New York State SmartTranscripts:

[Assemblymember Charles D. Fall (Acting Majority Floor Leader)]: Madam speaker, will you please call the house to order?

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: The house will come to order. Good afternoon colleagues. In the absence of clergy, let us pause for a moment of silence. Visitors are invited to join. Members in the pledge of allegiance. A quorum being present, the clerk will read the journal of Monday, January 19. Mister Fall.

[Assemblymember Charles D. Fall (Acting Majority Floor Leader)]: Madam speaker, I move to dispense with the further reading of the journal of Monday, January 19 and at the same stand approved.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: With that objection so ordered. Against your fall.

[Assemblymember Charles D. Fall (Acting Majority Floor Leader)]: So the quote of the day is from doctor Martin Luther King and it goes, there is nothing more dangerous than sincere ignorance and stupidity. We have a responsibility to be intelligence. And these words are from doctor Martin Luther King. Madam speaker, may I have the members' attention so that we can announce the schedule for the day? Members have on their desk a main calendar with six new bills. After introductions and or housekeeping, we will take up a privilege resolution honoring the life and achievements of doctor Martin Luther King Junior. We will then take up calendar resolutions on page three. We will then take up the new bills on a calendar beginning on page four with calendar number two two zero through two two five. We will continue consent on the main calendar where we left off last week beginning with rules report number 13 on page six. Members should be aware that we will be calling for the following committees to meet off the floor today. Banks, health, insurance, and racing and wagering. So with that as a general outline, madam speaker, let's begin with any housekeeping and or introductions.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Thank you, Mr. Fall. We have several pieces of housekeeping. On a motion by Mr. Levine, page 30, calendar number one zero five, bill number a three two eight, the amendments are received and adopted. On a motion by mister Boris, page 39, calendar number one four nine, bill number a five nine one two, the amendments are received and adopted. On a motion by mister Zacara, page 44, calendar number one eight two, bill number a seven zero three three seven. The amendments are received and adopted. Pursuant to rule three, section two, the following bill is committed back to the committee on transportation at the request of the chair. Calendar number 01/1953, bill number a6188c. Pursuant to rule three, section two, the following bill is committed back to the committee on health at the request of the chair. Calendar number 01/1976, bill number A6773B. Pursuant to rule three, section two, the following bill is committed back to the committee on local governments at the request of the chair, calendar number 01/1985, bill number A7250, calendar number 01/1996, bill number A7839. Pursuant to rule three, section two, the following bill is committed back to the Committee on Real Property Tax at the request of the chair. Calendar number one nine eight a seven nine eight six a. Resolution eight forty seven, clerk will read.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Assembly number eight forty seven, mister Hasty. Legislative resolution commemorating the observance of the forty first annual Martin Luther King Junior Day in the state of New York on 01/19/2026.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: On the resolution, mister De La Santos.

[Assemblymember Manny De Los Santos]: Thank you, madam speaker. Today, we honor and remember doctor Martin Luther King Junior, a leader who fought not just for civil rights, but for dignity, economic justice, and democracy that works for everyone. Madam speaker, at a time when our democracy is being threatened, when our country is being divided, when working families and immigrants are being treated different, we need to recommit to doctor King's vision and his dream. A country where communities are protected, our voices are heard, all people are created equal. Our humanity should never be up for a debate. As he once said, the time is always right to do what's right. Let's continue to elevate his legacy, his vision, but also during this difficult time, let's make sure that we stay grounded and that we continue to build a state that work for everyone, not just for the chosen few. Thank you, madam speaker.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Thank you, mister Alvarez, on the resolution.

[Unidentified Assemblymember ('Mr. Alvarez')]: Thank you, madam speaker, for the opportunity to speak

[Unidentified Assemblymember ('Mr. Weider')]: on this powerful resolution. Today,

[Unidentified Assemblymember ('Mr. Alvarez')]: we honor the life, legacy, and enduring impact of doctor Martin Luther King Junior. A visionary who courage, reshape the model, compass of this nation. His dream continues to challenge us to build communities, ruth in dignity, opportunity and respect for all. As a public servant, we carry the responsibility to transform his words into policy that uplift families and protect every voice. As we pass this resolution, let us recommit to advancing equality, dignity, and opportunity for all and to turning his dream into actions. Thank you.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Thank you. Mister Wright, on the resolution.

