastie has come out and said there is no agreement. We have no details from the Majority here today on any details of what's been agreed for in this budget of $268 billion. And, you know, New Yorkers, as I repeatedly say in these extenders, New Yorkers deserve to know what we're considering here, because we really have nothing. Twice a week we're doing these extenders, and we get no information. And then the Governor comes out and says there a deal, and yet there's still no information from the majority here on what if anything has been agreed to, whether this $268 billion figure is real or not. But it's certainly a concerning amount, with increasing spending by $15 billion from year to year. And we have no details on where that money's going, what are the policy issues that have been resolved on this budget that have seemingly held it up for well over a month now. That, you know, we just -- we need more information. And I'm sure that it will probably show up here on Monday, and there will be bills that were printed overnight, and we'll get messages of necessity from the Governor, and we'll be expected to debate these bills and vote on them with very little time to review these, a $268 billion budget proposal -- New Yorkers deserve better. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Senator O'Mara. Senator Helming, why do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. If the sponsor will yield for a few questions.
Will the sponsor yield?
Yes.
The sponsor yields.
Thank you. So as Senator O'Mara pointed out, the budget's over a month late. He asked several questions; there were really no concrete answers. So, Senator Serrano, can you tell me, does this budget extender provide any certainty for our local governments? And just to let you know, it's pothole season. Our local municipalities are trying to do road repairs, plan for bridge repairs, culvert work, et cetera. Does this budget provide any certainty?
Through you, Mr. President. The budget extender bill before us does provide for funding for some really important functions of our state government, including local government assistance payments for the City of Yonkers, which I think speaks to the question that you have. But generally speaking, this extender, which brings us up to $20.3 billion on all of these extenders together, has significant funding for the functioning of our state and local government, depending on the timing of the payments needed.
Thank you. Mr. President, if the sponsor will continue to yield.
Will the sponsor yield?
Yes.
The sponsor yields.
Senator Serrano, just so I can get some clarification, my understanding is under local government assistance, the Executive provides 11 million for the following, and then it says 11 million for the City of Yonkers. So for the rest of our communities, is there any certainty in this extender as far as what they can anticipate receiving in funding?
Through you, Mr. President. You're correct, in this current budget extender bill there is funding for the City of Yonkers, which is a local government payment, as you've mentioned. But throughout this process there have been other payments to other localities. And it really depends on the timing of when certain payments are due. I know that there are a lot of concerns about certain deadlines for school districts and things of that nature. But again, I feel very confident that we will conclude this entire budget process in the near future, and we will get up-to-date on all of those payments. But at the moment the bill before us accounts for some local government assistance payments for the City of Yonkers, and a bunch of other items that I did enumerate earlier.
Thank you. Through you, Mr. President, if the sponsor will continue to yield.
Will the sponsor yield?
Yes.
The sponsor yields.
Senator Serrano, you have mentioned our school districts. They're literally just days away now from being legally mandated to hold their budget votes. Is there anything in this tenth budget extender that provides them some certainty, some information on what they can anticipate receiving for funding this year?
Through you, Mr. President. Senator, no, the budget bill before us just allows for the functioning of state government to get us through the next few days until Monday. It does not have any additional information. But we are really, really moving along here, and I do feel confident that we can get that done in a timely manner.
Thank you. Through you, Mr. President, if the sponsor will continue to yield.
Will the sponsor yield?
Yes.
The sponsor yields.
Senator Serrano, I think it was during the eighth budget debate I had asked a question specifically about whether or not the extender had included any funding or addressed the Rural Healthcare Transformation funding, that if we don't spend it by September, the State of New York is going to lose it. I explained how that funding is so critical, especially for our rural communities. Is there anything in this tenth budget extender that addresses, that gives the DOB the opportunity to start moving that money or soliciting requests?
Through you, Mr. President. I agree, these are all really important issues. And there is a definite sense of urgency to get everything done in order to address that and many other issues. This budget extender does not speak to that, but I think the overall sentiment of all involved is to move with haste so that we can help address these issues before anything bad happens, and to make sure that that money gets spent.