[Unidentified Assemblymember ('Mr. Wright')]: Thank you, madam speaker, for allowing me to speak on this resolution. This holiday is an incredible holiday because it reminds us all of dreams and what we wanna make into a reality. I know most of us have a Martin Luther King Boulevard, Martin Luther King Street, something in our district that reminds us of him every day. I think it's important that we always look up at those signs. We look at those who are doing the work before us and continue to do the work after us. And always remember, those who worked so Martin Luther King could see us come and see the next generation work as well. Thank you so much.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Thank you. Miss Walsh, on the resolution.

[Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh]: Thank you Madam Speaker. So it's hard to believe that this is the forty first year that this body has spoken and had this resolution honoring Doctor. Martin Luther King. And I think that as the years pass on and on, it's harder. There are fewer and fewer members in this chamber who can claim to have known Doctor. King. I can recall a former member, this is my tenth year now in service in the assembly but I can recall a former member who always spoke at quite a bit of length about Doctor. King and his view that Doctor. King became a far more radicalized individual and leader in his later years leading up to the unfortunate year of 1968 when he was assassinated. In some respects, as I look at Doctor. King's readings and his quotations, I think that there were two Doctor. Kings. The early Doctor. King, peaceful, civil disobedience leader, believer in non violence, and the later, agreeing with my former colleague, more radical and anti establishment leader of the later 1960s. As with any public figure, I think, or even renowned work, including the Bible, we can pick and choose the quotes that resonate with us in that moment. But how we quote Doctor. King often reveals more about our purposes than about his principles, using the words to align with our own particular agendas. Certainly the man had a tremendous gift for the spoken word and there are so many quotes that are remarkable and applicable today. The quotes that resonate the most with me at this moment emphasize core values of unity, of bridging gaps while still preserving the value of individualism and personal character versus the uniformity of assimilation of everyone into one belief system or collective body. So I think about quotes like unity has never meant uniformity. Doctor. King also said, if we do an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, we will be a blind and toothless nation. I find that impactful to me right now. And that we must all learn to live together as brothers or we will all perish together as fools. So perhaps my favorite one is darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. The question is not I think whether we admire Doctor. King, because we do, but whether we are willing to hear the parts of his message that challenge us, continue to challenge us. It's hard to believe that Doctor. King, had he lived, would have been 97 years old. I'm honored to add my voice to this resolution recognizing his legacy and his impact. Thank you Madam Speaker.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Thank you. Miss Kay, on the resolution.

[Unidentified Assemblymember ('Ms. Kay')]: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise today because I too want to voice the words of Martin Luther King. I spoke these words yesterday in Monticello at the First Baptist Church, and I think in 2026, they echo very well as well. Never, never be afraid to do what's right. Especially if the well-being of a person or an animal is at stake. Society's punishments are small compared to the ones we inflict on our soul when we look the other way. Thank you.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Thank you. Mister Weider, on the resolution.

[Unidentified Assemblymember ('Mr. Weider')]: Thank you, madam speaker. Today, in the New York State Assembly, we honor the life and legacy of doctor Martha Luther King Junior. Doctor King taught us that leadership is not measured by position, but by purpose. He reminded the nation that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere, and that moral courage requires not just words, but action. More than a half a century later, his message remains urgent. We continue to grapple with inequity, division, and questions about opportunity and fairness. Yet Doctor King's vision still lights the path forward. A vision rooted in dignity, justice, and love for one another. If doctor King were with us today, I believe he might say this. The work of justice does not belong to one generation alone. It belongs to every generation that dares to believe that progress is possible. As public servants, that message challenges us. It challenges us to build communities where opportunity is real, where voices are heard, and where government serves as a force of fairness and hope. Today, we do more than remember Doctor King's dream.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: We

[Unidentified Assemblymember ('Mr. Weider')]: recommit ourselves to it, not just in moments of reflection, but through our actions, our policies, and our leadership. May we continue to honor his legacy by doing the work he called us to do. Thank you.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Thank you. Mister Burrows, on the resolution.

[Unidentified Assemblymember ('Mr. Burrows')]: Thank you, madam speaker. Today, I stand before you in appreciation of Martin Luther King. One of the most powerful and inspiring speeches that he ever gave was I have a dream. And today, still live looking to see that his dream comes to fruition. Sadly, sixty three years later we still have not seen his dream come to fruition. I had the great opportunity of having my dad march with Martin Luther King in the SCLC as a young campaign leader. And I grew up with the many stories and an inspiration of what Martin Luther King stood for. A lot of the assignments that he gave to my dad, that dad gladly and proudly performed all his duties as a staffer as a young 15, 16 year old young man. And he raised me with those same values and those virtues. And today, I continue to fight and push and strive to see that every single one of Martin Luther King's dreams become reality. And it's sad that like I said, sixty three years later, we're still looking to see that his dream becomes reality. But I stand here just to say that that was one of the greatest individuals that I've known to exist on this planet. And so with that, I will always be in honor and be in debt to that man's life. Thank you.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Thank you. Miss Hooks, on the resolution.

[Unidentified Assemblymember ('Ms. Hooks')]: Thank you, madam speaker. I rise today, and I'm very happy to say to mirror my brother's sentiments of doctor King when he said, it is always the right time to do what is right. Right now, at a time where our civil rights are being attacked, this is that time. It is that time for each one of us to stand up and be the next and stand on the shoulders of Martin Luther King. We here today have to remind ourselves the right things that should be done by everybody, for everybody. By the people, for the people. Martin Luther King stood on that principle, and I would like to say that I will continue to stand on that principle. But this year, even harder because our history is trying to be erased, but it will never be erased from our mouths, from our hearts, and from our minds. And we will continue that legacy. Thank you.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Thank you. Mister Anderson, on the resolution.

[Assemblymember Khaleel M. Anderson]: Thank you madam speaker on the resolution. Today we pass this resolution commemorate the life of doctor Martin Luther King Junior. But, I really want to highlight the period in Doctor. King's life where he became very radical and I say radical for that time. There was a period towards the conclusion of his life where he fought for causes that weren't popular of that day. Doctor. King opposed the Vietnam war as an unjust battle against folk who hadn't wronged them in the way that America had. Doctor King took on the fight against poverty. Doctor King took on the fight for fair wages, true equality. And in his final speech or one of his final major speeches, I've been to the mountaintop given on 04/03/1968. He shared a fight that must lead to the next phase of the civil rights movement and that's fair rages for working class Americans, for people who are trying to put food on the table. He spoke about the sanitation workers, madam speaker, who were fighting to just put food on the table and to get fair wages. Today we're in a historic battle in New York City to ensure our nurses get fair wages. So when my colleagues say that doctor King's dream isn't fully realized, it is true and the work must continue to make sure that his economic message, madam speaker, that he was giving towards the waning hours of his life are the messages that we find whole and centered. But one of my favorite quotes from Doctor. King on along that same lanes was he said, what good is having the right to sit at a lunch counter if you can't afford to buy a hamburger? That's the reality folks that we are in now. Yes, while we're fighting for fair wages and equality for working class folks as doctor King had outlined, we're also fighting not just to integrate into a space and an America we all call home, but to ensure we don't integrate into a burning building. That we don't integrate into a space that will further degrade and pillage black lives and brown lives. Doctor King was a uniter, but I want to make sure that we don't erase the fact that he was someone who fought for economic justice for our communities across this nation. So I want to commemorate him of course and we'll be voting in the affirmative on this resolution. Resolution.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Thank you. Mister O'Farrow on the resolution.

[Unidentified Assemblymember ('Mr. O’Farrow', phonetic)]: Thank you madam speaker. I have a dream. It's a speech that was heard around the globe. It was a dream that became a reality, and I know this to be true because I am living proof of it. You see in life, we are blessed to witness individuals who are capable of transforming policy, meanwhile shifting a nation. Exceptionally rare is the case, but let it be known that this individual, this legendary, the the honorable reverend doctor Martin Luther King is just that rare. As a nation, we are a delicate tapestry woven together by our unique cultural differences, and that is what makes us great. To those who aspire to be great, look no further than those who sacrifices themselves for the greater good of all people. I will end on this quote. A right delayed is a right denied. Thank you.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Thank you. Miss Bishat Hermelin on the resolution.

[Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn]: Thank you madam speaker. I rise in strong support of this resolution adopted on January 19 honoring Reverend Doctor. Martin Luther King Junior, a global icon of justice, non violence, and moral courage. Born on 01/15/1929, doctor King would have been around 97 this year. Though his life was cut short while fighting for workers' rights, his legacy endures. His leadership ignited the civil rights movement, challenged systematic racism, and inspired generations to pursue justice through non violent resistance. His infamous speech, I have a dream delivered to over 250,000 people at the Lincoln Memorial remains a cornerstone of American history. But today, as civil rights, reproductive freedom, LGBTQ plus recognition, and diversity initiatives faces renewed attacks, we are reminded that the dream is still unfinished. Doctor King taught us greatness is rooted in service. Yesterday, on the Martin Luther King National Day of Service, New Yorkers, people from Brooklyn join millions nationwide in acts of community care. Let us carry that spirit forward not just on Martin Luther King day but every day. I close with these timeless words. Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love. Thank you madam speaker.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Thank you. Mister Taylor on the resolution.

[Assemblymember Al Taylor]: Thank you madam speaker. I rise to speak on this resolution. I don't have a prepared speech but I have a heart that's prepared. And in 1968, at 6PM at the Lorraine hotel, doctor King was assassinated by a single shot from a rifle. While the bullet stopped his mortal life, it did not stop his dream. And I want to remind us and encourage us wherever we find ourselves, injustice anywhere is unacceptable for anyone. We have the will, the might, and determination to do all the right things by doctor King as we celebrate his birthday, and I would ask that we do those things. Independent of anything that's going on, your individual humanity says, how can I help? And what does that look like? Doctor King also had this, and I'll I'll share this and one other thing, and I'll try to sit down. But as a reverend myself, it is imperative that we look at the scope of where we at today and how much has changed from what happened the night that bullet took his life versus where this nation is headed to. It's one thing to talk about it, but there's a text that says faith without works is dead. Don't talk about it. Be about it. I don't need another song, another march. I need transformation of lives. And doctor King put his life on the line for the workers in Memphis and for so many other folks, and so many people have benefited from that. But today, we sit in silence when there's an opportunity to stand up and be counted. I choose not to be silent today because in 1968, in April, when that bullet silenced him, it also tried to shatter a nation. And I'm saying we're better than the sum total of what happened then, and we're even greater today if we exercise our rights, walk humbly with our God, seek justice, do mercy. It is what is required of us. Doctor King said if you cannot run, walk. If you cannot walk, crawl. I encourage us to continue with vigorance and making sure that nothing will turn you around. There's a Negro song that says, nothing. I will not let anything turn me around. Turn me around. Turn me around. And I thank America and New York State and my colleagues today. We need to remember that we will not be turned around. We will not be silent. We will not be erased. Doctor King's memory lives, but more importantly, the fight continues. Thank you madam speaker. I will vote in any affirmative.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Thank you. Miss Chandler Waterman on the resolution.

[Assemblymember Monique Chandler-Waterman]: Thank you madam speaker. I'm in support with my colleagues of this resolution. In this time of uncertainty, we must reflect on the enduring leadership of the great leaders like Reverend Doctor. Martin Luther King Jr. Who consistently emphasized love over hate, justice over injustice, non violence over aggression and perseverance in the face of adversity. So, we all heard what everyone said about his quotes for darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that and hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that. But in with his dreams, he the reality that we have today is that we cannot be silent and stand by while injustice happen. Like with immigration, we have a mother who was killed because of injustice when it came to immigration stand up for people. Renee Goode did not have to lose her life. We want to continue to advocate in this space and make sure those who are held accountable and make sure our constitutional rights are not being violated. We also need to make sure there's housing equity. Housing is a basic human right. He will want people to be able to be safe and live in dignity, in proper housing affordability. He also will want our parents, our mothers, our fathers not to worry about childcare, so I'm glad we took steps in the right direction. I'm sure he would say we could do a little bit more to make sure it's free all the way. Our nurses should not be outside striking, they was with us through our most vulnerable times, bringing life into the world, helping us bring life into the world. He will also say our nurses should have fair wages, and they should be safe when they are taking care of the most vulnerable and not be vulnerable in their position going to work. So, he will say, when it comes to utility, we shouldn't have to worry about if we are in darkness and turn off the lights, we should be able to have affordable bills so we could be able to be in the light. So, with that I would say to my colleagues and everyone here, our justice and our service at MLK is not a day of service, it's a daily effort that we must continue with the legacy and I will always end with this. It's not a I ting, it's a we ting. If we all band together and live and love one another, no matter your race, no matter what what party you serve, we gotta love each other and come back to humanity. That's the only thing that we can be certain, the God above and what we can do every day in the light of Doctor. Reverend Martin Luther King Junior. Thank you. I vote and affirmative.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Thank you. On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, no. The resolution is adopted. Mister Fall.