Through you, if the sponsor will continue to yield.
Will the sponsor yield?
Yes.
The sponsor yields.
Senator Serrano, you mentioned that hopefully we'll have information on Monday. Will our local governments or our schools or our healthcare providers, will they and will this body, will we have details and information on Monday?
Through you, Mr. President. It's hard to say at this time what information we will have on Monday. So no, I cannot answer that.
Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you to the sponsor for your responses.
Thank you, Senator Helming. Are there any other Senators wishing to be heard? Seeing and hearing none, debate is closed. Senator Gianaris.
Mr. President, we've agreed to restore this bill to the noncontroversial calendar.
On consent, the bill is restored to the noncontroversial calendar. Read the last section.
Section 17. This act shall take effect immediately.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
In relation to Calendar 991, voting in the negative: Senator Weik. Ayes, 60. Nays, 1.
The bill is passed. Senator Gianaris, that completes the reading of today's supplemental controversial calendar.
Let's go back to motions and resolutions and take up previously adopted Resolution 1849, by Senator Ortt, have its title read and call on Senator Ortt.
The Secretary will read.
Resolution 1849, by Senator Ortt, congratulating the North Tonawanda High School Girls Varsity Basketball Team upon the occasion of capturing the 2026 New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class AA Varsity Girls Basketball Championship.
Senator Ortt on the resolution.
Well, thank you, Mr. President. I appreciate the opportunity to welcome several players from the North Tonawanda Lady Jacks State Championship Team who are here today. I don't get to do a lot of these, so I'm going to bask in the glow of their victory just only a few weeks ago. So for those who don't know, North Tonawanda plays in the Class AA. I know we're going to hear a little bit after this from the champions in the Class A, represented by Senator Weber. And I propose we do maybe like a scrimmage game afterward -- (Laughter.)
-- to see who really is the best ladies basketball team. Now, we only have six players, Senator Weber, but I like our chances. (Laughter.)
So with that, you know, 2025-2026 was a great year for our Lady Jacks. It was the best season in North Tonawanda Girls Basketball history. And the first time a North Tonawanda team, basketball team, or any Section VI AA team ever brought home the New York State Class AA championship. So it's a big deal. Incredible achievement. I think maybe it's just timely -- I don't know if our players know this, but of course we had our Women of Distinction event this week where we celebrate women who have made great contributions to our community, to our state. And every Senator, ostensibly, is allowed to choose a nominee. And I think it's fitting that you're all here, because nothing could be more distinct to me at your age than to have achieved what you have. And it's fitting, not only are you distinct as individuals, but you came together as players, as a team, to accomplish something that no individual can accomplish. And I'm grateful that you're here. I'll walk you through a little bit of the path. You came into the Section VI AA Tournament as the No. 3 seed. So, Mr. President, I know you're a big Knicks fan -- they're the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, so hopefully they can follow the blueprint of the Lady Jacks to get where they're trying to get to. So -- and they shocked everybody. First, they took down the No. 1 seed, Orchard Park, 62-40. Which is why I'm doing the resolution and Senator Gallivan's not. (Laughter.)
Then, then, at a tournament at Buffalo State, they dominated Williamsville East, 73-52, to claim the first-ever Section VI AA title. From there they went to the state tournament. After a bye, they beat Webster Schroeder, 62-48. They took care of Horseheads, 57-35. And in spite of that, Senator O'Mara is still going to support the resolution. And on March 22nd they finished the job, defeating Bethlehem Central, 57-37. So, Senator Fahy, I'm sorry that didn't work out for you, but -- (Laughter.)
So you can see, right, this is a great day for me. This is a "I'm not going to miss this." (Laughter.)