[Assemblymember Charles D. Fall (Acting Majority Floor Leader)]: Madam speaker, would you please call on a bank committee to the Speaker's Conference Room?

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Banks committee to the Speaker's Conference Room. If we could move quietly to the Speakers Conference Room to meet chair Vannell. Banks committee members to the Speakers Conference Room. Resolutions, page three, clerk will read.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Assembly number eight forty four, miss Pollan. Legislative resolution memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim January 18 through the twenty fourth, twenty twenty six as certified registered nurse anesthetist week in the state of New York.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, no. The resolution is adopted.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Assembly number eight forty five, mister Magnerelli. Legislative resolution memorializing governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim January 19 through the twenty third two thousand twenty six as National Passenger Safety Week in the state of New York.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, no. The resolution is adopted.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Assembly number eight forty six, miss Levenberg, legislative resolution memorializing governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim January 2026 as Mentoring Month in the state of New York in conjunction with the observance of National Mentoring Month.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed, no. The resolution is adopted. On consent, page four, calendar number two two zero. Clerk will read.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Assembly number 12 o two a, calendar two twenty, miss Simon, an act to amend the civil service law.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: This bill is laid aside.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Assembly number 60 three-88A, calendar two twenty one, Ms. Hindman, an act to amend the executive law.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: This bill is laid aside.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Assembly number 80 four-thirty six, calendar two twenty two, Ms. Feffer Motto, an act to amend the civil service law.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: This bill is laid aside.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Assembly number ninety-39A, calendar two twenty three, Ms. Barrett, an act to amend the public service law.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: This bill is laid aside.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Assembly number 9047, calendar two twenty four, miss Callis, an act to amend the environmental conservation law.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: This bill is laid aside.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Assembly number ninety two eighty, calendar two twenty five, mister Hevesy, enact to amend the social services law.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: This bill is laid aside. On consent, page six, rules report 13. Clerk will read.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Assembly number 9481, calendar rules report 13, mister Hevesy, an act to amend the social services law.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: This bill is laid aside.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Assembly number 9483, rules report 14, miss Pollan, an act to amend the social services law.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: This act shall take effect immediately.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: The clerk will record the vote.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Ayes, one thirty one. Noes, zero.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: The bill is passed.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Assembly number 9484, rules report for 15, miss Pollan, an act to amend the elder law.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: This action will take effect immediately.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: The clerk will record the vote.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Ayes, one thirty one. Nose, zero.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Bill has passed.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Assembly number 9504, rules report 16, miss Glick, an act to amend the environmental conservation law.

[Majority Leader Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes]: This

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: bill is laid aside.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Assembly number ninety five zero rules report 17, Ms. Walker, an act to amend the social services law.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: This act shall take effect 01/01/2026.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: The clerk will record the vote.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Are there any other votes? Enhance the results.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Ayes, one thirty two. Nose at zero.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: The bill is passed. Mister Fall?

[Assemblymember Charles D. Fall (Acting Majority Floor Leader)]: Madam speaker, can you please call the health committee to the Speaker's Conference Room?

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Health committee members to the Speaker's Conference Room. Health committee members, please meet chair Pollan quietly to the Speaker's conference room. On consent, page seven, rules report 18. Clerk will read.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Assembly number ninety five eleven, rules report 18, miss Glick, an act to amend the environmental conservation law. This

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: bill is laid aside.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Assembly number ninety four thirty one, rules report 19, mister Magnarelli, enact to amend the tax law.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: This action will take effect immediately.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Clerk will record the vote.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Ayes, one thirty two. Nose, zero.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Bill has passed.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Assembly number ninety four thirty eight, rules report 20, mister Dinowitz, an act to amend the general business law.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: This act shall take effect immediately.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: The clerk will record the vote.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Mister Palmisano to explain his vote.