Their final record, 23 and 3. Which is pretty incredible -- first sectional champions, first real champions, first state champions. And of course not only do I represent North Tonawanda, but I live there. So as a North Tonawanda resident, it's very proud -- I know everyone in North Tonawanda is very proud of these young women. We're joined -- now, Coach Ryan Bradt could not be here today. But Coach Ryan Bradt is not only the coach -- in his first year, led them to this great accomplishment -- he's also a police officer when he's not coaching girls basketball. So this is someone -- and I know his family, he comes from very good stock. I wish he could be here today, but he's not. We are joined by Assistant Coach Desiree Doucette; I want to thank her for being here with our players. And I know she certainly played an important role in their success. I do want to recognize the players who are here. So we have -- and if this is wrong, let me know, and we'll get rid of that person who gave me this list. So Jakayla Brown. Jakayla, if you can stand up. (Applause from gallery.)
We have Ella Cashion, Annabelle Day, Lilly Day, Tiana King, and Sophia Virgilio. Right? So we've got everybody up there. And I do want to make a special note. Annabelle Day was the Buffalo Player of the Year, McDonald's All-American nominee, Team MVP, all-time scoring leader in North Tonawanda school history, boys or girls -- boys or girls -- with 2,023 career points. That's even more than Jim Tedisco had when he played basketball. (Laughter.)
But it was -- that was a peach basket. That was a long time ago. (Laughter.)
So she broke 2,000 in the state semifinals. And she's going to be playing at the University of Buffalo this coming fall. But to all the players, they have made our community so proud. And that they're here today actually makes me incredibly proud that I get to do this on the floor. I know you guys got a tour. But, Mr. President, I'd just like to extend all the courtesies of the house. In a week where we honored women, where we get to honor young women who did something incredible and I know will go on to do incredible things in the future. So thank you very much.
Thank you, Senator Ortt. To the No. 3 seeded but first in our heart state champions, Western New York superstars, we look forward to your continued success as student scholar athletes. We congratulate the Lady Jacks on their championship run. May this be the first of many. Thank you to the coach and the champions. Please continue to be standing and be recognized. (Standing ovation.)
Senator Gianaris.
I believe that resolution was previously adopted on April 21, Mr. President?
The resolution was previously adopted on April 21st. Yes, Senator Gianaris.
Mr. President, the roster of teams defeated by Tonawanda that Senator Ortt mentioned, he notably did not mention the Tappan Zee Girls High School Basketball Team, a name that Senator Skoufis appreciates particularly. (Laughter.)
So let's move on to previously adopted Resolution 1932, by Senator Weber, for that purpose. Read its title and call on Senator Weber, please.
Today in the chamber, ball is life. The Secretary will read.
Resolution 1932, by Senator Weber, congratulating the Tappan Zee High School girls Basketball Team and Coach Riley Chevrier upon the occasion of capturing the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class A Championship.
Senator Weber on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. You know, in continuing the theme of honoring women this week, we have special young women here from Tappan Zee. In 2023, the first state champions from my district that I had up here in Albany were the Tappan Zee School boys, who won the state championship that year. And today I'm proud to welcome the Tappan Zee High School Girls Basketball Team. Clearly the Flying Dutchmen are doing something right in our district. The Tappan Zee High School Girls Basketball Team and Coach Riley Chevrier captured the Class A championship for the first time ever, with a 54-48 victory over Utica Notre Dame. Now, Senator Griffo and I were talking about this a little while ago, and I know he's going to support this resolution. But it was an exciting win for these young women, and they finished the season with a 22 and 4 overall record. You know, as the father of student athletes, something that I'm proud of, I know the high demands that are put on these students as they juggle their commitment to the team to compete at a championship level while maintaining their academic responsibilities. So we're really proud of the accomplishment that you did, and we know that you worked really hard. These struggles build character that will benefit you for the rest of your lives. I'd like to thank the Tappan Zee High school administration for allowing the team to come to the Capitol today to receive this much-deserved recognition. As I read off your names, I would like you to please rise so we'll continue to recognize you. We have Emma McHugh, who's a senior. We have Eve Girardi, a senior as well. We have Alyssa Sanchez, a sophomore. We have Devin Cunney, a junior. We have Niamh Donnelly -- eighth-grader? Okay, wow. Ella Pagels, a senior. Adrianna D'Orio, a senior. Abby Walsh, a sophomore. Jody Long, a sophomore. Maureen O'Donnell, a freshman. We have Addy Zayac, a freshman. We have Bridget Linehan, a junior. We have Zaria Desir, an eighth-grader. We have Lilly Lennon, a sophomore. We have Savannah Nordstrom, a senior. And I hope I have everyone. Right? Okay, excellent. I want to also recognize Head Coach Riley Chevrier. Please rise. We have Assistant Coaches Sarah Kukla and Darrell Flynn, Student Manager Kelly Kukla, and Athletic Director William Pilla. Mr. President, please extend the courtesies of the house for the Tappan Zee -- as Senator Skoufis, I think, loves that name as well. Please recognize the Tappan Zee Girls High School Team. And as Leader Ortt said, I know the Tappan Zee girls are ready for a scrimmage. Mr. President, I know you're a big basketball fan, so maybe you'll referee the game outside for a little pickup game. (Laughter.)
But please extend them all the courtesies of the house. Thank you.
Thank you, Senator Weber. I will certainly be happy to referee, because I can't guard any of you anymore. (Laughter.)
But to the champions from Class A, the Tappan Zee school, indeed you have crossed the bridge to your championship run. (Laughter.)
We congratulate you on behalf of the Senate. The ladies are truly running the chamber on your championship run. We recognize you, celebrate you, and we look forward to more championships in the future. Please remain standing and receive all of the accolades. (Standing ovation.)
The resolution was previously adopted on April 28th. Senator Gianaris.
At this time please call on Senator Rolison for an introduction.
Senator Rolison for the purposes of an introduction.
Thank you, Mr. President. It is my distinct honor to introduce to all of you today Chriss-Ann Pryce. Mr. President, I met Chriss-Ann Pryce last June 16th at Dutchess Community College. You know, Mr. President, there are times when you meet someone for the very first time -- it doesn't always happen that often -- that you say, This is a special person. This is a person who has already accomplished so much -- because I learned about it that day -- but also was going to go on to do great things. That particular day, Mr. President, I was at Dutchess Community College to meet Chriss-Ann to congratulate her on her nomination for the highest SUNY award that can be awarded. It's the Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence. Just interesting, though, that day the SUNY chancellor was there. And I actually was going be with him in a little while after meeting Chriss-Ann. He was going to be touring the campus, specifically the daycare facility at DCC. And I said to Chriss-Ann, I said, Hey, you know, do you have a little bit? The SUNY chancellor is actually here today. And I said, Would you like to go on the tour of part of the campus with me? And she looked at me sort of, you know, in that inquisitive kind of look, like, well can I? And I said, I think so, Chriss-Ann, because I'm a State Senator and you can probably go with me. And we laughed a little bit about that, and she did. And she met the SUNY chancellor. And ever since that day, Mr. President, June 16th of last year, she has become my friend. And we have actually done a lot of cool things together. But I want to tell you about what she has done. She began her academic and leadership journey at DCC by the way of a program called the Educational Opportunity Program, which was established in 1967 by Arthur O. Eve, then Assemblyman from Buffalo. And it was done during the Civil Rights Era and movement, and it was done with the intention to give every individual, every student, an opportunity to have higher education that they may not necessarily have been able to get as easy as others. Now, at DCC Chriss-Ann went on to cement herself within the DCC community. She was a peer mentor and navigator, she was the EOP Summer Academy Student Leader. And I actually went, at her invitation, to DCC to meet the students, who a lot came from the New York City area to DCC to see, hey, could I go here. And many of them did. She became a resident assistant while successfully, Mr. President, completing her associate's degree in health services. Now, she also was the director of social media for both the EOP program and academic housing, strengthening the student engagement of the campus and all the outreach initiatives. Now, in addition to her leadership roles at DCC, she actually interned in our office during the summer of last year. And she was selected for the highly competitive EOP Premedical Opportunity Program, where she has gained exposure to healthcare professions, mentorship, and the importance of addressing, Mr. President, inequities in healthcare access. And also because of many of those things, Mr. President, her commitments earned her the Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for Student Excellence and Resilience. Now, she's now at the University at Albany, and she continues expanding her leadership role and advocacy efforts as, Mr. President, a SUNY EOP ambassador, academic resource mentor, and certified mental health leader. Now, through her role as an ambassador she has traveled across the state. She has actually been here at the Capitol, recently participated in a session of the