[Assemblymember Philip A. Palmesano]: Yes, madam speaker. My colleagues, I I'm I chose not to debate bill this year. I had a sense of debate on it in the past, but I am going to continue to voice my opposition to this legislation. I am encouraged of the fact that some of the points we brought up about the utilities having to absorb the cost from the ESCOs seems to be changed, is a positive thing, but if this chamber is really worried about consumer bills, then how about and transparency, how about put on the utility bill all the green energy mandates that this house continues to put on the ratepayer and the customer, the small business, the manufacturer, the farmer, the senior citizen. Show them on their bill all those line items, those green energy mandates that we have done. That would be true transparency and accountability, But unfortunately, this house does not want to bring

[Assemblymember Khaleel M. Anderson]: this bill to the floor.

[Assemblymember Philip A. Palmesano]: So for that reason and for some other reasons, I'm going to continue to vote a negative, but I do understand those who are voting for it. Thank you, madam speaker.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Thank you. Mr. Palmisano on the negative. Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Ayes, one thirty two, noes, one. The bill is passed. Assembly number 9,441, rules report 21, mister Jacobson, an act to amend the public service law.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: This act shall take effect immediately.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: The clerk will record the vote.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Mister Jacobson, to explain his vote.

[Assemblymember Jonathan G. Jacobson]: To explain my vote. This bill requires greater transparency when a utility requests a rate increase and part and that part of the rate increase is due to capital expenditures. The reason this is so important is that utilities,

[Assemblymember Khaleel M. Anderson]: as

[Assemblymember Jonathan G. Jacobson]: it stands now, receive a greater rate of return on capital expenditures. This bill would require that the utility explain on a per project basis the purpose and need for the capital expenditure, the total costs and benefits to the ratepayers, and the operation of the distribution system. And this information must be posted on the Public Service Commission website. This will bring greater transparency, is necessary for all of us for all these ongoing rate increases that never seem to end. Thank you.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Mr. Jacobsen in the affirmative. Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Ayes, one thirty four. Noes, zero. The bill is passed. Assembly number ninety four forty two, rules report 22, mister Magnarelli, an act to amend the financial services law.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: This act shall take effect immediately.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: The clerk will record the vote.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: I'm gonna have to call Verizon and ask them, how come my bill is low? Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Ayes, one thirty five. Nose, zero.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: The bill is passed. Miss Peoples Stokes.

[Majority Leader Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes]: Speaker, would you please call the insurance committee to the Speaker's Conference Room?

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Yes, ma'am. Insurance committee to the Speaker's Conference Room. Please meet chair Wepren quietly to the Speaker's Conference Room insurance committee members. On consent, page eight, rules report 23. Clerk will read.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Assembly number 9443, rules report 23, mister Steck, an act to amend the general business law.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: This is the actual take effect on the three hundred and sixty fifth day.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: The clerk will record the vote.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Miss Walsh to explain her vote.

[Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh]: Thank you, madam speaker. So this chapter amendment establishes additional requirements for warning labels on kratom products that are sold or delivered in New York state. So as you may remember we've done two pieces of legislation addressing Kratom in this past legislative session. One which Assembly Member McDonald carried had to do with 21 and up being the required age. This is the bill that deals with warning labels. And it's a chapter amendment that changes it pretty much it significantly rewrites the original bill, but it still allows for warning labels. And I am very appreciative that in the rewrite it did not remove the fact that the warning label is still going to need to state that kratom may be addictive. I think that's very important for people 21 and up who are purchasing kratom to understand that there may be an addiction that is formed from using kratom. I'm less happy that the chapter amendment no longer requires a prohibition of any kind of statement that the product is all natural because that is something that I think a lot of people when they reach for kratom maybe to address a problem getting to sleep or other health issues like that take solace in the idea that kratom is all natural and unfortunately the warning label is not going, there isn't going to be a prohibition of saying that the product is all natural. So I don't like that part of the chapter, but I think overall, the idea that we're gonna get a warning label on this product is a positive thing, and I'll be supporting the bill for that reason. Thank you very much, madam speaker.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Thank you, miss Walsh and the affirmative. Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Ayes, one thirty five. Nose, zero.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: The bill is passed.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Assembly number ninety four forty five, rules report 24, miss Pollan, an act to amend the social services law.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: This action will take effect on the ninetieth day.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: The clerk will record the vote.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Mister Sempolinsky to explain his vote.