Senate with her peers. And today she gets to go across the state and speak with students, parents, counselors, legislators, educational leaders about the impact of EOP, importance of educational access, and bridging the gap to higher education for underserved communities. And we go on a little bit longer, Mr. President, because this is a very accomplished young woman. She has also participated in this year's SUNY-CUNY Model Senate, which I just spoke about, and she has spoken on panels alongside SUNY Chancellor King. She remains passionate about mentorship, public service, healthcare equity, and creating meaningful change through leadership. Now, she is also continually seeking opportunities to grow, serve her community, and make her mark within medicine, health policies, and higher education. Chriss-Ann Pryce is a matriculated student at the University at Albany studying human biology. She aspires to become a physician, pursuing work and research in healthcare advocacy as well as health policy. She is joined here today by her family, friends, and members of the SUNY EOP team. And as I've heard before from the members, this has been the week of Women of Distinction. Mr. President, I would say without a doubt that we have a young Woman of Distinction in the chambers today. And would you please recognize her and extend the cordialities of this house to her? Thank you, Mr. President.
Senator Rolison, as a proud UA graduate -- UA U Know -- I am incredibly proud to recognize the multi-talented, multifaceted future Dr. Chriss-Ann Pryce. Thank you for all that you do. We appreciate your success now, and we look forward to your success in the future. EOP proud, EOP strong -- but most importantly, community strong. Please rise and be recognized. (Standing ovation.)
Senator Gianaris.
Mr. President, the resolutions we took up today are open for cosponsorship.
These resolutions are open for cosponsorship. Should you choose not to be a cosponsor, please notify the desk. Senator Gianaris.
I have a motion here, Mr. President. On behalf of Senator Skoufis, on page 22 I offer the following amendments to Calendar 435, Senate Print 4037A, and ask that said bill retain its place on Third Reading Calendar.
The amendments are received, and the bill will retain its place on the Third Reading Calendar. Senator Gianaris.
Please take up the reading of the calendar.
The Secretary will read.
Calendar Number 115, Senate Print 1811, by Senator Fernandez, an act to amend the Executive Law.
Read the last section.
Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Senator Fernandez to explain her vote.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'm very proud and grateful to see this bill come to the floor again, because as the chair of the Committee on Substance Use Disorder, and along with my many colleagues that are advocates in making sure that we are bringing accessibility, affordability, and breaking the stigma when it comes addiction services, this bill is so important. This bill is creating -- is making May 9th Overdose Awareness Day in New York State. And we've seen enough harm, we've seen -- we've felt a lot of pain, we've lost a lot of people. And those numbers are still high, while we have seen improvements in what our services are doing. Our services that we've funded in harm reduction and recovery care and in everything in between has been doing good work. And now more than ever, we need to make sure we keep those resources fulfilled, that we continue to fight in this budget process for those programs to be supported, and that we continue to speak about those that have been lost, in their memory, and utilize the pain into passion into purpose, to make sure that we don't see the overdoses continue, that we continue to push the numbers down, that we invest more in communities that are harmed more, and that we forever keep those loved ones in mind that have lost their lives, unfortunately, to overdose. So I thank this body for your support, and I proudly vote aye.
Senator Fernandez to be recorded in the affirmative. Announce the results.
Ayes, 61.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 289, Senate Print 2280C, by Senator Webb, an act to amend the Executive Law.
Read the last section.
Section 6. This act shall take effect immediately.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Senator Murray to explain his vote.
Thank you, Mr. President. I want to thank the sponsor for bringing this bill forward. We recently did some crime victims' roundtables across the state. Some of the feedback we got when we did these and heard was the domestic violence incidents very often lead to more incidents that end, unfortunately, tragically. By doing these assessments, this allows law enforcement to take steps to prevent there being future violence and prevent them from having lethal results. So I want to thank the sponsor for this. It's a very important step already being done in Maryland, Utah and Florida, and we've seen great results from that. And I believe in New York State, Dutchess County is one of the counties that also does this. And we need to have this statewide. So again, I thank the sponsor. This will prevent terrible tragedies and also prevent us from seeing more victims. So I proudly vote yes.
Senator Murray to be recorded in the affirmative. Senator Rolison to explain his vote.
Thank you, Mr. President. And, Senator Murray, you are right, and just one part of that that I want to add to. Dutchess County was the first county in the State of New York to use these lethality assessment tools to better protect and warn victims of domestic violence on the potential for further harm to them. And it actually came out of a homicide that took place in Dutchess County in 2010. Linda Riccardulli was assaulted by her husband. He was arrested and sent to the Dutchess County Correctional Facility. He was -- he bailed out, and he killed his wife. And at the time, I was chairman of the legislature, and I asked the Citizens Advisory Committee on Domestic Violence to examine all the things that we were doing and what we needed to do in Dutchess County to prevent fatalities like this from happening. Because at the time Linda Riccardulli was doing everything that she could do. She was getting the services and talking to individuals. But it happened so quickly, and she did not have time to leave. So this was part of the report. And over a period of years, it was introduced in Dutchess County, starting with one police agency and then, of course, all. And then subsequently Westchester and Broome counties are the other two counties that are employing it countywide. But, Mr. President, I want to thank the sponsor for again moving this forward and not stopping until we see this as a statewide implementation. And we've passed it here for two years ago in a row, and it was working its way through the Assembly. But to my colleague and friend Senator Webb, it looks like it's really now moving through the Assembly. And this will be something that I hope that the Governor, once this is passed in both houses, can sign immediately, Mr. President, if it's possible to do that. Because certainly we know, through history, lives are lost all too often through incidents of domestic violence that continue for far too long. And, Mr. President, that's the reason -- and I appreciate that -- why I'm voting aye on this very important bill. Thank you, Mr. President.
Senator Rolison to be recorded in the affirmative. Announce the results. Senator Webb to explain her vote. I apologize.
Thank you, Mr. President. I want to thank all of my colleagues in the chamber for expressing support for this legislation. You know, we've seen a lot in the news over the last, I'd say, three to four weeks, a significant increase in not only domestic violence cases, but a lot of those cases have unfortunately ended in fatalities. And so the rate of femicide most certainly is up, which in large part is connected to domestic violence. I know I've personally lost a good friend because of domestic violence. And so I think this legislation is an important measure because it not only helps to predict potential fatalities, but it also gives victims opportunities to connect to resources, to get them out of harmful situations. And it gives law enforcement the tools to connect with local organizations that provide resources for victims and their families. And the assessment looks at things such as: Has your significant other made threats to you or your pet? Just different things like that that, again, may seem simple but most certainly have been demonstrated to predict very tragic, potential tragic outcomes. So again, I want to thank my colleagues for their support, and of course the Assembly sponsor, Assemblymember Clark, for her continued advocacy. I proudly vote aye. Thank you, Mr. President.
Senator Webb to be recorded in the affirmative. Senator Ramos to explain her vote.
(Tearfully.) Thank you, Mr. President. I rise to thank Senator Webb for this bill. I think very often, in a society where marital rape isn't recognized, there are still very clear indicators of violence that can ensue in someone's life. And unfortunately, the law still does not recognize many of those patterns. There's no greater indicator that your partner is going to kill you than that person choking you. And as much strength as it takes to leave a situation like that, even afterwards, the abuse continues. And so I really thank you, Senator Webb, for doing this for so many of us, in the hopes that any partner in any romantic relationship can learn how to deal with conflict in a way that is constructive and that doesn't destroy families. Thank you.