[Assemblymember Joe Sempolinski]: Thank you madam speaker. So, I wanna explain my vote on this because I think the the goal is very admirable which is protecting kids. But as I spoke on the bill in chief last session, my thoughts go to my daughter who I've talked about quite a bit, who has Down syndrome and it took her quite a bit of time to learn to walk. And we use one of these infant walkers to enable her to get the confidence and the core strength to be able to walk. And so, the bill in chief was a blanket ban. This is certainly an improvement, but it doesn't have a carve out for special needs. If it was something about a specific design that had a particular flaw or a need to have some sort of supervision, I would certainly consider it. But, I also wanna comment. I got a video texted to me today by my wife. And, my wife has an app on her phone which flashes back, you know, on this date five years ago or three years ago or whatever. And, five years ago this day was one of the first times that Jojo, my daughter was able to take some of her first steps around her playroom. And I was able I was watching that video this morning. It's frankly favorite piece of video that I think exists in the world. And, the fact that she was able to be able to walk and that video is such an accomplishment considering all of the problems that she had. I don't want to blanketly take away that opportunity from somebody who may have a physical therapy need for this particular type of instrument. So, the goal, I think is very admirable, it does not this chapter amendment doesn't solve the problems that I had with the bill in chief and therefore, I will be voting in the negative in remembrance of the great success and struggles that my daughter had learning to walk.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Thank you, Mr. Sempolinsky in the negative. Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Ayes, one twenty six. Nose of nine.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: The bill is passed.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Assembly number ninety four forty eight, rules report 25, miss Feffirmato, an act to amend the real property tax law.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: On a motion by miss Feffirmato, the senate bill is before the house. The senate bill is advanced. Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: This act shall take it back to immediately.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: The clerk will record the vote.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Ayes, one thirty seven. Nose, zero.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Bill has passed.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Assembly number 9456, rules report 26, miss Raj Kumar, an act to amend the state finance law and the general municipal law.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: This act shall take effect immediately.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: The clerk will record the vote.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Ayes, one thirty seven. Nose, zero.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: The bill is passed.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Assembly number 9458, rules report 27, miss miss Williams, enact to amend the real property tax law.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: On a motion by miss Williams, the senate bill is before the house. The senate bill is advanced. Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: This action will take effect January 1.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: The clerk will record the vote.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Ayes, one thirty seven. Nose, zero.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: The bill is passed.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Assembly number 9459, rules report 28, mister p Carol. An act to amend a chapter of the laws of 2025.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: On a motion by mister p Carol. The senate bill is before the house. The senate bill is advanced. Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: This act shall take effect immediately.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: The clerk will record the vote.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Ayes, one thirty seven. Nose, zero.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: The bill is passed.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Assembly number 90 four sixty, rules report 29, mister miss Rosenthal, an act to amend the general business law.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: This bill is laid aside.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Assembly number 9461, rules report 30, miss Hunter, an act to amend the general business law.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: On a motion by miss Hunter, the senate bill is before the house. The senate bill is advanced. Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: This act shall take effect immediately.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Clerk will record the vote.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Ayes, one thirty seven. Nose, zero.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: The bill is passed.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Assembly number 9468, rules report 31, mister Burdick, an act to amend the chapter of the laws of 2025.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: On a motion by mister Burdick, the senate bill is before the house. The senate bill is advanced. Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: This act shall take effect immediately.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: The clerk will record the vote.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Ayes, one thirty seven. Nose, zero.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: The bill is passed. Miss Walsh, for the purpose of an introduction.

[Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh]: You very much, madam speaker, for allowing me to interrupt these proceedings for the purposes of an introduction On behalf of Assembly Member Di Pietro, we are joined today by Staff Sergeant Ian McNulty and by Santos Lopez who is the Public Affairs Chief of North America. Both of these gentlemen are with The US Army Recruiting Battalion in Albany on the public affairs team. The US Army recruiting battalion handles the Northeast, Europe, The Middle East, and North Africa, and consists of military and civilians who represent the US Army. So Madam Speaker, as a former veteran yourself, would you please welcome these gentlemen to the People's House? Thank you so much.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Yes, of course. On behalf of Ms. Walsh, Mr. Di Pietro, the speaker, and all members, we welcome our distinguished guests to the Assembly Chamber. Welcome Staff Sergeant and Mr. Lopez. We extend to you the privileges of the floor and hope you enjoy the proceedings today. Thank you for joining us today. Thank you. Miss Peoples Stokes.

[Majority Leader Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes]: Madam speaker, would you please call the racing and wagering committee to the Speaker's Conference Room?

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Racing and waging committee to the Speakers' Conference Room. Please meet chair Werner in the Conference Room, racing wagering committee. On consent, page 10, rules report 32. Clerk will read.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Assembly number 9479, rules report 32. Mister Bronson, an act to amend the public authorities law.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: This action will take effect immediately.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: The clerk will record the vote.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Ayes, one thirty seven. Nose, zero. The bill is passed. Assembly number ninety four eighty two, rules report 33, mister Hevesy, an act to amend the social services law.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: This act shall take effect on the 100 day.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: The clerk will record the vote.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Ms. Walsh, to explain her vote.

[Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh]: Thank you, Madam Speaker. So very quickly, I wanted to again commend the sponsor. This is a really important bill for kids that are coming in and out of foster care. When I used to do this work as an assistant county attorney, I can't even tell you the number of kids that would be moving their things in garbage bags from from one home to another home is just we talk so much in this chamber about trying to show and recognize the inherent dignity in people. And I think that just having something simple like a piece of luggage to move from one place to the other goes a long way to trying to really show that to a young person that's experiencing foster care. The chapter amendment makes a couple of changes. It does say that because the governor didn't feel that OCFS interfaced directly with children in foster care so that the purchase and distribution of the luggage is now going to occur at the local level rather than at the OCFS level, but it also authorizes state reimbursement to districts for eligible luggage costs so it's not going to be an unfunded mandate on the locals. So I think that as it is, the chapter is every bit as valuable as the original bill, and I'm happy to support it. Thank you so much.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Thank you, miss Walsh and the affirmative. Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Ayes, one thirty seven. Nose, zero.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: The bill is passed.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Assembly number 94 91, rules report 34, mister Simone, an act to amend the criminal procedure law.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: The clerk will record the vote.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Ayes, one thirty six. Noes, one.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: The bill is passed.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Assembly number ninety four ninety two, rules report 35, miss Reyes, an act to amend the social services law.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: This act shall take effect immediately.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: The clerk will record the vote.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Eyes, one thirty seven. Nose, zero.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: The bill is passed.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Assembly number ninety four ninety three, rules report 36, miss Romero, an act to amend the criminal procedure law.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: This bill is laid aside.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Assembly number nine thousand four hundred ninety four, rules report 37, mister McDonald, an act to amend the criminal procedure law.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: On a motion by mister McDonald, the senate bill is before the house. The senate bill is advanced. Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: This act shall take effect immediately.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: The clerk will record the vote.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Ayes, one thirty seven. Nose, zero.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: The bill is passed. Miss Peoples Stokes, for the purpose of an introduction.

[Unidentified Assemblymember ('Mr. Weider')]: Thank

[Majority Leader Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes]: you, madam speaker, for allowing me to interrupt our proceedings for a brief announcement. It is my honor and pleasure to introduce to the chambers turn around. Can you turn around? My great granddaughter, the the daughter of my son, Caleb King. Her name is Cameron Nicole King. She is three years old. She loves reading books and she loves science. Would you please offer her the cordialities of the floor?

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: On behalf of grandma, the speaker, and all the members, we welcome you, Cameron, to the People's House to our assembly chamber, and we extend you the privileges of the floor. That means there's lots of candy around here the sergeant of arms can find for you. And we hope you enjoy having good times with your great grandma here today. Thank you so much for joining us today.

[Majority Leader Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes]: Okay.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: On consent, page 11, rules report 38. Clerk will read.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Assembly number 9514, rules report 38, Mr. Cunningham. An act to amend a chapter of the laws of 2025.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: This act shall take effect immediately.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: The clerk will record the vote.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk (Unidentified)]: Ayes, one thirty seven. Nose, zero.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: The bill is passed. Miss Peoples Stokes.

[Majority Leader Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes]: Madam speaker, can you do this?

[Assemblymember Charles D. Fall (Acting Majority Floor Leader)]: Madam speaker, do we have further housekeeping or resolutions?

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: We have a number of resolutions before the house. Without objection, these resolutions will be taken up together. On the resolutions, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? No. The resolutions are adopted. Mister Fall.

[Assemblymember Charles D. Fall (Acting Majority Floor Leader)]: I now move that the assembly stand adjourned and that we reconvene at 1PM, Wednesday, January 21, tomorrow being a session day.

[Acting Speaker Pamela J. Hunter]: Mister Fall's motion, the house stands adjourned.