Thank you, Senator Ramos. Senator Ramos to be recorded in the affirmative. Announce the results.
Ayes, 61.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 403, Senate Print 3208, by Senator Kavanagh, an act to repeal paragraph 3 and 4 of subdivision A of Section 26-405 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York.
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 403, voting in the negative are Senators Chan, Gallivan, Oberacker and Stec. Ayes, 57. Nays, 4.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 700, Senate Print 4867A, by Senator Fahy, an act to amend the Insurance Law.
Read the last section.
Section 2. This act shall take effect on the first of January. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Senator Fahy to explain her vote.
Thank you, Mr. President. And thank you; I'm rising in support of the bill before us right now, S4867. And it is one that would prohibit insurers from imposing a first-fail step therapy or prior authorization on medications used to treat serious mental health conditions. Mental health crises do not wait for insurance paperwork or bureaucratic delays. For patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, PTSD, substance use and more, some of the -- the medication can be life-saving, but current insurance practices often force a patient to do a fail-safe medication when their doctor may know that it is not effective or may not be appropriate. And these delays can lead to more psychiatric deterioration, hospitalization, or emergency room visits. Mental health treatment is highly individualized. What works for one patient may not work for another. It can take weeks or months to figure out the right medication and dosage and to get a patient stable. The insurance company barriers can actually destabilize a patient if they are not moving more rapidly. And studies have shown that the policies of this fail-safe approach can actually increase long-term costs through increased inpatient admission and emergency care. And that's why I think that this bill is so important, that we must provide meaningful access to treatment. And with that, I vote in the affirmative and thank you, Mr. President.
Senator Fahy to be recorded in the affirmative. Announce the results.
In relation to Calendar Number 700, voting in the negative: Senator Walczyk. Ayes, 60. Nays, 1.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 744, Senate Print 8904A, by Senator Mayer, an act to amend the Education 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, 61.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 757, Senate Print 664, by Senator Skoufis, an act to amend the Real Property Tax Law.
Read the last section.
Section 5. This act shall take effect on the first of January.
Call the roll. (The Secretary called the roll.)
Announce the results.
In relation to Calendar 757, voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Mattera, Murray, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rolison, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, Weber and Weik. Ayes, 42. Nays, 19.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 790, Senate Print 654, by Senator Krueger, an act to amend the Election 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 790, voting in the negative are Senators Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Ortt, Skoufis and Walczyk. Also Senator Oberacker. Ayes, 54. Nays, 7.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 831, Senate Print 3695, by Senator Sanders, an act to amend the General Business 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.
In relation to Calendar 831, voting in the negative are Senators Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, Rolison, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, Weber and Weik. Ayes, 43. Nays, 18.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 845, Senate Print 3561, by Senator Cleare, an act in relation to requiring the Empire State Development Corporation, in consultation with the Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Office of New Americans, to conduct a study on the economic impact of the establishment of kitchen incubators.
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 845, voting in the negative: Senators Martinez and Skoufis. Ayes, 59. Nays, 2.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 846, Assembly Bill Number 1740A, by Assemblymember Rosenthal, an act to amend the Public Buildings 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.
Ayes, 61.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 849, Senate Print Number 6281, by Senator Scarcella-Spanton, an act to amend the State Finance 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, 61.
The bill is passed.
Calendar Number 872, Senate Print 5900, by Senator Lanza, an act to amend the Mental Hygiene 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.
Ayes, 61.
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 -- well, before I adjourn, let me just say, because we had so much success last night, let's once again root for both the Sabres and the Knicks throughout the weekend. I move to adjourn until Monday, May 11th, at 3:00 p.m., with the intervening days being legislative days.
On motion, we are mandated to root for the Sabres and Knicks. And we are adjourned until Monday, May 11th, at 3:00 p.m., with intervening days being legislative. (Whereupon, the Senate adjourned at 12:17 p.m.)